abstraction
a concept or idea without a specific example; idealized generalizations
abstract noun
ideas or things that can mean many things to many people, such as peace, honor, etc.
analogy
compares two things that are similar in several respects in order to prove a point or clarify an idea.
antecedent
that which comes before; the antecedent of a pronoun is the noun to which the pronoun refers.
antithesis
the opposite of an idea used to emphasize a point; the juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas. Hope is the antithesis of despair.
catalog (list)
a list of details that reinforces a concept. Inductive arguments build to a conclusion based on the collective impression of lists (facts, observations).
circumlocution
to write around a subject; to write evasively; to say nothing.
double entendre
a phrase or saying that has two meanings, one generally being sexual or provocative in nature.
ethos
A Greek term referring to the character of a person; one of Aristotle's three rhetorical appeals
euphemism
a kinder, gentler, less crude or harsh word or phrase to replace one that seems imprudent to use in a particular situation; also a word or phrase that dilutes the meaning of or evades responsibility for a more precise word or phrase.
hyperbole
A figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor
juxtapose (juxtaposition)
to place side by side in order to show similarities or differences. The placement often reveals irony.
list
a list of details that reinforces a concept. Inductive arguments build to a conclusion based on the collective impression of lists (facts, observations).
oxymoron
a figure of speech in which two contradictory elements are combined for effect.
paradox
the juxtaposition of incongruous or conflicting ideas that reveals a truth or insight.
parallel structure
the repetition of phrases, clauses, or sentences that have the same grammatical structure
parody
a humorous imitation of an original text meant to ridicule; used as a technique in satire.
pathos
the quality in literature that appeals to the audience's emotion.
repetition
any of a variety of devices that emphasize through repetition.
Ex. Anaphora - repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences.
rhetoric
From the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.
rhetorical strategy
various strategies and appeals that writers use to persuade.
satire (satirize)
a type of literature (or a rhetorical strategy) that exposes idiocy, corruption, or other human folly through humor, exaggeration, and irony.
understatement
saying less than is warranted by the situation in order to emphasize reality.
verb phrase
the verb and its object and modifiers.
vernacular
the ordinary, everyday speech of a region.
Basic Rhetorical Strategies
needs, sense of tradition, ethics, emotions, logic and reason, authority, accepted values
Stylistic Devices Effective Writers Use
evocative or emotive language; lists of relevant details; figurative language, especially to get readers o see things in a fresh way; imagery, appeals to senses and draws readers in to the text; repetition, used for emphasis; parallel structure, used for
Forms of Rhetoric
cause and effect; problem and solution; narrative; descriptive; definition; humor; satire