Rhetorical Terms Pt. 2 Flashcards
Conduplicatio
Conduplicatio is a form of repetition. It is a figure of speech in which the key word or words in one phrase, clause, or sentence is/are repeated at or near the beginning of successive sentences, clauses, or phrases.
Conceit
A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects. A conceit displays intellectual cleverness as a result of the unusual comparison being made. Usually found in poetry.
Connotation
The nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Connotations may involve ideas, emotions, or attitudes.
Denotation
The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion attitude, or color.
Diacope
repetition of a word or phrase after an intervening word or phrase: word/phrase X, . . .word/phrase X.
Diction
Diction refers to the writer’s word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.
Didactic
From the Greek, didactic literally means “teaching.” Didactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.
Double-Entendre
The double (or multiple) meanings of a group of words that the speaker or writer has purposely left ambiguous. One meaning is usually innocent and one is usually tawdry.
Ellipsis
Ellipsis is the deliberate omission of word(s) which are readily implied by the context. It is used to make sentences more economical.
Enumeratio
a figure of amplification in which a subject is divided into constituent parts or details, and may include a listing of causes, effects, problems, solutions, conditions, and consequences; the listing or detailing of the parts of something.
Epistrophe
The repetition of a group of words at the end of successive clauses.
Expletive
is a figure of emphasis in which a single word or short phrase, usually interrupting normal speech, is used to lend emphasis to the words on either side of the expletive.
Euphemism
From the Greek for “good speech,” euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The euphemism may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor or ironic understatement.
Exposition
In essays, one of the four chief types of composition, the others being argumentation, description, and narration. The purpose of exposition is to explain something. In drama, the exposition is the introductory material, which creates the tone, gives the setting, and introduces the characters and conflict.
Extended metaphor
A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout the work.
