Home » Words beginning with Z » How to pronounce Zeugma

How to pronounce Zeugma

How to Pronounce "Zeugma"

Definition: How to say "Zeugma" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

ˈzjuːɡmə, pronunciation: ZOOG-muh

How to say "Zeugma" correctly

Here are some definitions of Zeugma.

  • A figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses or to two others of which it semantically suits only one.
  • A word used to modify or govern two or more words although appropriate to only one of them or making a different sense with each.
  • A word used in the same construction with two adjacent words, while only correctly agreeing with one.
  • A figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses or to two others of which it semantically suits only one.
  • A figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses or to two others of which it semantically suits only one.

Learn to use Zeugma in a complete sentence:

  • She broke his car and his heart.
  • He lost his keys and his temper.
  • She opened the door and her heart to the orphaned child.
  • He took his coat and his leave.
  • She dashed his hopes and his dreams.

Related words to Zeugma:

Zoo, Zoom, Zeal, Zebra, Zeppelin, Zephyr, Zest, Zenith, Zircon, Zigzag,

Synonyms for Zeugma

Syllepsis, Elliptical construction, Semantic syllepsis, Zeugmatic, Combination, Juxtaposition, Figure of speech, Rhetorical device, Parallelism, Wordplay,

Review Zeugma
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}

Ways to improve your pronunciation of ‘Zeugma’

Here are a couple of things to remember that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Zeugma‘:

  • Break ‘Zeugma’ down into each individual sound, say it out loud whilst exaggerating the sounds until you can consistently repeat it without making a mistake.
  • Record yourself saying ‘Zeugma‘ in a full sentence then listen back. You’ll be able to find any of your flaws very easily.
  • Search for pronunciation tutorials on Google on how to pronounce ‘Zeugma‘ correctly.
  • Choose a single accent: mixing multiple accents could confuse you, especially for beginners, so select one accent, perhaps US and master that!


A few more ideas to boost your English pronunciation skills, consider take on these strategies:

Practicing speech contraction in speech is normal in the U.S. and is seen as a natural part of informal dialogue. For instance, altering “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is widely accepted. Look into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for additional understanding.

Enhancing your intonation is vital for English fluency. The ways you use stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are key in conveying your message and feelings. A plethora of resources and videos on Youtube can assist you in learning these elements to pronounce ‘Zeugma’.

Engage with multiple Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer complimentary resources that tackle essential language skills. Pronounce.tv is another outstanding source for enhancing your pronunciation.

Mimicking native speakers can greatly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they say ‘Zeugma’ and strive to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it a part of your routine.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your routine. Getting to know and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you accurately articulate challenging words.

Frequently practice English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more proficient you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, improving your overall expressive capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How would you describe the pronunciation of the word ‘zeugma’?

The word “zeugma” is pronounced as ZOOG-muh. The stress is on the first syllable, and the “oo” sound is pronounced as in the word “zoo.” The “g” is pronounced as a hard “g” sound, similar to the “g” in the word “go.” The final syllable is pronounced with a short “uh” sound, similar to the “a” in the word “comma.” Overall, the pronunciation of “zeugma” is ZOOG-muh.

What is the meaning of the word zeugma?

Zeugma is a literary device where a single word is used to modify or govern two or more words in a sentence. This creates a connection between the words in a way that may seem grammatically or logically incorrect, but is used for rhetorical effect. In the example “She broke his car and his heart,” the word “broke” is used to describe the actions towards both “car” and “heart,” even though the verb’s relationship with each noun is different. Zeugma is often used to create clever or humorous effects in writing, drawing attention to the multiple meanings or interpretations of a word within a sentence.

What are some examples of zeugma in famous literature?

