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Examples Help!
What is the
definition of Malapropism?
How do you define Malapropism? What is a Malapropism? Although
the term was coined from Mrs. Malaprop, a character in the play
by Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816) called the Rivals it
was a comic device used by many earlier writers. The word
derives from the French mal à propos ‘inappropriate’. Plural:
Malapropisms. The
definition of Malapropism is as follows:
English Grammar &
Terminology
Definition of Malapropism |
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Definition: The
unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one
that sounds similar
Example: Adieu: be
vigitant, I beseech you. (meaning vigilant)
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Definition of Malapropism |
Examples of Malapropism in
Literature, Poems
& Poetry
Poems with Malapropism
examples can be found by the most famous poets including
Sheridan and Shakespeare:
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The Rivals
by by Richard Brinsley Sheridan: Mrs Malaprop cries `O
mercy! I'm quite analyzed, for my part!' when she really
intends to say that she is `amazed'.
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Dogberry in
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare: "Adieu:
be vigitant, I beseech you." meaning vigilant
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William
Shakespeare used Malapropisms on many occasions during
Much Ado about Nothing - these devices were originally
referred to as 'Dogberries':
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First, who
think you the most desertless man to be
constable? meaning deserving
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True, and
they are to meddle with none but the prince's
subjects. meaning mingle
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Comparisons
are odorous. meaning odious
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Our watch,
sir, have indeed comprehended two auspicious
persons." meaning apprehended and suspicious
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Is our whole
dissembly appeared? meaning assembly
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O villain!
thou wilt be condemned into everlasting redemption
for this meaning perdition
Examples Help! Use
of Malapropism in Literature & Poetry
Examples of Malapropism can
be found in many examples of literature poems or poetry. Famous
poets use this figure of speech to convey and emphasize unusual
and vivid images. The use of strong word association changes the
mode of thought and adds variation, embellishment and adornment
to literary works.
Examples Help -
Figures of Speech - Malapropism
In Figurative Language we use words in such a way that they
differ somewhat from ordinary every-day speech and convey
meanings in a more vivid and impressive manner. Figures, like
Malapropism make speech more effective, they beautify and emphasize it
in Rhetoric which is the art of speaking and writing
effectively. Figures of speech such as Malapropism use word association
to convey emotion and mood often in a non-literal sense.
Examples Help! Using
Malapropism
Figures of
speech such as Malapropism adds adornment, beautifies, colors, elegant
variation, embellishment, embroidery, emphasis, exaggeration,
exclamation, flourish, floweriness, irony, lushness and
luxuriance to the English language. This page providing facts
and info about Figures of Speech will help with the
understanding of this subject. |
