Glossary of Rhetorical Terms & Devices

Question 1

Anaphora

Answer 1

Repetition of a sequence of words at the beginnings of neighbouring clauses, thereby lending them emphasis.

Question 2

Tricolon (Crescendo)

Answer 2

A series of three words, phrases or sentences that are parallel in structure, length and/or rhythm (with increasing rhetorical intensity); Known more generally as an “isocolon” where the number differs

Question 3

Asyndeton

Answer 3

Deliberate omission of conjunctions (e.g. “Veni, Vidi, Vici”)

Question 4

Praeteritio

Answer 4

Calling attention to a point by disregarding it; usually takes the form of briefly mentioning a point and then declining to elaborate further, or mentioning a point and then declining to mention it in a contradictory manner

Question 5

Ekphrasis

Answer 5

Literally “description”; A vivid, elaborate descriptive passage

Question 6

Lexis Airomene

Answer 6

‘stringing together’- Adding new elements with simple connectives and keeping subordinate clauses to a minimum

Question 7

Antistrophe

Answer 7

repetition of the same word or phrase at the end of successive clauses

Question 8

Antithesis

Answer 8

opposition, or contrast of ideas or words in a balanced or parallel construction

Question 9

Aporia

Answer 9

expression of doubt (often feigned) by which a speaker appears uncertain as to what he should think, say, or do

Question 10

Aposiopesis

Answer 10

A form of ellipse by which a speaker comes to an abrupt halt, seemingly overcome by passion (fear, excitement, etc.) or modesty.