Определение и Значение "catacosmesis"

What is "catacosmesis"?

Catacosmesis is a rhetorical device where a series of phrases or clauses are listed in a way that shows a gradual decrease in importance or emphasis. This technique arranges ideas from the most significant to the least important, highlighting the decline in value or impact. For example, in the sentence "She was a leader, a mentor, and finally, just a friend", the use of catacosmesis shows a shift from the most important role to a less significant one. This approach helps to emphasize the decline or diminishing importance of the elements being described.