Rhetorical Terms Flashcards
Absolute
a word free from limitations or qualifications (“best,” “all”, “unique,” “perfect”).
Ad hominem Argument
an argument attacking an individual’s character rather than his or her position on an issue.
Allusion
a reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that the author assumes the reader will recognize.
Analogy
a comparison of two different things that are similar in some way.
Anaphora
repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses
Anecdote
a brief narrative that focuses on a particular incident or event
Antecedent
the word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers
Antithesis
a statement in which two opposing ideas are balanced
Aphorism
a concise, statement that expresses succinctly a general truth or idea, often using rhyme or balance
Asyndeton
a construction in which elements are presented in a series without conjunctions
Balanced sentence
a sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast
Chiasmus
a statement consisting of two parallel parts in which the second part is structurally reversed
Cliché
an expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off
Climax
generally, the arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in an order of increasing importance, often in parallel structure
Colloquialism
informal words or expressions not usually acceptable in formal writing
Complex sentence
a sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause
Compound sentence
a sentence with two or more coordinate independent clauses, often joined by one or more conjunctions
Compound-complex sentence
a sentence with two or more principal clauses and one or more subordinate clauses
Concrete details
details that relate to or describe actual, specific things or events
Connotation
the implied or associative meaning of a word
Cumulative sentence (loose sentence)
a sentence in which the main independent clause is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases
Declarative sentence
a sentence that makes a statement or declaration
Deductive reasoning
reasoning in which a conclusion is reached by stating a general principle and then applying that principle to a specific case
Denotation
the literal meaning of a word
Dialect
a variety of speech characterized by its own particular grammar or pronunciation, often associated with a particular geographical region
Diction
the word choices made by a writer
Didactic
having the primary purpose of teaching or instructing
Ellipsis
the omission of a word or phrase which is grammatically necessary but can be deduced from the context
Epigram
a brief, pithy, and often paradoxical saying
Ethos
the persuasive appeal of one’s character, or credibility
Euphemism
an indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant
Exclamatory sentence
a sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark
Figurative language
language employing one or more figures of speech
Hyperbole
intentional exaggeration to create an effect
Idiom
an expression in a given language that cannot be understood from the literal meaning of the words in the expression; or, a regional speech or dialect
Imagery
the use of figures of speech to create vivid images that appeal to one of the senses
Imperative sentence
a sentence that gives a command
Implication
a suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly.
Inductive reasoning
deriving general principles from particular facts or instances
Inference
a conclusion based on premises or evidence
Interrogative sentence
a sentence that asks a question
Invective
an intensely vehement, highly emotional verbal attack
Inverted syntax
a sentence constructed so that the predicate comes before the subject
Irony
the use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning; or, incongruity between what is expected and what actually occurs
Jargon
the specialized language or vocabulary of a particular group or profession
Juxtaposition
placing two elements side by side to present a comparison or contrast
Litotes
a type of understatement in which an idea is expressed by negating its opposite
Logos
appeal to reason or logic
Malapropism
the mistaken substitution of one word for another word that sounds similar
Maxim
a concise statement, often offering advice; an adage
Metaphor
a direct comparison of two different things
Metonymy
substituting the name of one object for another object closely associated with it
Mood
the emotional atmosphere of a work
Motif
a standard theme, element, or dramatic situation that recurs in various works
Non sequitur
an inference that does not follow logically from the premises
Paradox
an apparently contradictory statement that actually contains some truth
Parallelism
the use of corresponding grammatical or syntactical forms
Parody
a humorous imitation of a serious work
Parenthetical
a comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to quality or explain
Pathos
the quality in a work that prompts the reader to feel pity
Pedantic
characterized by an excessive display of learning or scholarship
Personification
endowing non-human objects or creatures with human qualities or characteristics
Philippic
a strong verbal denunciation. The term comes from the orations of Demosthenes against Philip of Macedonia in the fourth century.
Polysyndeton
the use, for rhetorical effect, of more conjunctions than is necessary or natural
Rhetoric
the art of presenting ideas in a clear, effective, and persuasive manner
Rhetorical question
a question asked merely for rhetorical effect and not requiring an answer
Rhetorical devices
literary techniques used to heighten the effectiveness of expression
Sarcasm
harsh, cutting language or tone intended to ridicule
Satire
the use of humor to emphasize human weaknesses or imperfections in social institutions
Scheme
an artful deviation from the ordinary arrangement of words
Simile
a comparison of two things using “like,” “as,” or other specifically comparative words
Simple sentence
a sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause
Solecism
non standard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules
Structure
the arrangement or framework of a sentence, paragraph, or entire work
Style
the choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work
Syllepsis
a construction in which one word is used in two different senses
Syllogism
a three-part deductive argument in which a conclusion is based on a major premise and a minor premise
Synecdoche
using one part of an object to represent the entire object
Synesthesia
describing one kind of sensation in terms of another
Syntax
the manner in which words are arranged into sentences
Theme
a central idea of a work
Thesis
the primary position taken by a writer or speaker
Tone
the attitude of a writer, usually implied, toward the subject or audience
Trope
an artful deviation from the ordinary or principal signification of a word
Understatement
the deliberate representation of something as lesser in magnitude than it
Vernacular
the everyday speech of a particular country or region, often involving nonstandard usage
