chiasmus

• Figure de style ou procédé rhétorique dans lequel l'ordre des termes d'une première phrase ou proposition est inversé dans la seconde, créant une structure croisée ou en miroir (ABBA).

A rhetorical or literary device in which the order of terms in the first of two parallel phrases is reversed in the second, creating an inverted structure.

1. Rhetorical deviceC2formal

   A figure of speech in which the order of terms in the first of two parallel clauses is reversed in the second.

   Chiasme (figure de rhétorique)

   • The famous line 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country' is a classic chiasmus.
   • In poetry, chiasmus creates a balanced and memorable effect.
   • The speaker used chiasmus to emphasize the contrast between the two ideas.

   Synonymeschiasm