American Dictionary

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Definition trope in American English

trope noun

[countable] noun
/troʊp/
1

a use of a word or expression in an unusual way to help a writer to achieve an effect

Synonyms and related words
2

a recurring idea or motif in an artistic genre, especially one that is overused

Example

Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler kickstart the urban "tough-guy" detective trope.

Example

Horror writers have to work hard if they want to avoid the usual tired old tropes.

Definition trope in American English