epexegexis
Noun (linguistics) - epexegexis refers to the addition of a word or phrase to clarify or amplify a preceding statement, often by restating it in a more explicit or detailed form. In grammar, it is a rhetorical or explanatory device where an extra element is inserted to make the meaning clearer, typically following a colon, comma, or dash.
- (The phrase "to win the race" is added to clarify what "one goal" means.)
- (The term is used in the context of grammatical analysis.)
- (The phrase "especially its lively markets" expands on the idea of "the city.")
epexegexis in rhetoric: In classical rhetoric, epexegexis is a figure of speech where a speaker adds a clarifying phrase to avoid ambiguity or to emphasize a point. It is often used in persuasive writing to ensure the audience fully understands a key argument.
- The politician's speech used epexegexis: "We need reform — real, structural change — to fix the system." (The added phrase "real, structural change" amplifies the meaning of "reform.")
epexegexis in apposition: In syntax, epexegexis is closely related to apposition, but it specifically involves an explanatory addition that is not grammatically essential to the sentence.
- The book, a dense academic text, was hard to read — this is a case of epexegexis. (The phrase "a dense academic text" explains what "the book" is.)
- Epexegetic (adj): relating to or serving as an epexegexis.
- The epexegetic phrase "that is, the capital city" was inserted for clarity. (The adjective describes the clarifying function.)
- Epexegetically (adv): in a manner that involves epexegexis.
- He wrote epexegetically, adding parenthetical remarks to explain his points. (The adverb describes the style of writing.)
- Epexegesis (n): an alternative spelling or form of epexegexis (sometimes used interchangeably, though epexegexis is the more technical term).
- Clarification: the act of making something clearer by adding detail.
- Amplification: the expansion of a statement to provide more information.
- Explication: the process of explaining or interpreting a text or idea.
- Gloss: a brief explanatory note or comment.
- To spell out: to explain something in a very clear, detailed way.
- He had to spell out the instructions because they were confusing. (This is similar to using epexegexis to clarify.)
- To put it plainly: to state something in straightforward terms.
- To put it plainly, the plan failed — this is an epexegexis of the earlier statement. (The phrase "the plan failed" is a plain restatement.)
- Expand on: to provide more details about a topic.
- The teacher expanded on the concept of epexegexis with several examples. (This verb describes the action of adding explanatory detail.)