VORA
VORADictionaryC2Tmesis
CEFR C2 — Proficiency

Tmesis

Definition

(rhetorical) A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is inserted into another word or phrase, often for emphasis or to create a particular effect. This literary device is used to add complexity and interest to language, and can be found in various forms of writing, including poetry, drama, and oratory.

Example Sentences

1The poet's use of tmesis in the final stanza added a layer of depth to the already complex emotions expressed in the verse.
2In his famous speech, the orator employed tmesis to drive home the point that freedom is not just a right, but a fundamental aspect of human dignity.
3The playwright's innovative use of tmesis in the dialogue added a touch of realism to the characters' conversations, making them sound more natural and spontaneous.
4The literary critic argued that the novelist's frequent use of tmesis was a deliberate attempt to subvert the reader's expectations and create a sense of uncertainty.
5The ancient Greek rhetoricians were masters of tmesis, using it to great effect in their speeches and writings to persuade and convince their audiences.

More C2 Words

🎧 Hear "Tmesis" pronounced & master it with spaced repetition — free →
VORA · Dictionary · Pricing
© 2026 VORA — voralingo.com · English vocabulary mastery from A1 to C2