Literary Devices

ALA devices

alliteration

The repetition of the same sounds, usually consonants, at the beginning of words or stressed syllables. It is used to create a musical effect and emphasize certain words or ideas.
Wild and woolly, threatening throngs

apophasis

A rhetorical device that involves mentioning something by stating that it will not be mentioned, often used to draw attention to a topic while seeming to dismiss it.
We won't discuss his past crimes

anadiplosis

A rhetorical device that involves the repetition of the last word or phrase from one clause or sentence at the beginning of the next. It enhances the flow of an argument or idea.
Rely on his honour — honour such as his?

aporia

A rhetorical device characterized by the speaker's expression of doubt or uncertainty about an idea, often used to engage the audience in contemplation of the topic.
To be, or not to be: that is the question.

analepsis

A literary device involving a flashback or a return to an earlier event in the narrative, often used to provide context or background information.

cacophony

A literary device that uses harsh, discordant sounds to create an effect, often to convey chaos or tension in the narrative.

anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, often used to create emphasis or rhythm.
We cannot surrender—we cannot stop

chiasmus

A rhetorical device in which words or concepts are repeated in reverse order, creating a mirror effect within phrases or sentences, often to highlight contrast or enhance meaning. Chiasmus is often used to emphasize a particular point or idea in literature.
Working hard, or hardly working?

antanaclasis

A rhetorical device involving the repetition of a word or phrase, but with different meanings each time. It often creates a play on words, adding humor or irony to the text.
If you are wasted, you’ve wasted a day

dysphemism

A derogatory or unpleasant term used instead of a more neutral or positive one, often to convey disrespect or negativity.
Worm food or six feet under to describe death

antiphrasis

A figure of speech that uses a word or phrase in a way that is opposite to its literal meaning, often for ironic effect.
This giant of 3 feet 4 inches

epistrophe

The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences, creating a rhetorical effect.
Of the people, by the people, for the people

euphemism

A mild or indirect word or phrase used to replace one that may be considered harsh or blunt, often to soften the impact of the subject.
Number two; big boned

epizeuxis

A rhetorical device that involves the repetition of a word or phrase in immediate succession, emphasizing a particular idea or emotion.
Attack! Attack! Attack!

hyperbole

An exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or dramatic effect.
mile-high ice-cream cones

oxymoron

A combination of contradictory words, creating a paradoxical effect.
Cruel kindness

hypophora

A rhetorical device in which a speaker poses a question and then immediately answers it, guiding the audience's thoughts.
Can we trust Meta to change? No.

pleonasm

The use of more words than necessary to convey an idea, often involving redundancy.
I saw it with my own eyes

litotes

A figure of speech that employs an understatement by using double negatives or, in other words, affirming something by negating its opposite.
He’s not unattractive

simile

A figure of speech that compares two different things using the words "like" or "as" to highlight similarities.
Cheeks like roses

Meiosis / understatement

A figure of speech that intentionally presents something as less significant than it is, often for humorous or ironic effect.
Across the ditch

metaphor

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is directly replaceable by another irrelevant word or phrase without being literally true

Drowning in money

synecdoche

A figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole or vice versa, often used to create vivid imagery in language. He showed off his new wheels to indicate a car

metonymy

A figure of speech where something is named after one of its components

Calling a business executive a suit