Rhetorical Terms

Denotation

the explicit or direct meaning or set of meanings of a word or expression, as distinguished from the ideas or meanings associated with it or suggested by it

Connotation

the associated or secondary meaning of a word or expression in addition to its explicit or primary meaning

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language; sentence structure

Imagery

Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste); the sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions

Hyperbole

obvious and intentional exaggeration;
an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally

Understatement

the act or an instance of understating, or representing in a weak or restrained way that is not borne out by the facts; a statement that says less than what is meant

Simile

A comparison of two unlike things using like or as

Metaphor

a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance; a comparison without using like or as

Style

the choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work

Diction

A writer's or speaker's choice of words; speaking or writing as dependent upon choice of words

Extended metaphor

a metaphor introduced and then further developed throughout all or part of a literary work, especially a poem

Symbolism

A person, place or object which has a meaning in itself but suggests other meanings as well

Personification

the attribution of human nature or character to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract notions, especially as a rhetorical figure

Metonymy

a figure of speech that consists of the use of the name of one object or concept for that of another to which it is related, or of which it is a part; where a word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated

Synecdoche

a figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole or the whole for a part, the special for the general or the general for the special

Oxymoron

a figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect.

Paradox

A statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth

Rhetorical question

a question asked solely to produce an effect or to make an assertion of affirmation or denial and not to elicit a reply

bombast

speech too pompous for an occasion; pretentious words; impressive but meaningless language

Pun

the humorous use of a word or phrase so as to emphasize or suggest its different meanings or applications, or the use of words that are alike or nearly alike in sound but different in meaning; a play on words

Aphorism

a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation; a brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.

Irony

the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning

Verbal Irony

irony in which a person says or writes one thing and means another, or uses words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning

Situational Irony

irony involving a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome is contrary to what was expected