Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

paragoge

noun
par·​a·​go·​ge
plural -s

Definition of paragoge 

: the addition of a sound or syllable to the end of a word either inorganically (as in against) or to give emphasis or modify the meaning (as in Hebrew)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for paragoge

Late Latin, from Greek paragōgē, from paragesthai to be derived, be formed, passive of paragein to lead past, change (a letter slightly), from par- para- entry 1 + agein to lead, drive

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about paragoge

Statistics for paragoge

Look-up Popularity

Comments on paragoge

What made you want to look up paragoge? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

lunette

the figure or shape of a crescent moon

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Late Autumn 2018 Words of the Day Quiz

  • frosted-autumn-leaves
  • Which is a synonym of yahoo?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games