Rhetorical Devices

Abstract

Language that refers to concepts/ideas rather than physcical things/places

Anecdote

Quck story; used to make a point

Antithesis

Presentation of 2 contrasting images, with ideas structurally balanced

Aphorism

Short observation or statement that contains a general truth/belief

Colloquialism

Words or phrases often used in informal settings rather than formal

Concrete language

Language referring to physical things, people or places (opp. of abstract)

Connotation

The implied meaning of a word based on associations we make with it on our minds

Diction

Word choices

Pathos (Emotional Appeal)

Persuade through emotions

Euphemism

Metaphors used to describe things that dont sound pleasent

Hyperbole

Exaggeration

Inference

A conclusion based on supporting details

jargon

Words that are very specific to a certain field of study

logical appeal (logos)

Attempt to persuade using logic, statistics, sound reasoning

Mood

Emotional attitude of a work

Paradox

Contradicts itself, but has a deeper meaning

Parody

Copying something in a funny way to make fun of it

Satire

using humor to criticize a problem or to make a point

syllogism

Form of reasoning where a conclusion is drawn

Theme

Central message

Tone

Attitude of an author towards the characters

Understatement

Making something seem less important than it is / opposite of exaggeration

Pedantic

overly focused on small details

Anaphora

Repetition of a word, phrase, or cause at beginning of two or more sentences of clauses in a row