Chiasmus
noun /kaɪˈæz.məs/ — A rhetorical figure where the second clause reverses the structure of the first
Definition
A figure of speech in which two clauses are related by the reversal of their grammatical structure — creating a mirror-like symmetry that gives the statement memorable completeness.
Beyond the definition
The structure that makes a sentence feel finished and inevitable. Chiasmus gives the impression that the thought has been turned over and found correct on both sides.
Origin & history
From Greek 'khiasmos' (a crossing, arrangement in the form of X) — from 'khi' (the letter X). The X-shaped crossing of structures is the defining visual metaphor.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
'Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.' The most famous chiasmus in American oratory.
'Fair is foul, and foul is fair.' Shakespeare understood that chiasmus performs paradox.
He used chiasmus instinctively — the reversed structure made everything he said feel concluded.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Chiasmus” when the meaning fits your context: A figure of speech in which two clauses are related by the reversal of their grammatical structure — creating a mirror-like symmetry that gives the statement memorable completeness.
Synonyms
antimetabole, inverted parallelism, crossing
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Chiasmus" mean?
Chiasmus is noun meaning: A rhetorical figure where the second clause reverses the structure of the first. A figure of speech in which two clauses are related by the reversal of their grammatical structure — creating a mirror-like symmetry that gives the statement memorable completeness.
Where does the word "Chiasmus" come from?
From Greek 'khiasmos' (a crossing, arrangement in the form of X) — from 'khi' (the letter X). The X-shaped crossing of structures is the defining visual metaphor.