Zeugma is a rhetorical device in which a word, usually a verb or an adjective, applies to more than one noun blending together different ideas in a clever or witty way. One famous example of zeugma can be found in Charles Dickens’ novel “A Tale of Two Cities” where he writes, “She looked at the object with suspicion and a magnifying glass.” In this sentence, the verb “looked” is applied both to “the object” and “with suspicion,” creating a striking and humorous effect. Another well-known example of zeugma is in Oscar Wilde’s play “The Importance of Being Earnest” when he writes, “I can resist everything except temptation.” In this sentence, the verb “resist” is applied to both “everything” and “temptation,” showcasing Wilde’s clever wordplay. These examples demonstrate how zeugma can be used effectively in literature to add depth, humor, and creativity to the writing.

In what literary devices category does zeugma fall under?

Zeugma falls under the category of rhetorical devices in literature. Specifically, zeugma is a type of rhetorical device that involves using a word to modify or govern two or more words in the sentence, but in a different way for each. This creates a clever and often humorous effect by connecting two or more parts of a sentence in an unexpected or unconventional manner. Zeugma is commonly used to create wordplay, add emphasis, or convey multiple meanings within a sentence. Overall, zeugma is a versatile and effective literary device that can enhance the impact and complexity of a writer’s language and style.

Could you provide the phonetic pronunciation of the term ‘zeugma’?

Certainly! The term ‘zeugma’ is pronounced as /ˈz(y)o͞ogmə/. The stress is on the first syllable, which is ‘zeug’. The ‘eu’ in ‘zeug’ is pronounced like the ‘u’ in ‘blue’ and the ‘g’ is a hard ‘g’ sound. The second syllable, ‘ma’, is pronounced like ‘muh’. So, when saying ‘zeugma’, emphasis should be placed on the ‘zeug’ part of the word.

How do you pronounce syllepsis?

The word “syllepsis” is pronounced as /sɪˈlɛpsɪs/. To break it down phonetically, the stress is on the second syllable “leps”. The first syllable is pronounced as “sɪl” with a short “i” sound, and the second syllable is pronounced as “ɛps” with a short “e” sound followed by a “p” and “s” sound. The final “is” is pronounced as “ɪs” with a short “i” sound. Overall, the correct pronunciation is “sɪˈlɛpsɪs”.

What is the phonetic spelling of zeugma?

The phonetic spelling of “zeugma” is [ZYOOG] + [MUH]. To pronounce it correctly, you would emphasize the “zyoog” sound followed by the “muh” sound. It is important to say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them accurately. The phonetic spelling helps in understanding the correct pronunciation of the word, especially for those who may be unfamiliar with it.

How is zeugma used in rhetoric?

Zeugma is a rhetorical device that involves using a single word to modify or govern two or more words in a sentence. This creates a clever and often unexpected connection between the different parts of the sentence. Zeugma is typically used to create a sense of wit, surprise, or humor in writing or speech. It can also be used to convey complex ideas in a concise and impactful way. By using zeugma, writers and speakers can draw attention to the relationships between different elements in a sentence and create a memorable and engaging effect on their audience. Overall, zeugma is a powerful tool in rhetoric that adds depth and creativity to language.

What is the definition of zeugma?

Zeugma is a rhetorical device where a word applies to more than one part of a sentence and must be understood differently in each instance. It involves using a word in a sentence to modify two or more words in the sentence, typically in an unexpected or clever way. This creates a play on words and adds depth and complexity to the sentence. Zeugma can be used for humor, irony, or to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind. It is a common technique in literature and poetry to create memorable and impactful sentences.

What role does zeugma play in enhancing the literary effect of a sentence?

Zeugma is a rhetorical device in which a word applies to two others in different senses or to two others of which it semantically suits only one. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the literary effect of a sentence by creating a sense of surprise, wit, or cleverness. By using zeugma, the writer can create a memorable and impactful sentence that resonates with the reader. It adds depth and complexity to the language, making the sentence more engaging and thought-provoking. Zeugma can also create a sense of unity and coherence within a sentence by linking disparate elements together. Overall, zeugma is a powerful tool that writers can use to elevate their writing and leave a lasting impression on their audience.

Most Popular Words

Most Recent Words

Skip to content