Rhetorical Terms LTMs Flashcards
Figure or reasoning in which one or more questions is/are asked and then answered, often at length, by one speaker; raising and responding to one’s own question(s).
Hypophora
The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.
denotation
From the Greek for “orator,” this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.
rhetoric
Describes the author’s attitude toward his material, audience, or both. Typically, easier to determine in spoken language rather than written language.
tone
Figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. EX: “the White House declared” rather than “the President declared”
metonymy
A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. EX: “earthly remains” rather than “corpse”
euphemism
The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants in two or more neighboring words. The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.
allieration
A contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences which creates a definite and systematic relationship between ideas.
antithesis
Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid.
figurative language
Figure of speech in which an author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. It is typically used for added effect.
oxymoron
Bitter caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something. It may be used with irony. If done well, it can be witty and insightful.
sarcasm
A type of metaphor in which the part stands for the whole or the whole for a part. EX: If we had some wheels [whole vehicle], I’d put some threads [clothes] and ask for Jane’s hand [hopefully her whole person] in marriage.
synecdoche
A device of repetition, in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences.
anaphora
In Modern usage, intellectually amazing language that surprises and delights. A statement that is humorous while suggesting the speaker’s verbal power in creating perceptive remarks.
wit
A type of comparison developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout the work.
extended metaphor
The non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning that may involve ideas, emotions, or attitudes.
connotations
When two words, phrases, images, or ideas are placed close together or side by side for comparison or contrast.
juxtaposition
A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule. It is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose.
satire
The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.
ambiguity
The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences
syntax
From the Greek, meaning “teaching.” These works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principals.
didactic
The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. The meaning usually deals with a moral truth or generalization about human existence. EX: “Animal Farm” by George Orwell
allegory
The ironic minimizing of fact to present something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic. It is the opposite of a hyperbole.
understatement
A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.
onomatopoeia
A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. It can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar.
analogy
An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.
pedantic
The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing which gives a work a conversational, familiar tone. These expressions in writing include local or regional dialects.
colloquialisms
A deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion
syllogism
The central idea or message of work; is the insight it offers into life.
theme
A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot answer back
apostrophe
A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contain some degree of truth or validity.
paradox
To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented - choice is not directly stated
infrence
The grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. It serves as an organizing force to attract the reader’s attention, add emphasis and organization, or provide a musical rhythm.
parallelism
A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle.
aphorism
The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. It is important to note how an author creates this.
imagery
A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule
parody
A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.
allusion
The manner of expression in words, choice of words, or wording. Choosing vocabulary carefully and precisely to communicate a message and to address an intended audience effectively.
diction
Special words associated with a specific area of knowledge or a particular profession.
jargon
A question asked only to emphasize a point, introduce a topic, or provoke thought, but not to elicit an answer.
rhetorical question
An expression that once was fresh and original, but that has lost much of its vitality through overuse. EX: “as quick as a wink”
cliche
A brief, engaging account of some happening, often historical, biographical, or personal.
anecdote
The use of language to suggest the opposite of what is stated. Used to reveal unpleasant or troublesome realities that exist in life or to poke fun at human weaknesses or foolish attitudes.
irony
Attacking an opponent’s character rather than responding to an argument.
ad hominem
A word that is used once but works two ways. EX: She tossed her hair back and the salad.
zeugma
A sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. EX: After weeks of studying for the exam and hours of lost sleep, the students were prepared to do well.
periodic sentence
A form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite. EX: “Not a bad idea;” “Not many”
litotes
Insulting, abusive, or critical language
invective
