Trope (noun)
trohp
any literary or rhetorical device, as metaphor, metonymy, synecdoche, and irony, that consists in the use of words in other than their literal sense.
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin tropus “figure in rhetoric, manner of singing” from Greek trópos “turn, manner, style, figure of speech,”
Example sentences
“Some literary tropes are just so overdone and readers are sick of them”
Chalice (noun) chal-is a cup for the wine of the Eucharist or Mass./ A drinking glass or goblet. before 900; Middle English < Middle French < Latin calici- (stem of…
Jocular (adj) jok-yu-lar Given to, characterized by, intended for, or suited to joking or jesting; waggish. First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin joculāris. (more…)
Volubility (noun) vol-yu-bil-i-tee The quality of being talkative, wordy, or glib: First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin volūbilitās, from volūbil(is) (more…)
Archipelago (noun) ar-ki-pel-a-jo A large group or chain of islands. 1495–1505; alteration of Italian arcipelago, alteration of Egeopelago the Aegean Sea < Greek Aigaîon pélagos (more…)
Nidificate (verb) nid-if-i-kayt To build a nest Now in rare usage, first recorded in English between 1810–20; used without an object. From Latin nīdificātus, past participle of nīdificāre, “to build…
Kerplunk (adverb) ker-plunk With a sudden muffled thud First recorded in 1885–90. Onomatopaeic (more…)
Nephogram (noun) nef-o-gram A picture of a cloud or clouds Apparently first used in the early 1900s in academic and meteorological circles. (more…)
Prowess (noun) prou-wess exceptional valour, bravery, or ability, especially in combat or battle. First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French proesse, proece “goodness, bravery,” equivalent to prou (the…
Tomfoolery (noun) tom-fool-er-ee Silly or foolish behaviour. First recorded in 1805–15; from tomfool (more…)