APL Rhetorical Terms Flashcards
Abstract
refers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images
Allegory
a work in which the characters and events are to be understood as representing other things and symbolically expressing a deeper, often spiritual, moral, or political meaning
Anecdote
a short simple narrative of an incident; often used for humorous sffect or to make a point
Annotation
adding of notes: the addition of explanatory or critical comments to a text; explanatory note: an explanatory or critical comment that has been added to a text
Antithesis
direct opposite: the complete or exact opposite of something; figure of speech: a use of words or phrases that contrast with each other to create a balanced effect
Aphorism
a short, often whitty statement of a principle or a truth about life
Apostrophe
usually in poetry but sometimes in prose; the device of calling out an imaginary, dead or absent person or to a place, thing , or personified abastraction
Argumentation
debate: the process of debating or discussing something; logical reasoning: reasoning that proceeds methodically from a statement to a conclusion
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Cacophony; Dissonance
use of jarring sounds: the use of harsh unpleasant sounds in language, e.g. for literary effect
Caricature
comic exaggeration: a drawing, description, or performance that exaggerates somebody’s or something’s characteristics for humorous or satirical effect
Colloquialism
informal expression: an informal word or phrase that is more common in conversation than in formal speech or writing
Coherence; Unity
logically or aesthetically consistent: logically or aesthetically consistent and holding together as a harmonious or credible whole
Concrete language
language that describes specific, observable things, people, pr places, rather than ideas or qualities
Consonance
similarity between consonants: a close similarity between consonants or groups of consonants, especially at the ends of words, e.g. between “strong” and “ring”
Conundrum
something confusing: something that is puzzling or confusing; word puzzle: a riddle, especially one with an answer in the form of a play on words
Deduction
the process of moving from a general rule to a specific example
Denotation
literal meaning of a word
Description
process of describing: the process of giving an account or explanation of something: one of the four modes of discourse
Diction
spoken clarity: the clarity with which somebody pronounces words when speaking or singing: choice of words: choice of words to fit their context
Didactic
with message: containing a political or moral message: fond of instructing or advising others: tending to give instruction or advice, even when it is not welcome or not needed
Discourse
serious speech or piece of writing: a serious and lengthy speech or piece of writing about a topic; the four modes of discourse are description, exposition, narration, and persuasion
Emotional appeal - Pathos
when a writer appeals to the readers a emotions to excite and involve them in argument
Epigraph
introductory quotation: a quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, or section of a book, usually related to its theme
Ethical Appeal - Ethos
when a writer tries to persuade the audience to respect and believe him based on a presentation of immage of self
Euphemism
less offensive synonym: a word or phrase used in place of a term that might be considered too direct, harsh, unpleasant, or offensive
Euphony
pleasant sound: a pleasant sound, especially in speech or pronunciation
Example
representative of a gerneral plan
Explication
the art of interpreting or dicovering the meaning of a text
Exposition
act of describing or discussing something: the act of describing and discussing a theory, problem, or proposal, or of commenting on a written text
Generalization
sweeping statement: a statement presented as a general truth but based on limited or incomplete evidence