What figure of speech is described as the use of a single word in two different senses at once?

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Multiple Choice

What figure of speech is described as the use of a single word in two different senses at once?

This figure of speech happens when a single word is used in two different senses at once. It relies on one word that literally applies in two meanings within the same sentence, creating a twist or a punchy effect. A classic example is caught: “He caught the train and a cold.” Here, caught applies to both catching a train (physical action) and catching a cold (becoming sick), each in a different sense. This is the essence of syllepsis. It’s distinct from other devices: anaphora involves repeating words at the starts of clauses, alliteration repeats initial consonant sounds, and metaphor makes a direct, implied comparison without using the same word in two senses.

This figure of speech happens when a single word is used in two different senses at once. It relies on one word that literally applies in two meanings within the same sentence, creating a twist or a punchy effect. A classic example is caught: “He caught the train and a cold.” Here, caught applies to both catching a train (physical action) and catching a cold (becoming sick), each in a different sense. This is the essence of syllepsis. It’s distinct from other devices: anaphora involves repeating words at the starts of clauses, alliteration repeats initial consonant sounds, and metaphor makes a direct, implied comparison without using the same word in two senses.

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