Rhetorical and Literary Devices

A complete list of vocabulary flashcards defining key rhetorical and literary devices based on the provided study guide.

Allusion

An indirect reference to a mythological, historical or literary person, place, thing or event with which the reader is assumed to be familiar.

Analogy

Compares two different things by identifying points of similarity. Usually identifies several points of similarity and is created for the purpose of conceptual clarity.

Anecdote and Observations

An anecdote is a brief story that focuses on a single episode or event in a person's life and that is used to illustrate a particular point or eyewitness accounts.

Aphorism (also called a Maxim)

A brief statement, usually one sentence long that expresses a general principle or truth about life.

Chiasmus

A grammatical figure by which the order of words in one or two parallel clauses is inverted in the other.

Concession

An acknowledgement of objections the audience may have to the argument, and pointing out the error in the objections.

Connotation

The emotional response evoked by a word.

Denotation

The dictionary definition of a word.

Diction

A writer's choice of words. This includes both vocabulary and syntax (arrangement of the words).

Euphemism

Substitution of an agreeable or at least non-offensive expression for one whose plainer meaning might be harsh or unpleasant.

Expert testimony

Offers insights from an authority on a topic.

Facts: Statistics, Data, tests, & experiments

Offers concrete numbers and/or information about a topic.

Figurative Language

The understood meaning of a phrase using Simile, Metaphor, Hyperbole, Personification, Figure of speech, Litote (Understatement).

Flattery

Using excessive, untrue, or insincere praise in attempt to ingratiate oneself with the audience, and therefore make them more likely to accept your opinion.

Hyperbole

Exaggeration for emphasis or for rhetorical effect.

Irony

A method of humorous or sarcastic expression in which the intended meaning of the words is opposite of their usual meaning.

Metonym

Using a part to name the whole, or using the name of one thing for that of another associated with it.

Metaphor

Comparing two things by saying they are the same.

Oxymoron

Words in a sentence or phrase that seem to contradict one another.

Paradox

A statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

Parallelism

Refers to repetition in grammatical structure. When used as a rhetorical device, parallelism expresses two or more ideas of equal worth using the same grammatical form.

Personification

Giving something that is not human, humanlike characteristics.

Predictions/Scenarios

Plausible descriptions of how the future may develop.

Rhetorical Question

A question that does not expect an answer. Designed to cause the reader to concur with the writer.

Open Question

Designed to cause the reader to ponder possibilities, connections and draw conclusions.

Connotative Language

Diction (charged words) that helps to establish the writer's tone.

Simile

Comparing two things by saying they are similar using "like" or "as".

Symbols

A symbol is a person, place, or object that has a concrete meaning in itself and also stands for something beyond itself, a deeper idea or feeling.

Repetition

Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.

Onomatopoeia

Sound Words.

Alliteration

Repetition of the initial consonant sounds of several words in sequence.

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or group of words in successive clauses.

Rhyme

Correspondence of end sounds of words.

Tone

Through diction, the author implies his or her attitude toward the subject (sarcasm, anger, approval, etc.).