Explanation
Homoioptoton creates parallelism not through sound alone but through recurring inflectional forms. In inflected languages, the same case movement can make syntactic relations audible. Historical definitions range from similar case endings to a broader correspondence of forms; that range remains explicit.
Example
In need of virtue, abundant in fortune, remote from wisdom: corresponding case forms carry the sequence.
Counterexample
To examine, describe, connect: the words are parallel but do not exhibit recurring case forms.
Distinction
Unlike homoioteleuton, which requires only similar endings, homoioptoton depends on corresponding grammatical cases. Unlike isocolon, it does not require equal-length members.
Effect on thought and perception
Makes grammatical order rhythmically perceptible and may cause formally similar elements to appear conceptually connected.
Resonance
Different word stems answer one another through the same grammatical case movement.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Homoioptoton“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-RHE-208-001. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-RHE-208-001The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.