Rhetorical Devices Vocabulary

Hyperbole

involves exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally; used to create a strong impression and add emphasis

Understatement

when a speaker intentionally makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is; often involves the use of irony or a dry tone

Antithesis

contrasts two opposing ideas in a parallel structure; used to highlight the difference between the two ideas and create a stark contrast

Rhetorical Question

a question that is asked not to get an answer, but to make a point or to persuade; used to provoke thought or emphasize a point rather than elicit a response

Hypophora

when a speaker asks a question and then immediately answers it; used to engage the audience and introduce new information or ideas

Procatalepsis

when a speaker or writer raises an objection to their own argument and then immediately answers it; used to preemptively address potential counterarguments

Distinctio

where a speaker or writer explicitly defines or elaborates on the meaning of a word or phrase to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity

Simile

compares two different things using the words "like" or "as" to highlight similarities between them; used to create vivid imagery and make descriptions more relatable

Metaphor

directly compares two unlike things by stating one thing is another; used to create more vivid and imaginative descriptions

Analogy

compares two different things to highlight some form of similarity between them; often used to explain or clarify a concept by relating it to something more familiar

Allusion

compares two different things to highlight some form of similarity between them, often used to explain or clarify a concept by relating it to something more familiar

Maxim/Aphorism

a concise, memorable statement of a general truth, principle, or rule of conduct used to convey wisdom or advice in a succinct manner

Anecdote

a short, interesting, or amusing story about a real incident or person often used to illustrate or support a point in a more engaging way

Parallelism

involves using similar grammatical structures or patterns of words to create a sense of balance and rhythm in writing or speech; used to emphasize ideas and make them more memorable

Anaphora

when a word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences; used to create emphasis and rhythm

Qualification

involves adding additional information or context to a statement to modify or limit its meaning; helps make statements more precise, balanced, and nuanced

Metonymy/Synecdoche

when one term is substituted for another term with which it is closely associated; used to create a more vivid or evocative image by replacing a concept with something related to it

Chiasmus

when two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures; used to create a special artistic effect and highlight the contrast between the clauses

Epithet

a descriptive term or phrase that expresses a characteristic of the person or thing mentioned; often used to highlight a prominent attribute or quality.