Asyndeton
Leaving out the conjunctions — I came, I saw, I conquered.
Full definition of Asyndeton →:: COMPARE ::
AsyndetonvsPolysyndeton
The short answer
Asyndeton removes conjunctions and accelerates. Polysyndeton adds extra ones and slows everything down, giving each item its own weight. Opposite settings on the same dial.
Side by side
| Aspect | Asyndeton | Polysyndeton |
|---|---|---|
| Conjunctions | Removed | Multiplied |
| Speed | Fast | Slow |
| Effect | Simultaneity | Accumulation |
| Feels | Urgent | Weighty |
What each one means
Polysyndeton
The contrast above sets out how Polysyndeton differs from Asyndeton on the points that actually matter.