Meaning & use
trope
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A recurring theme, motif, or figure of speech commonly used in literature, film, or other creative works.
See it in a sentence
The 'chosen one' is a familiar trope in fantasy novels.
The film cleverly subverts the horror genre's usual tropes.
A note on using this word
In literary criticism, a trope can also mean a figurative use of language, like a metaphor; the casual sense refers to a familiar plot device or theme.
Words with a similar meaning
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Another way to use it
2. noun
A figure of speech, such as a metaphor, that uses words in a non-literal way.
The poet's extended trope compared love to a battlefield.
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