Antimetabole

What is Antimetabole?

Antimetabole is a figure of speech that involves the repetition of words in successive clauses or sentences, but in reverse grammatical order. This technique creates a striking symmetry and often lends a profound or memorable quality to the statement.

Key Concepts

The core of antimetabole lies in its chiasmus-like structure. It’s not just repetition; it’s repetition with inversion. This inversion highlights the relationship between the repeated elements, often creating a sense of paradox or a call to action.

Deep Dive

Consider the classic example: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” Here, the words are rearranged to shift the focus from receiving to giving, demonstrating the power of inversion.

Applications

Antimetabole is frequently used in:

• Political speeches for emphasis and persuasion.
• Literary works to create rhythm and meaning.
• Everyday conversation to make points more impactful.

Challenges & Misconceptions

A common misconception is confusing antimetabole with simple repetition or other forms of chiasmus. True antimetabole requires the reversal of word order, not just the reversal of ideas or grammatical structures.

FAQs

Is antimetabole always effective? While powerful, overuse can make it sound contrived. What is a good example? “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” (Winston Churchill)