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What is a Transferred Epithet?

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📌 Transferred Epithet

Definition:
A transferred epithet is a figure of speech in which an adjective or descriptive phrase is shifted from the word it logically describes to another word in the sentence. It gives a fresh, sometimes surprising effect, often adding emotional or poetic depth.


Example:

  • “She spent a sleepless night.” → The night itself isn’t sleepless; she was sleepless.
  • “He gave me a knowing smile.” → The smile doesn’t know anything; he does.

It’s like borrowing an adjective from its rightful owner and attaching it to another noun for stylistic effect.

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

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