Antanaclasis is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is used twice in the same sentence or passage, but with different meanings. The term comes from the Greek word "antanáklasis," which means "reflection." This technique is a kind of wordplay, often seen in slogans. It is commonly used to create a clever or memorable effect in writing or speaking.

Examples

Antanaclases are common in funny responses called paraprosdokians, which are used when answering questions. For example, when asked "How are you two?" an Israeli speaker of Modern Hebrew might say "בסדר גמור; היא בסדר, אני גמור" (be-séder gamúr; hí be-séder, aní gamúr), which translates to "In order complete; she is in order, I am complete." This means "We are very good. She is good, I am finished." The word "גמור" (gamúr) has two meanings: "complete" and "finished." A similar pun in English occurs when someone answers a friend's question "Why are you and your wife here?" with "A workshop; I am working, she is shopping."