What does epitasis mean?
Epitasis is a formal rhetorical term for repeating the same word at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. Its purpose is to give a passage emphasis, rhythm, and momentum, often making each clause feel like a step in an argument or a chant. A sequence such as “we came, we saw, we conquered” illustrates the pattern because “we” opens each clause. The term does not refer to repetition in general: a recurring word in the middle of clauses is not epitasis, nor does every repeated sentence structure qualify. In modern English, the word survives mainly in discussions of rhetoric and literary criticism and will usually sound technical or bookish. Although many speakers would use the related term anaphora, epitasis provides a more specific name for the repetition of an initial word across successive clauses.
nounA rhetorical figure consisting of the repetition of the same word at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, for emphasis, rhythm, or momentum.
- The repetition of the same word at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences in order to create emphasis, rhythm, or momentum.
"The speaker used epitasis to give the slogan force: “We will build, we will endure, we will prevail.”"
"By repeating “we” at the start of each clause, the author used epitasis to make the declaration sound decisive."
"The sermon's epitasis gave the concluding appeal a solemn cadence: “We remember, we repent, and we renew.”"
The plural epitases is standard but rarely needed in modern usage.
"The critic identified several epitases in the poem's final sequence."
Like a drumbeat across clauses, epitasis turns repetition into momentum.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does epitasis come from?
The word comes through Latin epitasis from ancient Greek ἐπίτασις (epítasis), meaning “expansion” or “amplification.” Greek ἐπίτασις was formed from ἐπιτίθημι, “to place or set upon,” and came to be associated with rhetorical amplification. Latin adapted the Greek term, and English subsequently established it as the name of a rhetorical figure involving repeated initial words.
Related word forms
How epitasis is actually used
This is specialized rhetorical terminology, chiefly encountered in literary criticism, rhetoric, and discussions of figures of speech. In ordinary use, the closely related term anaphora is more common.