French translation of zeugma is 
zeugma

Meaning of "zeugma" in English

Zeugma is a figure of speech where a single word, often a verb or an adjective, is used to modify two or more nouns, yet the word logically or grammatically applies to only one of them, or applies differently to each. This literary device creates a sense of surprise and wit, playing on the dual meanings of the words involved. An example would be, "She broke his heart and his car," where "broke" applies differently to "heart" and "car." Zeugma is prevalent in both poetry and prose, adding depth and intrigue to language.

Meaning of "zeugma" in French

In French, a "zeugma" (also spelled "zeugme") is a rhetorical figure where a single word is used to link two parts of a sentence, usually creating a contrast or an unusual pairing. This figure of style originates from Greek and adds a layer of wit or complexity by merging two distinct meanings or contexts. For example, in the sentence "Il prit son chapeau et congé," the verb "prit" (took) connects both "chapeau" (hat) and "congé" (leave), each with a different interpretation. It is commonly utilized in literary contexts to enrich the text.

Pronunciation of "zeugma" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈzuːɡmə/.

Pronunciation Variations: In different English-speaking regions, the "z" might be pronounced with a slightly softer sound, and the emphasis on the first syllable may vary in strength. Generally, it maintains a consistent pronunciation across most dialects.

Pronunciation of "zeugma" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /zøg.ma/.

Pronunciation Variations: In French, the pronunciation remains largely consistent, with subtle variations in the intonation depending on the accent of the speaker, such as Parisian or Southern French accents, which might slightly alter the vowel sounds.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The poet used zeugma to link beauty and tragedy in his verse. (Le poète a utilisé le zeugma pour lier la beauté et la tragédie dans ses vers.)
2. She opened her mind and the door to new experiences through zeugma. (Elle a ouvert son esprit et la porte à de nouvelles expériences grâce au zeugma.)
3. His use of zeugma added humor to the narrative. (Son utilisation du zeugma a ajouté de l'humour au récit.)
4. The novel's clever zeugma invited readers to think deeply. (Le zeugma astucieux du roman a invité les lecteurs à réfléchir profondément.)
5. In his speech, the politician employed zeugma to engage the audience. (Dans son discours, le politicien a employé le zeugma pour engager le public.)
6. The artist’s painting was a zeugma of colors and emotions. (La peinture de l'artiste était un zeugma de couleurs et d'émotions.)
7. Through zeugma, the writer succinctly expressed her ideas. (Grâce au zeugma, l'auteur a exprimé succinctement ses idées.)
8. The filmmaker used zeugma to connect visual and emotional elements. (Le cinéaste a utilisé le zeugma pour connecter les éléments visuels et émotionnels.)
9. His speech was a zeugma, uniting politics and hope. (Son discours était un zeugma, unissant la politique et l'espoir.)
10. The comedian’s routine was full of clever zeugmas. (La routine du comédien était pleine de zeugmas astucieux.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "zeugma" in English

Synonyms: syllepsis.

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: figure of speech, trope, literary device, pun, rhetoric.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "zeugma" in French

Synonyms: syllepse.

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: figure de style, trope, jeu de mots, rhétorique.

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