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 |
Rhetorical Terms
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