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catachresis Meaning & Definition

/ˌkæt.əˈkɹiː.sɪs/

What Does Catachresis Mean?

As a noun, catachresis means Either of two types of misuse of a word or misapplication of a concept. A misuse of a word; an application of a term to something which it does not properly denote. Such a misuse involving some similarity of sound between the misused word and the appropriate word. It is also used to mean A misuse of a word; an application of a term to something which it does not properly denote. Such a misuse involving some similarity of sound between the misused word and the appropriate word.

Catachresis at a Glance

Part of speechnoun
Pronunciation/ˌkæt.əˈkɹiː.sɪs/
Syllables4
Synonymsabusio, misnomer and malapropism
Pluralcatachreses

Catachresis Definition (Noun)

  1. Either of two types of misuse of a word or misapplication of a concept. A misuse of a word; an application of a term to something which it does not properly denote. Such a misuse involving some similarity of sound between the misused word and the appropriate word.
  2. A misuse of a word; an application of a term to something which it does not properly denote. Such a misuse involving some similarity of sound between the misused word and the appropriate word.
  3. Such a misuse involving some similarity of sound between the misused word and the appropriate word.
  4. A misapplication or overextension of a figurative or analogical description; a wrongly applied metaphor or trope.

Noun

  1. A misuse of a word; an application of a term to something which it does not properly denote.
  2. A misapplication or overextension of figurative or analogical description; a wrongly-applied metaphor or trope.

Synonyms of Catachresis

Catachresis synonyms and antonyms →

Word Forms & Grammar

catachresis (countable and uncountable, plural catachreses)

Origin of Catachresis

Learned borrowing from New Latin catachrēsis, borrowed from Ancient Greek κατάχρησις (katákhrēsis, “misuse (of a word)”).

Pronouncing Catachresis

You say catachresis as /ˌkæt.əˈkɹiː.sɪs/. It has 4 syllables, with the main stress on the third syllable (kɹiː).

Quick Answers About Catachresis

What part of speech is catachresis?

Catachresis is a noun.

What is another word for catachresis?

Words with a similar meaning to catachresis include abusio, misnomer and malapropism. See the full list of catachresis synonyms and antonyms.

What is the plural of catachresis?

The plural of catachresis is catachreses.

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