Meaning & use
isocolon
Last updated
A rhetorical device in which two or more phrases or clauses have similar length and grammatical structure, placed side by side.
See it in a sentence
'Veni, vidi, vici' — 'I came, I saw, I conquered' — is a classic example of isocolon.
The speechwriter used isocolon throughout the address to give the sentences a rhythmic, balanced feel.
A note on using this word
Isocolon creates a sense of balance and memorability in writing and speech, and is common in slogans, oratory, and poetry.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “isocolon”, then compare your use with the examples above.