Meaning & use
tmesis
Last updated
The separation of the parts of a compound word by an intervening word, typically used for emphasis.
See it in a sentence
The phrase 'un-freaking-believable' is a classic informal example of tmesis.
Poets sometimes use tmesis to add rhythm or emphasis to a line of verse.
A note on using this word
From the Greek 'temnein,' meaning 'to cut'; a recognized device in both everyday emphatic speech and formal poetry.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “tmesis”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.