Poetic Terms Dictionary
Figure of Speech

Polysyndeton

From Greek polysyndeton: many connections. The opposite of asyndeton. Biblical prose and poetry (especially the King James Bible) use polysyndeton for cumulative solemnity.

Definition

The use of multiple conjunctions in quick succession, slowing the rhythm and emphasising each element equally.

Example

'And the thunder rattled, and the lightning flashed, and the rain poured, and the wind screamed.'

Related Terms

Asyndeton Parataxis Catalogue