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peripeteia
[ per-uh-pi-tahy-uh, -tee-uh ]
/ ˌpɛr ə pɪˈtaɪ ə, -ˈti ə /
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noun
a sudden turn of events or an unexpected reversal, especially in a literary work.
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Also per·i·pe·ti·a; pe·rip·e·ty [puh-rip-i-tee]. /pəˈrɪp ɪ ti/.
Words nearby peripeteia
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use peripeteia in a sentence
Now then for anagnorisis, comic peripeteia, division into acts, and the rest of the wallet!
Two Sides of the Face|Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
British Dictionary definitions for peripeteia
peripeteia
peripetia peripety (pəˈrɪpətɪ)
/ (ˌpɛrɪpɪˈtaɪə, -ˈtɪə) /
noun
(esp in drama) an abrupt turn of events or reversal of circumstances
Derived forms of peripeteia
peripeteian or peripetian, adjectiveWord Origin for peripeteia
C16: from Greek, from peri- + piptein to fall (to change suddenly, literally: to fall around)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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