The Hendiadyoin is a rhetorical stylistic which we can sometimes find in very different text forms. Every now and then, a hagiadyoin for the word is sometimes. In a Hendiadyoin, a complex term is formed by two single words. These words are thereby connected by the conjunction and with one another. Furthermore the Hendiadyoin can replace the connection of attribute (usually adjectives) and noun by two nouns.
The word Hendiadyoin derives from the Greek (ἓν διὰ δυοῖν, hen dia dyoin) and means “one by two”. The translation alone thus reveals what is involved with the Hendiadyoin when we assume that a concept is formed by combining two single words.
Clearly, the Hendiadyoin is distinguished from the tautology. This also describes a concept by linking two single words, but these words can stand alone. In contrast, the individual words of the Hendiadyoin do not have the same meaning.
Tautology: “never and never”, “rank and file”, “always and ever”
Hendiadyoin: “from time to time”, “fire and flame”, “clear and clear”
If we look at the above examples, we should see what constitutes a Hendiadyoin. The tautology, for example, “never and never” combines similar words, which in fact mean the same thing. Let us look at the first verses of the work “Dithyrambe” by Friedrich Schiller.
Never, believe me,
If the gods,
Never alone.
If we would replace the word “never” with “never”, there would be no difference in the meaning and the statement would be absolutely identical. The lyrical I would nevertheless say that the gods never appear alone, but always together and the statement remains the same.
Hendiadyoin creates a new concept by combining two words. Let us take the example “fire and flame”. If someone is fire and flame for an activity, he is enthusiastic about it. However, he can not be fire for something. The Hendiadyoin thus creates a complex, different concept from two words, which also has a new meaning.
Note: In some cases, one of the two words is no longer common and makes little sense on its own. Consequently, it is only present as a Hendiadyoin in our linguistic usage. Examples are: “frank and free” (free of charge), or “clear and clear” (unambiguous).
The Hendiadyoin and a noun with attribute
It has now been shown how the stylistic figure can be distinguished from the tautology, and that it can be formed by connecting two supplementary, subordinate nouns or verbs. Furthermore, the Hendiadyoin can also replace the attribute of a word or break a composite noun.
Examples: In iron and armor instead of iron armor; her blush and her cheeks instead of her cheek, happiness and star for happiness.
The Hendiadyoin thus consists of two words, a new, complex term, these words complementing each other and being subordinate nouns or verbs.
Furthermore, the stylistic means can replace the combination of attribute and noun with two nouns or break up a composite subtantiv.
The Hendiadyoin is clearly distinguished from tautology and pleonas, although this is sometimes difficult.
Hendiadyoin, Hendiatris, Hendiatetris
As described, the Hendiadyoin of two words forms a complex concept. However, it is also conceivable that one is formed by a plurality of words.
Hendiatris: Forms a new term from three words. For example, “peace, joy, eggcakes” (superficially everything is good) or “wine, woman and song” (describes a lifestyle)
Hendiatetris: This forms four words a new, more complex concept. There are few examples in German, where “fresh, religious, cheerful, free” (unaffected) can be regarded as such.
