The Online Scholar Institute

📌 Antimetabole

Definition:
Antimetabole is a rhetorical device in which words or phrases are repeated in reverse order to create emphasis, contrast, or a memorable effect. It is a specific type of chiasmus, but unlike chiasmus (which focuses on structure), antimetabole repeats the exact words in reverse order.

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✅ Example:

“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” — John F. Kennedy

• The words “your country” and “you” are repeated but flipped for emphasis.

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Another example:

“You like it; it likes you.”

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⚖️ Difference from Chiasmus:

• Chiasmus: Focuses on mirrored structure, not necessarily the exact words.
• Antimetabole: The exact words are repeated in reverse order.

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And there it is! Now go ahead and use antimetabole in your CXC prep/ CSEC prep.

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