Metathesis

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Definition and Example of Metathesis

Metathesis (etymologically from Greek, literally “ a transposition”) is a kind of MetaplasmOpens in new window, whereby letters, or syllablesOpens in new window of a word are transposed, or shifted out of their natural position, as: “prevert” for “pervert”; “Evandre” for “Evander”.

Classic Example

Several transpositions of letters in the first two words make possible the last two words of this humorous statement:

  1. “Elvis Lives in Evil Levis.”

    — (Silva Rhetoricae)

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