Adynaton (plural adynata) is a figure of speech in the form of hyperbole taken to such extreme lengths as to insinuate a complete impossibility: "I will sooner have a beard grow in the palm of my hand than he shall get one on his cheek." The word derives from the Greek ἀδύνατον (adunaton), neuter of ἀδύνατος (adunatos), "unable, impossible" (a-, "without" + dynasthai, "to be possible or powerful").

Classical and medieval usage

Adynaton was a widespread literary and rhetorical device during the Classical Period. In the Eclogue of Plutarch, there is a long list of proverbs and the first section is titled ΠΕΡΙ ΤΩΝ ΑΔΥΝΑΤΩΝ, consisting of proverbs that are built on adynaton. The adynaton form was often used for vows and covenants, such as in the 16th Epode of Horace, 25-34. Its plural form (adynata) was translated in Latin as impossibilia. A frequent usage was to refer to one highly unlikely event occurring sooner than another: "One can expect an agreement between philosophers sooner than between clocks." Zenobius's collection of proverbial expressions includes "to count sand" to characterize something impossible or unattainable. However, it largely fell into disuse during the Middle Ages before undergoing a minor revival in the works of romantic poets, who would boast of the power of their love, and how it could never end. "Together, we shall sooner see, I, & you, The Rhône tarry, & reverse its course, The Saône roil, & return to source, Than this my fire ever die down"

Fiction, folklore and drama

Adynata are sometimes used within works of fiction or drama: Part heat from fire, then, by that notion, Part frost from snow, wet from the ocean! Ask less! — Henrik Ibsen, Brand Impossible tasks appear often in legends and folklore, and can form elements of ballads, riddles and proverbs. Examples include: the tale of "The Spinning-Woman by the Spring",

Modern usage

Some modern adynata include:

Citations

References and further reading