Literary and Rhetorical Terms Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining rhetorical terms, sentence structures, and language concepts based directly on the lecture notes.

asyndeton

Leaving out conjunctions (like "and" or "but") between words or phrases to speed up the writing. For example: "Veni, vedi, vici" (I came, I saw, I conquered).

atmosphere

The overall mood or feeling created in a piece of writing by the setting, descriptions, and weather. Ex: Thunder cracked in the background as he approached the house.

audience

The people who read, listen to, or experience a text and can respond to it.

bias

A personal belief, opinion, or prejudice that stops someone from being fair or neutral.

chiasmus

A phrase where the second half reverses the order of the words from the first half. Ex: "He thinks I am but a fool.. fool, perhaps I am."

claim

A statement presented as a fact, even if it isn't backed up by evidence.

classification

Grouping items together or breaking something down into parts to analyze it.

clause

A group of words with a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot.

cliché

An overused phrase or expression that has lost its originality. "like the plague"

coherence

Arranging words, sentences, and paragraphs logically so the writing is easy to clear and understand.

colloquial/colloquialism

Informal, casual language or regional slang used in everyday speech or writing.

complex sentence

A sentence made of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Ex: I was short with him because I was running late.

compound sentence

A sentence containing two or more independent clauses joined together. Ex: I really need to go to work but I am too sick to drive.

compound complex sentence

A sentence with two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Ex: The dog ran off when I chased him, but I didn't care.

conceit

An extended, clever comparison between two completely different things. Ex: Marriage is like getting a root canal.

conclusion

The end of an essay or paragraph that ties together the main points rather than just repeating the thesis.

conjunction

A word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses (such as coordinating, correlative, or subordinating conjunctions). (ex: for, and, nor) (ex: either/or, neither/nor) (ex: after, although, if, since)

connotation

The implied, emotional, or secondary meaning of a word beyond its literal definition.

context

The surrounding circumstances, setting, or background that help explain the meaning of an event, text, or word. For example, a word in context refers to the meaning of the word in a particular sentence, paragraph, or text.

controlling idea

The central theme or main point that connects all parts of a text together.

critique

An evaluation or analysis of a piece of writing to determine its quality, strengths, and limits.

deductive reasoning

Starting with a general rule or theory and applying it to reach a specific conclusion. Ex: Monkeys like bananas. Lucy is a monkey. Means Lucy likes bananas.

definition

Explaining the exact meaning or nature of a word, thing, or concept. When Nancy Mairs discusses "being a cripple," she is using a label others try not to use, and she redefines what it means.

denotation

The exact, literal dictionary definition of a word without any emotional context.

description

Using sensory details (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell) to paint a vivid picture for the reader. "At one point his words slid together to form one word sounds as confused as the threads of blue and green oil in the puddle next to my shoes."

dialect

A form of language or accent specific to a particular region, group, or social class. For example, Minnesotans say "you betcha" when they agree with you, and Georgians might say "y'all" when speaking to a group.

diction

The author's specific choice of words to set the tone, style, and clarity of their writing.

didactic

Text or speech intended primarily to teach or instruct, especially regarding moral principles.

discourse

A formal, detailed speech or writing on a topic, or the general exchange of ideas/language.

division

Separating a whole topic into smaller individual parts for closer examination. Ex: Newspaper divided into news, advertisements, classifieds, etc.