Diaskeuasis

/ˌdaɪəskjuˈeɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

In rhetoric or editing, the deliberate reworking, revising, or refining of a text or speech to make it more effective.

Etymology

From Greek 'dia-' (through) + 'skeuazein' (to prepare, fashion). The term appears in classical rhetorical texts to describe the preparation and refinement stage of composition.

Kelly Says

Ancient Greek rhetoricians had a word for what writers do when they obsessively edit their work—diaskeuasis—proving that perfectionist revision is as old as language itself!

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