Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
Allegory
Using elements in a text to symbolize an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. Usually with a moral truth about human existence.
Alliteration
The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants.
Allusion
Reference to an event, place, or person from history literature, or mythology.
Ambiguity
Multiple meanings or interpretations to a word or phrase.
Amplification
Repeating an idea and adding more detail to it.
Analogy
Relationship/Comparision between two things.
Anaphora
Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
Anecdote
A short narrative of interesting or amusing episode or event.
Antanagoge
Downplaying a negative point by placing it next to a stronger, positive one.
Antithesis
Two contrasting ideas are combined or juxtaposed.
Apostrophe
An interruption in the flow of writing to address a personified idea or object.
Chiasmus
A figure of speech in which syntax is parallel, but the order is reversed.
Climax
Organizing ideas in writing so they proceed from least to most important.
Colloquialism
The use of slang or familiar language.
Connotation
Implied, suggested meaning or emotional association of a word.
Deductive Reasoning
Using a general premise to draw a specific conclusion.
Denotation
The literal definition of a word.
Epistrophe
Word or phrase is repeated at the end of a sentence or clause.
Extended Metaphor
Metaphor developed at great length occurring throughout a text.
Euphemism
More agreeable or less offensive way to state an idea.
Hyperbole
An extreme exaggeration.
Hypophora
Question asked then immediately answered.
Imagery
Sensory details or figurative language used to represent ideas.
Inductive Reasoning
Using specific premise to draw a general conclusion.
Invective
An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation, or attack using strong, abusive language.
Jargon
The diction used by a specific group with similar activity or profession.
Juxtaposition
Placing things side by side for comparison.
Metacognition
Knowledge about own things; thoughts and factors that influence your thinking.
Metonymy
Using name of object as substitute for something closely associated with it.
Metaphor
Direct comparison of two objects or ideas.
Paradox
A seemingly contradicting situation which is actually true.
Parallelism
The grammatical framing of words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs to give structural similarity.
Parody
Exaggerated imitation of a serious work for humor.
Personification
Giving human attributes to non-human things.
Rhetorical Question
Not meant to be answered, asked for effect.
Satire
Work that targets vice to draw attention to an issue for reform or ridicule.
Syllogism
Deductive reasoning that presents two premises that lead to a sound conclusion.
Symbolism
Use of image/object to represent an idea.
Symploce
Repetition of words or phrases at both end and beginning of a sentence or clause.
Synecdoche
Type of metaphor in which part represents whole thing.
Unerstatement
Presenting something as less significant than it actually is.
Vernacular
Differnece in dialect.
