Rhetorical Devices

Ad Hominem

An argument based on the failings of an adversary rather than on the merits of a case; a logical fallacy that involves a personal attack

Allegory

Extending a metaphor so that objects, persons, and actions in a text are equated with meanings that lie outside the text

Alliteration

The repetition of an initial consonant sound

Allusion

A brief, usually indirect reference to a person, place, or event--real or fictional

Ambiguity

A quality of language where a word, phrase, or sentence can be interpreted in two or more ways, often unintentionally leading to confusion but sometimes used intentionally to create depth, mystery, or persuasive layers

Analogy

A comparison between two things that explains a concept by highlighting their similarities to make it more understandable or to support and argument

Anaphora

The repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses

Antithesis

The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases

Aphorism

(1) A tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion. (2) A brief statement of a principle

Appeal to Authority

A fallacy in which a speaker or writer seeks to persuade not by giving evidence but by appealing to the respect people have for a famous person or institution

Assonance

The identity or similarity in sound between internal vowels in neighboring words

Asyndeton

The omission of conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses

Connotation

The emotional implications and associations that a word may carry

Denotation

The direct or dictionary meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings

Diction

(1) The choice and use of words in speech or writing. (2) A way of speaking, usually assessed in terms of prevailing standards of pronunciation and elocution

Epiphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of several clauses to create emphasis and rhythm; a powerful device used in speeches, poetry, and advertising to highlight a concept, make lines memorable, and compel action

Ethos

A persuasive appeal based on the projected character of the speaker or narrator

Fallacy

An error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid

Hasty Generalization

A fallacy in which a conclusion is not logically justified by sufficient or unbiased evidence; the overgeneralization leads to faulty reasoning that can undermine the speaker's credibility

Hyperbole

A figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect; an extravagant statement

Imagery

Vivid descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the senses

Jargon

The specialized language of a professional, occupational, or other group, often meaningless to outsiders

Juxtaposition

Placing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas close together or side-by-side, especially for comparison or contrast

Logos

Employs logical reasoning, combining a clear idea (or multiple ideas) with well-thought-out and appropriate examples and details. These supports are logically presented and rationally reach the writer's conclusion

Loose Sentence

A sentence structure in which a main clause is followed by subordinate phrases and clauses to create a natural, conversational tone. Contrast with periodic sentence

Paradox

A statement that appears to contradict itself

Parallelism

The similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses

Parody

A literary or artistic work that imitates the characteristic style of an author or a work for comic effect or ridicule

Pathos

The means of persuasion that appeals to the audience's emotions

Refutation

The part of an argument wherein a speaker or writer anticipates and counters opposing points of view

Repetition

An instance of using a word, phrase, or clause more than once in a short passage--dwelling on a point

Rhetorical Question

A question asked merely for effect with no answer expected

Satire

A text or performance that uses irony, derision, or wit to expose or attack a human vice, foolishness, or stupidity

Style

Narrowly interpreted as those figures that ornament speech or writing; broadly, as representing a manifestation of the person speaking or writing

Syllogism

A form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion

Syntax

(1) The study of the rules that govern the way words combine to form phrases, clauses, and sentences. (2) The arrangement of words in a sentence

Thesis

The main idea of an essay or report, often written as a single declarative sentence

Tone

A writer's attitude toward the subject and audience; primarily conveyed through diction, point of view, syntax, and level of formality

Understatement

A figure of speech in which a writer deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is

Zeugma

The use of a word to modify or govern two or more words although its use maybe grammatically or logically correct with only one