Meaning & use
arc words
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Meaning
nounpluraltechnical
A repeated phrase or motif in a story that hints at a major theme or plot development.
Grammar: Used as a plural noun; a single instance is an 'arc word'.
Patterns
- the arc words of a story
- arc words suggest something
The arc words 'the wheel turns' appear in every season of the show.
Fans analyze the arc words to predict the ending.
In the novel, the arc words 'all things serve the beam' echo throughout.
Word forms
| singular | arc word |
|---|
Common combinations
- recurring arc words
- The recurring arc words 'winter is coming' became a cultural phenomenon.
- the arc words of the series
- The arc words of the series are 'nothing is forgotten'.
- arc words hint at
- The arc words hint at a tragic backstory.
Synonyms and how they differ
- catchphrase
- A catchphrase is a memorable phrase associated with a character or show, while arc words specifically signal plot or theme development.
- motif
- A motif is any recurring element (image, symbol, phrase); arc words are a verbal motif with narrative significance.
Commonly confused: arc words or ark words?
arc words vs ark words
Not a standard term; 'arc' refers to a story arc, not Noah's ark.
Practice
In literary analysis, what are 'arc words'?
Choose one answer.
Arc words are a recurring phrase with thematic significance. Option 0 describes homonyms, option 2 is incipit, and option 3 is archaic words.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “arc words”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.