Synesis

Synesis, also known as constructive agreement or grammatical agreement according to sense, is a figure of speech where grammatical agreement is based on the understood meaning of a word or phrase, rather than its strict grammatical form. It involves a deviation from standard grammatical rules, typically concerning number (singular vs. plural) or gender, to convey a particular sense or meaning.

In essence, synesis prioritizes the intended meaning and contextual appropriateness over rigid adherence to grammatical conventions. It allows for flexibility in language to better express nuanced ideas.

For example, a collective noun, which is grammatically singular, may take a plural verb if the emphasis is on the individual members of the group rather than the group as a single unit. The decision to use synesis often depends on the specific context and the speaker or writer's intent. It's often used to emphasize the individuals within a group or to convey a sense of distribution or plurality.