The word "trope" refers to a common or recurring theme, motif, or figurative expression in literature, art, and other forms of communication. It can denote a significant idea or concept that is often used to convey a particular message or to create a specific effect. Tropes can include clichés, metaphors, and various archetypes that resonate with audiences due to their familiar patterns.
The term "trope" originates from the Greek word "tropos," meaning "turn, direction." In literary contexts, it evolved to encapsulate the idea of figurative language or a rhetorical device that conveys a turn of meaning.