Anabasis

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Anabasis

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Anabasis is stepwise increasing of sense or emphasis in each phrase or sentence.

Example

We must respond. We must fight! We must overcome this evil enemy!!

Are you there? I can hear you! There -- I see you!!

Good, better, best!

Discussion

Anabasis uses the recency principle, where we remember best that which is said last or most recently. Spoken as a rising crescendo, it can also give power to the conclusion of a paragraph or speech.

Anabasis can be used to show growing confidence, perhaps as a speaker is encouraged by positive responses to earlier but weaker assertions.

Anabasis is the opposite of catabasis, which is a stepwise decreasing of emphasis.

Anabasis is Greek for 'ascent' or 'going up'.

Classification: Amplification