Ap lang rhetorical terms

analogy

A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. It can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. They can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.

connotation

The nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. May involve ideas, emotions, or attitudes.

denotation

The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion attitude, or color

diction

Related to style, it refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness. For the AP exam, you should be able to describe an author's use (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain) and understand the ways in which it can complement the author's purpose. ___, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., creates an author's style.

euphemism

From the Greek for "good speech," they are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The use may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor or ironic understatement. Ex. Saying "earthly remains" rather than "corpse" is an example

homily

This term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.

hyperbole

A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. They often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often, it produces irony.

juxtaposition

When two words, phrases, images, ideas are placed close together or side by side for comparison or contrast.

metonymy

A term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name." It is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. A news release that claims "the White House declared" rather that "the President declared" is using the device. The substituted term generally carries a more potent emotional response.

syllogism

From the Greek for "reckoning together," a ___ (or ____- reasoning or ____ logic) is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises (the first one called "major" and the second, "minor") that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion. A frequently cited example proceeds as follows:

Major premise: All men are mortal

Minor premise: Socrates is a man.

Conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is mortal. A conclusion is valid only if each of the two premises is valid. They may also present the specific idea first ("Socrates") and the general second ("All men")

tone

Similar to mood, it describes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both. It is easier to determine in spoken language than in written language. Considering how a work would sound if it were read aloud can help in identifying an author's use. Some words describing it are playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, ornate, sardonic, and somber.

Allusion

A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.

Anaphora

One of the devices of repetition, in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences.

Anecdote

A short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person.

Antithesis

Figure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure; a contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences.

Asyndeton

Consists of omitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses. This can give the effect of unpremeditated multiplicity, of an extemporaneous rather than a labored account.

Chiasmus

A figure of speech in which two successive phrases or clauses are parallel in syntax, but reverse the order of the analogous words.

Enumeratio

Figure of amplification in which a subject is divided into constituent parts or details, and may include a listing of causes, effects, problems, solutions, conditions, and consequences; the listing or detailing of the parts of something.

Hypophora

Figure of reasoning in which one or more questions is/are asked and then answered, often at length, by one and the same speaker; raising and responding to one's own question(s).

Irony

The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant. The difference between what appears to be and what actually is true.

Litotes

A figure of thought in which a point is affirmed by negating its opposite. It is a special form of understatement, where the surface denial serves, through ironic contrast, to reinforce the underlying assertion.

Personification

A figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.

Synecdoche

A type of metaphor in which the part stands for the whole, the whole for a part, the genus for the species, the species for the genus, the material for the thing made, or in short, any portion, section, or main quality for the whole or the thing itself (or vice versa).

Syntax

The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.