Rhetorical Terms List 1

Question 0

Ad Hominem

Answer 0

In an argument, this is an attack on the person rather than on the opponent’s ideas. It comes from the Latin meaning “against the man.”

Question 1

Abstract

Answer 1

refers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images ( ideas and qualities rather than observable or specific things, people, or places). The observable or “physical” is usually described in concrete language.

Question 2

Alliteration

Answer 2

repetition of the same sound beginning several words in sequence.

• Let us go forth to lead the land we love. - J. F. Kennedy, Inaugural
• Viri validis cum viribus luctant. Ennius
• Veni, vidi, vici. - Julius Caesar
• Mickey Mouse; Donald Duck; Daffy Duck; Suzy Sells Seashells …

Question 3

Allusion

Answer 3

a reference to a well-known person, place, or thing from literature, history, etc. Example: Eden, Scrooge, Prodigal Son, Catch-22, Judas, Don Quixote, Mother Theresa

Question 4

Anaphora

Answer 4

the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses or lines.

*We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender. Churchill.

Question 5

Anecdote

Answer 5

A short, simple narrative of an incident; often used for humorous effect or to make a point.

Question 6

Antithesis

Answer 6

Opposition, or contrast of ideas or words in a balanced or parallel construction.

• Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. Barry Goldwater
• Brutus: Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Shakespeare, Julius Caesar
• The vases of the classical period are but the reflection of classical beauty; the vases of the archaic period are beauty itself.” - Sir John Beazley

Question 7

Aphorism

Answer 7

A short, often witty statement of a principle or a truth about life. Examples: “Early bird gets the worm.” “What goes around, comes around..” “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”

Question 8

Argumentation

Answer 8

Writing that attempts to prove the validity of a point of view or an idea by presenting reasoned arguments; persuasive writing is a form of argumentation.

Question 9

Caricature

Answer 9

Descriptive writing that greatly exaggerates a specific feature of a person’s appearance or a facet of personality. Caricature arises from the forcing and the embellishment of the basic rule of good description, that is, the principle of the dominant impression.

Question 10

Colloquialism

Answer 10

A word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing (y’all, ain’t, gonna, phat, whatcha, etc.)

Question 11

Coherence/Unity

Answer 11

Quality of a piece of writing in which all the parts contribute to the development of the central idea, theme, or organizing principle.

Question 12

Concrete Language

Answer 12

Language that describes specific, observable things, people, or places, rather than ideas or qualities.

Question 13

Connotation

Answer 13

Implied or suggested meaning of a word because of its association in the reader’s mind.

Question 14

Denotation

Answer 14

Literal meaning of a word as defined.

Question 15

Description

Answer 15

The picturing in words of something or someone through detailed observation of color, motion, sound, taste, smell, and touch; one of the four modes of discourse.

Question 16

Diction

Answer 16

Word choice, an element of style; it creates tone, attitude, and style, as well as meaning. Different types and arrangements of words have significant effects on meaning. An essay written in academic diction would be much less colorful, but perhaps more precise than street slang.

Question 17

Didactic

Answer 17

Writing whose purpose is to instruct or to teach. The work is usually formal and focuses on moral or ethical concerns. This type of writing may be fiction or nonfiction that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.

Question 18

Discourse

Answer 18

Spoken or written language, including literary works; the four traditionally classified modes of discourse are description, exposition, narration, and persuasion.

Question 19

Dissonance

Answer 19

Harsh or grating sounds that do not go together.

Question 20

Euphemism

Answer 20

Substitution of an agreeable or at least non-offensive expression for one whose plainer meaning might be harsh or unpleasant: a more acceptable and usually more pleasant way of saying something that might be inappropriate or uncomfortable. “He went to his final reward” is a common saying for “he died.” These are also often used to obscure the reality of a situation. The military uses “collateral damage” to indicate civilian deaths in a military operation.

Question 21

Emotional Appeal

Answer 21

When a writer appeals to readers’ emotions (often through pathos) to excite and involve them in the argument.

Question 22

Ethical Appeal

Answer 22

When a writer tries to persuade the audience to respect and believe him or her based on a presentation of image of self through the text. Reputation is sometimes a factor in this type of appeal, but in all cases the aim is to gain the audience’s confidence. (Ethos)

Question 23

Extended Metaphor

Answer 23

A sustained comparison, often referred to as a conceit. The extended metaphor is developed throughout a piece of writing.