Hendiadys

Hendiadys (Greek for one through two) is a figure of speech used for emphasis.

Related Topics:
Greek - Figure of speech

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"The substitution of a conjunction for a subordination"

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The typical result is to transform a noun-plus-adjective into two nouns joined by a conjunction.

Related Topics:
Noun - Adjective - Conjunction

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For example, "sound and fury" gives more striking image than does "furious sound." In this example, as typically, the subordinate idea originally present in the adjective appears second.

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"The kingdom and the power and the glory" extends the same principle, transforming the idea of "glorious powerful kingdom" into a sequence of three nouns joined by conjunctions.

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When hendiadys fails of its effect, it can sound merely redundant. For example, cum amicitia atque pace, “with friendship and peace” is often translated instead as “with peaceful friendship.”

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English names for hendiadys include "two for one" and "figure of twinnes."

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