25 Rhetorical Devices

From that summer assignment

Allusion

Reference to a famous piece of art, history, literature, or life

Antithesis

Two contrasting ideas that are introduced together

Analogy

Compares two different things and points out something similar between them

Allegory

A visual representation/image that represents a hidden meaning

Simile

Figurative language that compares two things using “like” or “as”

Metaphor

Figurative language that compares two things without using “like” or “as”

Logos

Device that appeals to the logic of the subject

Ethos

Device that appeals to the speaker’s character

Anecdote

A short story about a person or incident

Fallacy

A flaw in how an argument is introduced and is invalid even if it sounds convincing

Hyperbole

An exaggeration of something

Irony

Saying the opposite of what is meant

Juxtaposition

The placement of two contrasting elements close together to emphasize their differences

Refrain

Phrase usually repeated in a story or a poem, typically the last stanza/sentence

Sarcasm

A form of verbal irony where someone says the opposite of what they mean, often in a mocking or contemptuous manner

Satire

The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society as a whole

Enthymeme

The conclusion of a subject is left unsaid to keep the audience guessing and for them to infer what happens and fill in the gaps

Apposition

Two nouns that are related in identifying something

Euphomism

A less blunt phrase to replace an unpleasant one

Persona

A voice/personality used by a speaker to express their thoughts

Paradox

Statement that sounds absurd but has a deeper meaning and to emphasize an underlying truth

Metanomy

Concept that is referred by something associated with it

Pathos

Deice that appeals to connect with the audience

Parallelism

Sentence using multiple clauses/phrases that match

Syllogism

Argument with two premises to draw a conclusion