hypallage

noun

hy·​pal·​la·​ge hī-ˈpa-lə-jē How to pronounce hypallage (audio)
hi-
: an interchange of two elements in a phrase or sentence from a more logical to a less logical relationship (as in "a mind is a terrible thing to waste" for "to waste a mind is a terrible thing")

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek hypallagē, literally, interchange, from hypallassein to interchange, from hypo- + allassein to change, from allos other — more at else

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypallage was in 1586

Dictionary Entries Near hypallage

Cite this Entry

“Hypallage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypallage. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!