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Rhetorical Terms

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The implied or associative meaning of a word
The dictionary definition of a word
Word choice
The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences
Phrases or sentences of a similar construction/meaning placed side by side, balancing each other
Parallel structure in which the parallel elements are similar not only in grammatical structure, but also in length
The juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas to give a feeling of balance
When a word is used with two adjacent words in the same construction, but only makes literal sense with one of them
A change from a serious subject to a disappointing one (anti-climactic)
Omitting conjunctions or connecting words
Deliberate use of many conjunctions
Stating and drawing attention to something in the act of pretending to pass over it
The repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of consecutive lines or sentences
Repetition of the final words of a sentence or line at the beginning of the next
The repetition of a group of words at the end of successive clauses
Substituting the name of one object for another object closely associated with it ("The pen [writing] is mightier than the sword [war/fighting].")
Using words that sound alike but that differ in meaning (punning).
A type of understatement in which an idea is expressed by negating its opposite
Describing one kind of sensation in terms of another
An expression in which two words that contradict each other are joined
A statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
The act of inventing a word or phrase
A mild, indirect, or vague term substituting for a harsh, blunt, or offensive term (Talking around a word)
Using more words than necessary to express an idea(Talking around an idea)
From specific to general
From general to specific
Logical truth, all 3 parts (major, minor premise and conclusion) must be true. A=B, B=C, thus A=C
"Doesn't Follow." A statement that doesn't logically follow from anything previously said.
Speed of action, dialogue, or narration
A concise statement of a truth, principle, or sentiment. (proverbs)
The elevation of a person (as to the status of a god)
A word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing
A statement consisting of two parallel parts in which the second part is structurally reversed

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