Chiasmus vs. Antimetabole — What's the Difference?

A rhetorical device in which two or more clauses are balanced against each other by reversal of their structures.

Effective in speeches and persuasive writing for emphasis.

Often utilized to emphasize a reflection or balance.

A figure of speech involving the repetition of words in successive clauses in reverse grammatical order.

Used to impart a poetic structure to text, enhancing its appeal.

Emphasizes contrasts or deep contradictions.

Can involve reversal of ideas without exact word repetition.

Makes arguments memorable by repeating and reversing words.

Adds lyrical quality or emotional depth to writing.

Often used to highlight logical contradictions or ironies.

In rhetoric, chiasmus ( kahy-AZ-muhs) or, less commonly, chiasm (Latin term from Greek χίασμα, "crossing", from the Greek χιάζω, chiázō, "to shape like the letter Χ"), is a "reversal of grammatical structures in successive phrases or clauses – but no repetition of words".A similar device, antimetabole, also involves a reversal of grammatical structures in successive phrases or clauses, but unlike chiasmus, presents a repetition of words in an A-B-B-A configuration.

In rhetoric, antimetabole ( AN-ti-mə-TAB-ə-lee) is the repetition of words in successive clauses, but in transposed order; for example, "I know what I like, and I like what I know". It is related to, and sometimes considered a special case of, chiasmus.

A rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order.

(rhetoric) The technique of reversal, where accentuated by reversal of words, actions or grammatical structure.

A rhetorical inversion of the second of two parallel structures, as in "Each throat / Was parched, and glazed each eye" (Samuel Taylor Coleridge).

A figure in which the same words or ideas are repeated in transposed order.

(rhetoric) An inversion of the relationship between the elements of phrases.

An inversion of the order of words or phrases, when repeated or subsequently referred to in a sentence

Inversion in the second of two parallel phrases

Chiasmus involves reversing grammatical structures, while antimetabole includes exact word repetition in reverse order.

Antimetabole makes an argument more memorable and emphasizes logical structure through word repetition.

No, these rhetorical devices are used in various languages to enhance literary and speech effectiveness.

While it can occur unintentionally, it is usually used with a purposeful artistic intention in writing.

It often makes the message stand out due to its structured repetition, helping in better retention.

Yes, antimetabole is a specific type of chiasmus that includes exact word repetition.

Antimetabole can make speeches more impactful and memorable due to the clarity and emphasis it provides.

Famous examples include JFK's inaugural address for antimetabole and various poetic lines for chiasmus, like "Love as if you would one day hate, and hate as if you would one day love."

Chiasmus can enhance the poetic or emotional impact of writing by introducing a mirrored structure.

Look for sentences where the structure is mirrored, even if the exact words are not repeated.