trope

trope

noun \ˈtrōp\

Definition of TROPE

1

a : a word or expression used in a figurative sense : figure of speech b : a common or overused theme or device : cliché <the usual horror movie tropes>

2

: a phrase or verse added as an embellishment or interpolation to the sung parts of the Mass in the Middle Ages

Examples of TROPE

1. <a screenplay that reads like a catalog of mystery-thriller tropes>

Origin of TROPE

Latin tropus, from Greek tropos turn, way, manner, style, trope, from trepein to turn

First Known Use: 1533

Related to TROPE

Synonyms: banality, bromide, chestnut, cliché (also cliche), groaner, homily, platitude, shibboleth, commonplace, truism

Related Words: conventional wisdom, party line, routine; inanity; generality, generalization, simplification; adage, proverb, saw, saying; old wives' tale, stereotype

Near Antonyms: profundity

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Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Rhymes with TROPE

cope, coup, dope, grope, hope, lope, mope, nope, ope, pope, rope, scop, scope, slope, soap, stope, taupe, tope