word
Latin
Deus ex Machina
DAY-us eks MAH-kih-nah
/ˈdeɪəs ɛks ˈmɑːkɪnɑː/Listen
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Syllable breakdown
deusexmachina
Dictionary meaning
An unexpected power, event, character, or object that suddenly appears to solve an otherwise unsolvable problem in a story; generally considered a weak narrative device
History and origin
Latin/Greek theatrical tradition
Examples
- Critics accused the film of deus ex machina when a previously unmentioned antidote conveniently appeared in the final scene.
Pronunciation tips
'Deus' is 'DAY-us'. 'Machina' is 'MAH-kih-nah' — Latin, not Italian pronunciation.
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