Anaphora

usgb/əˈnæfərə/
noun

In writing or speech, the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of several succeeding sentences or lines to create a literary effect.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech uses anaphora as he repeats the phrase 'I have a dream' to emphasize his point.
Visual representation of "anaphora" - In writing or speech, the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of several succeeding sentences or lines to create a literary effect.

Often appears as...

  • use of anaphora
  • examples of anaphora

Usage tips

Formal

Literary, Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "anaphora"
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Literary Technique

Used to create rhythm and draw attention to specific ideas in speeches and writing.

Illustration for Literary Technique
In speeches, politicians often use anaphora: 'We will fight. We will succeed. We will thrive.'
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Emotional Impact

Speakers use anaphora to evoke emotions and make their message more memorable.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
Her poem began with anaphora: 'Hope is the thing that... Hope guides us. Hope sustains us.'
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Not Just for Beginnings

Anaphora can also appear in the middle or end of sentences to emphasize a point.

Illustration for Not Just for Beginnings
He asked, 'Is this what we want? A world where nobody cares, where nobody helps?'
Visual representation of the word "Anaphora"

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