Rhetorical Terms LTMs

Question 1

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).

Answer 1

Hypophora

Question 2

The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.

Answer 2

denotation

Question 3

From the Greek for “orator,” this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.

Answer 3

rhetoric

Question 4

Describes the author’s attitude toward his material, audience, or both. Typically, easier to determine in spoken language rather than written language.

Answer 4

tone

Question 5

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”

Answer 5

metonymy

Question 6

A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. EX: “earthly remains” rather than “corpse”

Answer 6

euphemism

Question 7

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.

Answer 7

allieration

Question 8

A contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences which creates a definite and systematic relationship between ideas.

Answer 8

antithesis

Question 9

Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid.

Answer 9

figurative language

Question 10

Figure of speech in which an author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. It is typically used for added effect.

Answer 10

oxymoron

Question 11

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.

Answer 11

sarcasm

Question 12

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.

Answer 12

synecdoche

Question 13

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.

Answer 13

anaphora

Question 14

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.

Answer 14

wit

Question 15

A type of comparison developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout the work.

Answer 15

extended metaphor

Question 16

The non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning that may involve ideas, emotions, or attitudes.

Answer 16

connotations

Question 17

When two words, phrases, images, or ideas are placed close together or side by side for comparison or contrast.

Answer 17

juxtaposition

Question 18

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.

Answer 18

satire

Question 19

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

Answer 19

ambiguity

Question 20

The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences

Answer 20

syntax

Question 21

From the Greek, meaning “teaching.” These works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principals.

Answer 21

didactic

Question 22

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

Answer 22

allegory

Question 23

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.

Answer 23

understatement

Question 24

A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.

Answer 24

onomatopoeia

Question 25

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.

Answer 25

analogy

Question 26

An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.

Answer 26

pedantic

Question 27

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.

Answer 27

colloquialisms

Question 28

A deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion

Answer 28

syllogism

Question 29

The central idea or message of work; is the insight it offers into life.

Answer 29

theme

Question 30

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

Answer 30

apostrophe

Question 31

A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contain some degree of truth or validity.

Answer 31

paradox

Question 32

To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented - choice is not directly stated

Answer 32

infrence

Question 33

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.

Answer 33

parallelism

Question 34

A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle.

Answer 34

aphorism

Question 35

The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. It is important to note how an author creates this.

Answer 35

imagery

Question 36

A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule

Answer 36

parody

Question 37

A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.

Answer 37

allusion

Question 38

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.

Answer 38

diction

Question 39

Special words associated with a specific area of knowledge or a particular profession.

Answer 39

jargon

Question 40

A question asked only to emphasize a point, introduce a topic, or provoke thought, but not to elicit an answer.

Answer 40

rhetorical question

Question 41

An expression that once was fresh and original, but that has lost much of its vitality through overuse. EX: “as quick as a wink”

Answer 41

cliche

Question 42

A brief, engaging account of some happening, often historical, biographical, or personal.

Answer 42

anecdote

Question 43

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.

Answer 43

irony

Question 44

Attacking an opponent’s character rather than responding to an argument.

Answer 44

ad hominem

Question 45

A word that is used once but works two ways. EX: She tossed her hair back and the salad.

Answer 45

zeugma

Question 46

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.

Answer 46

periodic sentence

Question 47

A form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite. EX: “Not a bad idea;” “Not many”

Answer 47

litotes

Question 48

Insulting, abusive, or critical language

Answer 48

invective