paronomasia

[ par-uh-noh-mey-zhuh, -zhee-uh, -zee-uh ]

noun

, Rhetoric.

1. the use of a word in different senses or the use of words similar in sound to achieve a specific effect, as humor or a dual meaning; punning.
2. a pun.

paronomasia

/ ˌpærənəʊˈmæstɪk; ˌpærənəʊˈmeɪzɪə /

noun

1. rhetoric a play on words, esp a pun

Derived Forms

• paronomastic, adjective
• ˌparonoˈmastically, adverb

Other Words From

• par·o·no·mas·tic [par-, uh, -noh-, mas, -tik], adjective
• paro·no·masti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of paronomasia¹

1570–80; < Latin < Greek paronomasía a play on words, assonance, derivative of paronomázein to make a slight name-change ( par- par- + onomázein to name, derivative of ónoma name ); -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of paronomasia¹

C16: via Latin from Greek: a play on words, from paronomazein to make a change in naming, from para- ¹(beside) + onomazein to name, from onoma a name

Example Sentences

The Roman orators Cicero and Quintilian believed that "paronomasia", the Greek term for punning, was a sign of intellectual suppleness and rhetorical skill.

From BBC

The investment mania was interrupted by the financial crisis; the paronomasia seems unstoppable.

From Economist

The only grounds for this theory are the easiness of the Greek style and the paronomasia in iv.

From Project Gutenberg

"It is a perversion of the text," said the eager Henry Warden, "grounded on a vain play upon words—a most idle paronomasia."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• double entendre
• joke
• quip