word
Literary
catachresis
kat-uh-KREE-sis
ˌkætəˈkriːsɪsListen
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Syllable breakdown
catachresis
Sounds like
Say 'kat-uh-KREE-sis'.
Dictionary meaning
The use of a word in a way that is not its literal meaning, especially in an unusual or strained metaphor.
History and origin
Greek — 'katakhresis' (misuse).
Examples
- 'Mending the fence' when referring to repairing a relationship is a form of catachresis.
Common mispronunciations
KAT-uh-kress-iskuh-TAK-rih-sis
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