What term is defined as repeating the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next clause?

The term that describes the repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next clause is known as anadiplosis. This rhetorical device can create a sense of continuity and emphasis in writing, allowing the writer to build upon an idea while reinforcing its significance. For instance, anadiplosis might be used in a sentence like, “Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to suffering.” Here, the repetition enhances the connection between the ideas expressed in different clauses.

While the other terms may involve repetition or play with sentence structure, they refer to different techniques. Epistrophe is the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses, while chiasmus involves a reversal of structure in two clauses. Zeugma refers to a figure of speech in which a single word applies to multiple parts of a sentence, usually with differing meanings. These distinctions clarify why anadiplosis is the correct choice for this definition.