prosopopeia (2009-04-24)

Part of Speech: noun

Pronunciation: [prê-so-pê-'pee-ê]

Definition: (1) A rhetorical figure by which an imaginary or absent person is represented as speaking or acting; the introduction of a pretended speaker; (2) personification (a rhetorical figure in which human traits are given to a non-human object).

Usage: Definition 1 was the original meaning of today's word. In this sentence, the speaker acts as though Apollo exists and is acting right now, "Apollo tells us to know ourselves." However, this word is used most frequently today as a synonym of personification, a very common rhetorical device whereby we speak as though inanimate objects are human: "My car prefers high-test gasoline." "Justice is blind," is prosopopeia in this sense. The common phrase "Mother Nature" personifies nature and when we claim that a piece of software is unforgiving, we are doing the same. As you can see, we are awash in a veritable sea of prosopopeia.

Suggested Usage: The spelling of today's word as "prosopopoeia" or "prosopopœia" is encountered more often in the UK than in the US. Don't be surprised when you come across one of them. The adjective is "prosopopeic" and the adverb, "prosopopeically." You may add the extra [o] to these forms, too.

Etymology: Today's word is taken from Greek prosopopoiia "representation in human form,' which comes from prosopon "face, mask, dramatic character" + poiein "to make," the same verb "poetry" comes from. This word is related to the equally interesting word, prosopolepsy "respect for someone based on his or her appearance alone."