word
Latin
In Medias Res
in MEE-dee-us rez
/ɪn ˈmiːdiəs rɛz/Listen
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Syllable breakdown
inmediasres
Dictionary meaning
A narrative technique, from Latin for 'in the middle of things', where a story begins in the midst of action rather than at the chronological start
History and origin
Latin
Examples
- Homer's Iliad opens in medias res — the Trojan War has already been raging for nine years when the story begins.
Pronunciation tips
Pronounced as three distinct Latin words. 'Res' rhymes with 'fez'.
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