Rhetorical Analysis Vocabulary - Week 2

Understatement

where the speaker deliberately portrays the situation as less serious or important than it really is

Paradox

a seemingly contradictory assertion that may have some truth in it

Epithet

a descriptive word, phrase, or title

Euphemism

using a more polite term for a coarse or unpleasant term

Conceit

an extended metaphor - often the bias for an entire poem

Metonymy/Synecdoche

a figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another with which it is associated

Alliteration

repetition of initial sounds

Onomatopoeia

the use of a word whose sound imitates the act or thing it names

Objective Statement

completely unbiased and is not affected by the speaker’s previous experiences or tastes; verifiable by looking up facts

Subjective Statement

has been colored by the character of the speaker or writer; an opinion and is often biased

Cliché

an overused statement or idea

Satire

corrective ridicule

Parody

mocking imitation

Irony

when the literal meaning is opposite the actual meaning

Archetype

the original pattern or model of a character or idea that is frequently copied or repeated

Histrionic

deliberately dramatic or theatrical

Wry

cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous

Juxtapose/Juxtaposition

an act or instance of placing things, word, or concepts close together or side by side for comparison or contrast

Deductive Reasoing

moves from the general rule or law to the specific instance

Inductive Reasoning

moves from the specific instance to the general presumed rule or law; often faulty and leads to stereotypes and overgeneralizations

Anaphora

repetition of the initial word or phrase in a series of clauses or phrases for emphasis and rhythm

Epistrophe

the repetition of the same word or words at the end of successive phrases or clauses

Aphorism

a pithy observation that contains a general truth