Figures of Speech and Rhetorical Devices

Epiplexis

a rhetorical device where a speaker asks a question not to elicit an answer, but to reproach or express a sense of grief or insult. Ex. "How could you do such a thing?"

Isocolon

a rhetorical device where two or more phrases or clauses of similar length and structure are used in a sentence or passage. Ex. Buy one, get one free

bicolon

a rhetorical device where two parallel lines or clauses are paired together, often in poetry or prose.

tricolon

a rhetorical device where three similar words, phrases, or clauses are used in succession.

tetracolon

a rhetorical device where a sentence or passage is structured with four parallel clauses or phrases.

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. Two phrases of clauses were grammatically in reverse order. (She went to the church to the bar went he.This arrangement emphasizes contrasting ideas or creates a memorable rhythm, often used to create statement balance.

Antimetabole

1. a rhetorical device where words or phrases are repeated in reverse order in two adjacent clauses, creating a mirroring effect and often emphasizing a contrast or paradox. (Exact Wording in Reverse)

Ex. Fair is foul, and foul is fair

Diatyposis

a form of speech where an orator or speaker presents rules, precepts, or guidelines for their audience or for posterity. (A commandment)

Ex. A good teacher teaches a student how to learn effectively

Zeugma

where a single word governs two or more other words in a sentence, sometimes creating a humorous or surprising effect. Ex. "She opened the door and her mind."

Synathroesmus

a rhetorical term that refers to the piling up or accumulation of many words, often adjectives, to emphasize a description or create a heightened emotional effect. Ex. That worthless, dirty, rotten, good-for-nothing, thieving, mother-loving SOB!

Erotesis

Erotesis refers to a rhetorical question, a question asked not for the purpose of seeking an answer, but rather to emphasize a point or create a desired effect. Ex. Are we going to stand by and let this happen?

Dehortatio

someone dissuades someone else from doing something, usually with a sense of authority or warning. Ex. A parent warning a child about the dangers of playing near a busy street.

Epizeuxis

a rhetorical device characterized by the repetition of a word or phrase in quick succession, often without any intervening words, to emphasize a point or create a strong emotional impact. Ex. "Threaten me all you want, I won't do it. I won't! I won't! I won't!"

Hypophora

a rhetorical device where a speaker or writer asks a question and then immediately answers it. Ex. "What did I tell you? No shoes in the house."

Polyptoton

a rhetorical device where a word is repeated in a sentence, but in different forms or grammatical cases.

Ex: Please Please Me

Epanalepsis

Epanalepsis is a rhetorical device where the beginning of a phrase or clause is repeated at the end. This technique emphasizes a particular idea or word, creating a memorable impact.

Example: .Nothing is worse than doing nothing

Antithesis

a rhetorical device that uses parallel grammatical structures to contrast opposing ideas. Ex. one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.

Metonymy

1. substituting for a word that is associated with it.

• White House - the government

synecdoche

1. Using a part to represent the whole

• Look at my wheel