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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

See trope defined for English-language learners

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Examples of trope in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of trope from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trope.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of trope

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

trope Synonyms

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

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

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

TROPE Defined for English Language Learners

trope

noun

Definition of trope for English Language Learners

  • : a word, phrase, or image used in a new and different way in order to create an artistic effect

Learn More about trope

  1. See words that rhyme with trope Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trope Nglish: Translation of trope for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of trope for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trope

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Examples: trope in a Sentence