hyperbaton

American  

[hahy-pur-buh-ton] / haɪˈpɜr bəˌtɒn /

noun

Rhetoric.

plural

hyperbatons, hyperbata

1. the use, especially for emphasis, of a word order other than the expected or usual one, as in “Bird thou never wert.”

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hyperbaton British  

/ haɪˈpɜːbəˌtɒn /

noun

1. rhetoric a figure of speech in which the normal order of words is reversed, as in cheese I love

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Other Word Forms

• hyperbatic
  adjective
• hyperbatically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of hyperbaton

1570–80; < Latin < Greek: transposition, literally, overstepping, derivative of neuter of hyperbatós, equivalent to hyper- hyper- + ba- (stem of baínein to walk, step) + -tos verbal adjective suffix; cf. basis

Example Sentences

Note the separation of the epithets from the nouns, and the high level of diction produced by the hyperbaton.

From The Last Poems of Ovid by Akrigg, Mark Bear

By hyperbaton we mean a transposition of words or thoughts from their usual order, bearing unmistakably the characteristic stamp of violent mental agitation.

From On the Sublime by Havell, H. L. (Herbert Lord)

The use of tmesis, asyndeton, anacoluthon, aposiopesis, hyperbaton, hyperbole, litotes, in Latin oratory and poetry.

From The History of Roman Literature From the earliest period to the death of Marcus Aurelius by Cruttwell, Charles Thomas

Now the figure hyperbaton is the means which is employed by the best writers to imitate these signs of natural emotion.

From On the Sublime by Havell, H. L. (Herbert Lord)

The hyperbaton adds elevation and dignity to the prayer. 129-30.

From The Last Poems of Ovid by Akrigg, Mark Bear