Definition:
Diacope is a rhetorical term describing the repetition of a word or phrase with a small number of intervening words. It is often used for emphasis, to create a strong emotional effect, or to highlight a particular idea or theme within a text or speech.
Etymology & Origin:
The word “diacope” originates from the Greek “διακοπή” (diakopē), meaning “cutting in two” or “interruption.” This reflects the device’s structure, where the repetition is interrupted by one or more words. It has been a recognized rhetorical technique since ancient times, illustrating the power of repetition in language to reinforce messages and evoke responses.
Examples:
- The phrase “To be, or not to be,” from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is a famous example of diacope.
- “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, demonstrates diacope used for dramatic emphasis.
