Chapter 12

denotative meaning

the literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase

connotative meaning

thesaurus

a book of synonyms

concrete words

words that refer to tangible objects

abstract words

words that refer to ideas or concepts

clutter

discourse that takes many more words than are necessary to express an idea

imagery

simile

cliche

metaphor

rhythm

the pattern of sound in a speech created by the choice and arrangement of words

parallelism

the similar arrangement of a pair or series of related words, phrases, or sentences

repetition

reiteration of the same word or set of words at the beginning or end of successive clauses or sentences

alliteration

repetition of the initial consonant sound of close or adjoining words

antithesis

the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, usually in parallel structure

inclusive language

generic "he

the use of "he" to refer to both women and men