Repetition in Rhetoric receives a topic-specific treatment on this page.
A family of devices
Rhetoric distinguishes types of repetition by position and pattern.
Beginning repetition
Anaphora repeats at the start of successive units.
Ending repetition
Epistrophe repeats at the end.
Immediate repetition
Epizeuxis places the same word directly beside itself.
Strategic use
The device should reinforce meaning rather than substitute for it.
Frequently asked questions
What does battologize mean?
To repeat words, phrases, or ideas excessively and tiresomely.
Is all repetition bad?
No. Deliberate repetition can create emphasis, rhythm, structure, or memory.
What is battology?
The noun for needless or wearisome repetition.
How do I fix repetitive writing?
Keep the strongest version and remove restatements that add nothing new.
Is battologize a real word?
Yes. It is an established but uncommon English verb.