Definition
paragogic
adjective
- relating to or denoting a sound or letter added at the end of a word, especially in poetry or dialect speech, without changing the word's meaning.
Usage: linguistics; formal
Examples
- The final 'e' in 'olde' is a paragogic letter, added for poetic effect.
- In some dialects, paragogic vowels are inserted at the end of words for rhythmic purposes.
- The poet used paragogic sounds to maintain the meter of the verse.
- Paragogic additions are common in Middle English texts.
- The '-eth' ending in archaic English can sometimes function as a paragogic element.