epexegesis

[ep-ek-si-jee-sis]

noun, plural ep·ex·e·ge·ses [ep-ek-si-jee-seez] /ɛpˌɛk sɪˈdʒi siz/. Rhetoric.

the addition of a word or words to explain a preceding word or sentence.

the word or words so added.

Origin of epexegesis

First recorded in 1615–25, epexegesis is from the Greek word epexḗgēsis explanation. See ep-, exegesis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for epexegesis

epexegesis

noun plural -ses (-ˌsiːz) rhetoric

the addition of a phrase, clause, or sentence to a text to provide further explanation

the phrase, clause, or sentence added for this purpose

Derived Formsepexegetic (ɛˌpɛksɪˈdʒɛtɪk) or epexegetical, adjectiveepexegetically, adverb

Word Origin for epexegesis

C17: from Greek; see epi-, exegesis

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for epexegesis

"words added to convey more clearly the meaning intended," 1620s, from Greek epexegesis, from epi "in addition" (see epi) + exegeisthai "to explain" (see exegesis).