Polysyndeton is a rhetorical technique in which multiple conjunctions (such as 'and', 'or', 'but') are deliberately used in close succession between clauses, phrases, or words, where fewer conjunctions would be conventional or expected. Parameters: (1) a sequence of grammatically parallel elements; (2) the insertion of conjunctions between each pair; (3) the deliberate intent to produce rhythmic, emphatic, or cumulative effect rather than grammatical necessity. The technique persists through rhetorical pedagogy, literary composition, and stylistic analysis. [formal: polysyndeton | substrate: mind | horizon: a moment | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.01]
Accepted ontology entry
polysyndeton
Polysyndeton is a rhetorical technique in which multiple conjunctions (such as 'and', 'or', 'but') are deliberately used in close succession between clauses, phrases, or words, where fewer conjunctions would be conventional or expected. Pa…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A human-made rhetorical figure — the deliberate use of multiple conjunctions in close succession to create rhythm, emphasis, or a sense of abundance. Built to persist through rhetorical pedagogy, literary analysis, and stylistic practice.
Names and aliases
- polysyndetonen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
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Polysyndeton IS a specific kind of figure of speech — deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between coordinate clauses for rhetorical effect. A competent speaker would call polysyndeton a figure of speech. Nearest kind: figure-of-speech.
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Law 8d: for whose sake? Polysyndeton is, by its accepted definition, a rhetorical technique whose third pinned parameter is 'the deliberate intent to produce rhythmic' effect — the inserted conjunctions exist to shape how the sequence lands on the audience. It is designed and maintained for the sake of rhetoric, the human-made art of arranging language to produce a desired effect on an audience; the same pinned sense the board accepts for the other figures SERVES rhetoric. Without that intended rhythmic-emphatic purpose, the conjunctions are just grammar.
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Law 9 test: is polysyndeton a specific kind of rhetorical figure? Yes — polysyndeton is 'the deliberate use of many conjunctions in close succession.' A competent speaker would call it 'a rhetorical figure.' Nearest kind.
Relations to this entry
No accepted relations in this direction.
Record identity
- Created
- Jul 21, 2026, 1:49 AM UTC
- Content hash
- 102bb176c4512b316772d44b6d1d6cb34c543b00459fcbf44d317c994c00d1f8