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Flashcards of key vocabulary terms along with their definitions.
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Connotation
The secondary, implied, or suggested meaning of a word.
Denotation
The actual, literal meaning of the word.
Diction
A writer or speaker’s choice of words.
Syntax
The grammatical order in which words are placed.
Tone
The attitude the writer takes towards her subject, or in her writing.
Explicit
Directly stated, leaving no question about the meaning.
Implicit
Implied, but not directly stated; hinted at.
Infer
To deduce or conclude information based on facts or evidence—rather than being explicitly told.
Parallelism
Similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases or clauses.
Periodic sentence/structure
A sentence in which the writer builds suspense by beginning with subordinate elements and postponing the main clause.
Cumulative sentence/structure
A sentence in which the subordinate elements come at the end to call attention to them.
Balanced sentence
A sentence in which two parallel elements are set off against each other like equal weights on a scale; both parts of the sentence have the same form.
Antithesis
Opposition or contrast of words or ideas within a balanced sentence.
Inversion
The reversal of normal, grammatical word order—often for emphasis.
Analogy/analogous
A comparison of similar things—usually using something familiar to explain something unfamiliar.
Qualification (in argument or logic)
A restriction in meaning or application.
Logical Fallacies
Incorrect reasoning (often intentional) in argument.
Metaphor
Comparison not using like or as; a thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else, esp. something abstract.
Simile
Comparison using like or as.
Apostrophe
A dramatic address to someone not present.
Allusion
An indirect reference to something outside the text—usually another work of art.
Hyperbole
Obvious and intentional exaggeration—for rhetoric.
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 basis 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; The use of a part of something to represent the whole.
Alliteration
Repetition of initial sounds.
Onomatopoeia
The use of a word whose sound imitates the act or thing it names.
Objective statement
A completely unbiased statement, verifiable by looking up facts.
Subjective statement
A statement colored by the character of the speaker or writer; an opinion with bias.
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/words/concepts close together or side by side for comparison or contrast.
Deductive reasoning
Reasoning that moves from the general (rule or law) to the specific (instance).
Inductive reasoning
Reasoning that moves from the specific (instance) to the general (presumed rule or law).
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.
Analysis
The separating of material into its constituent elements and determining its essential features and their relations.
Argumentation
The act of using reasons to justify claims.
Syllogism
A logical argument in which a conclusion is inferred from two premises; a form of deductive reasoning.
Chiasmus
A rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, in the same or a modified form.
Ellipsis
Omission of one or more words for conciseness and effect.
Asyndeton
Omission of conjunction before the last item in a series.
Allegory
A story in which things and people represent something entirely other—an idea or a philosophy; typically contain within a moral or lesson.
Simple Sentence
Subject-verb.
Compound Sentence
Two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.
Complex Sentence
Independent clause and dependent clause.
Antecedent
A word, phrase, clause, or sentence, to which another word (especially a pronoun) refers.
Nostalgia
A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.
Enumeration
The listing of things; to list one thing after another in prose.
Dichotomy
A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
Hypophora
Asking a question and then answering that same question.
Rebuttal
merely a response to the counterargument, advancing your side of an issue--may not be effective, may not prove someone or something wrong.
Refutation
to use evidence to prove a counterargument is wrong--this is done in response to another argument. When a rebuttal is absolutely effective, it becomes a refutation.
Concession
Acknowledging other points of view--admitting that the opposition has a good point. This builds credibility.
Message (Rhetorical Situation Component)
The subject matter of a work of rhetoric.
Exigence (Rhetorical Situation Component)
The provocation (or reason) to make the argument or work of rhetoric. Why did the writer give this speech?
Purpose (Rhetorical Situation Component)
What writer or speaker hopes to achieve by writing or giving a speech.
Audience (Rhetorical Situation Component)
Awareness of the specific, intended audience of a work of rhetoric—awareness of the traits and perspectives of this audience.
Context (Rhetorical Situation Component)
The time, place, occasion, or other relevant contextual information about the moment of the work of rhetoric.
Writer/speaker (Rhetorical Situation Component)
Our awareness of how the writer or speaker's perceptions, or perspective, governs the text.