parataxis

noun

para·​tax·​is ˌper-ə-ˈtak-səs 

ˌpa-rə-

: the placing of clauses or phrases one after another without coordinating or subordinating connectives

Examples of parataxis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And yet, the fragile surety of that parataxis is stylistically undercut by the nebulous musings attached to one exceptionally promiscuous metaphor. —Emily Cox, ARTnews.com, 22 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek parátaxis "placing side by side, marshaling (of troops)," from paratag-, stem of paratassein "to place side by side, put (troops) in proper rank" (from para- para- entry 1 + tássein "to draw up in order [as troops, ships], post, place in order") + -sis -sis — more at tactic entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for parataxis

• chemotaxis
• epistaxis
• prophylaxis
• anaphylaxis
• axis
• praxis
• taxus
• chemoprophylaxis

Medical Definition

parataxis

noun

para·​tax·​is -ˈtak-səs 

plural parataxes -ˌsēz 

: the parataxic mode of thinking