Rhetorical Analysis Vocab List 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

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 associated

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 that is not affected by the speaker’s previous experiences or tastes

Subjective statement

one that has been colored by the character of the speaker or writer

Cliche

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 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 to the specific

Inductive reasoning

reasoning that moves from specific to the general

Anaphora

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