Definition:
Emphasizing a point by repeating it several times in different words.
Etymology:
From the Latin, "lingering, dwelling"Examples:
- "A person who sells . . . distributes or shows or offers to sell . . . any obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, indecent or disgusting book . . . or any written or printed matter of an indecent character . . . is guilty of a misdemeanor."
(N.Y. Penal Law, 1141) - "Brave Sir Robin ran away
Bravely ran away, away
When danger reared its ugly head
He bravely turned his tail and fled
Yes, Brave Sir Robin turned about
Undoubtedly he chickened out
Bravely taking to his feet,
He beat a very brave retreat . . .."
(Monty Python and the Holy Grail) - "He's passed on! This parrot is no more! He has ceased to be! He's expired and gone to meet his maker! He's a stiff! Bereft of life, he rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed him to the perch he'd be pushing up the daisies! His metabolic processes are now history! He's off the twig! He's kicked the bucket, he's shuffled off his mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisible! THIS IS AN EX-PARROT!!"
(John Cleese in Monty Python's Flying Circus, "The Dead Parrot Sketch") - "Space is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind- bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist's, but that's just peanuts to space."
(Douglass Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 1979) - "'He’s gone off his rocker!' shouted one of the fathers, aghast, and the other parents joined in the chorus of frightened shouting.
'He’s crazy!' they shouted.
'He’s balmy!'
'He’s nutty!'
'He’s screwy!'
'He’s batty!'
'He’s dippy!'
'He’s dotty!'
'He’s daffy!'
'He’s goofy!'
'He’s beany!'
'He’s buggy!'
'He’s wacky!'
'He’s loony!'
'No, he is not!' said Grandpa Joe."
(Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
Pronunciation: ko mo RAHT see oh
Also Known As: synonymia, communio
