anagnorisis
UK[ˌænəɡˈnɒrɪsɪs]US[ˌænəɡˈnɔːrɪsɪs]
n
the point in a play, novel, etc., at which a principal character recognizes or discovers another character's true identity or the true nature of their own circumstances.
Morpheme Breakdown
ana
gnor
isis
ana
again, back
gnor
know, recognize
isis
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'anagnorisis' is a direct borrowing from ancient greek, where it meant "recognition". it is a compound formed from the prefix 'ana-', implying a return or repetition, and the root 'gnō-', which is the prolific proto-indo-european root for knowledge, seen in words like 'know', 'gnosis', and 'ignore'. the suffix '-isis' forms abstract nouns of action. in its original aristotelian context, it described the critical moment in a tragedy when a character moves from ignorance to knowledge, a concept that has been retained in its precise modern literary usage. the journey from the literal greek meaning of "recognition" to the specialized dramatic term illustrates how classical terminology was adopted directly into english critical vocabulary.
Analysis
Structure: ana (again, back) + gnor (know, recognize) + isis (noun suffix)
ana: greek origin, a prefix meaning "again, back, throughout".
gnor: greek origin, from the root gnō- meaning "to know".
isis: greek origin, a noun-forming suffix.
Examples
the play's climax hinges on the anagnorisis, when the hero finally learns the beggar is his father.
aristotle considered anagnorisis, the sudden discovery of truth, a key element of complex tragedy.
the novel employs a delayed anagnorisis, leaving the reader in suspense until the final chapter.