chiasmus
/kaɪˈæzməs/
noun
- A rhetorical or literary device in which words, grammatical structures, or concepts are repeated in reverse order (e.g., "You forget what you want to remember, and you remember what you want to forget").
- The speech used chiasmus to make the point more striking: 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.'
- Many famous quotes rely on chiasmus for their memorable, balanced effect.
- The teacher explained how chiasmus creates a mirror-like structure in writing.