Rhetorical Devices Glossary

Rhetoric

The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, esp. the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.

Ethos

An ethical appeal to convince an audience of the author's credibility or character.

Pathos

A quality that evokes pity or sadness—authors make readers feel this.

Logos

A logical appeal (an appeal to one's logic).

Oxymoron

A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.

Satire

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.

Paradox

Something that appears contradictory but is actually true.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Colloquial Language

Used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.

Diction

Word choice.

Euphemism

A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.

Denotation

The literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests.

Connotation

An idea or feeling that a word invokes in a person in addition to its literal or primary meaning.

Invective

Insulting, abusive or highly critical language.

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.

Juxtaposition

To place or deal with close together for contrasting effect.