Rhetoric Vocab

Anaphora

repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginnings of successive clauses.  It helps to establish a marked rhythm and often produces strong emotional effects.

Antithesis

the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, often in parallel structure.  Emphasizes dissimilarities and contraries.

Asyndeton

deliberate omission of conjunctions between a series of related clauses.  Produces a hurried rhythm in the sentence.

Polysyndeton

the opposite of asyndeton: polysyndeton is the deliberate use of many conjunctions.  Suggests flow or continuity in some instances, special emphasis in others.

Alliteration

repetition of initial or medial consonants or vowels in two or more adjacent words. Contributes to sound of verse; sometimes used for humorous effect.

Epistrophe

repetition of the same word or group of words at the ends of successive clauses.  Sets up a pronounced rhythm and secures a special emphasis.

Anadiplosis

repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the following clause.

Hyperbole

The use of exaggerated terms for the purpose of emphasis or heightened effect.  Hyperbole can be a serviceable figure of speech if we learn to use it with restraint and for a calculated effect.  Under the stress of emotion, it will slip out naturally and seem appropriate. Original and unique hyperboles will produce the right note of emphasis.

Parallelism

similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases or clauses.  Emphasizes similarities and connections.

Parenthesis

insertion of some verbal unit in a position that interrupts the normal syntactical flow of the sentence.  Allows the author’s voice to be heard commenting or editorializing, thereby charging the statement with emotion.

Rhetorical Question

asking a question, not for the purpose of eliciting an answer but for the purpose of asserting or denying something obliquely. Rhetorical questions can be an effective persuasive device, subtly influencing the kind of response one wants to get from an audience, and are often more effective as a persuasive device than is a direct assertion.

Ethos

The appeal to the character, ethics, or credibility of the speaker or writer.

Pathos

The appeal to the audience's emotions.

Logos

The appeal to logic and reason.

Exigence

The urgent problem, imperfection, or situation that prompts a writer to create a text, serving as the "ignition" or driving force behind the discourse.