Rhetorical Terms List

Diction

The writer’s choice of words, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.

Ethos

An ethical appeal wherein the writer persuades the audience to respect and believe him based on the presentation of self through the text.

Figurative Language

The opposite of literal language; any deviation from the ordinary mode of speaking or writing, including simile, metaphor, and personification.

Logos

A logical appeal that offers clear, logical and reasonable premises permitting the reader to easily follow the progression of ideas.

Pathos

An emotional appeal that often relies on figurative language and devices to engage the reader on an emotional level.

Style

The distinctive way in which the writer uses language, including vocabulary choice and use of literary devices.

Syntax

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

Abstract

Refers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images; non-sensory and general.

Adage

A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language.

Ad Hominem

An attempt to negate the truth of a claim by pointing out a negative characteristic or unrelated belief of the person supporting it.

Allegory

A story or scene in which nearly every element has symbolic meaning, organized systemically and cohesively.

Alliteration

The repetition of the initial consonant sound to give emphasis and create musical effects.

Allusion

A reference to an historical event, figure, or work of art that the author expects the reader to recognize.

Ambiguity

The multiple meanings (either intentional or unintentional) of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

Amplification

The literary practice where a writer embellishes a sentence by adding more information to increase its worth.

Anachronism

An error in chronology or timeline in a literary piece, often involving objects or events not appropriate for the time.

Anaphora

The deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a series of sentences or lines.

Anadiplosis

The repetition of the last word of the preceding clause at the beginning of the next clause.

Analogy

A comparison in which an idea or object is compared with another that is quite different, to explain a concept.

Anecdote

A short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.

Anticlimax

A turning point in the story that serves as a letdown, revealing that the story will not turn out as expected.

Antithesis

When two opposites are introduced in the same sentence for contrasting effect, balanced by word, phrase, or clause.

Aphorism

A short, often witty statement of a principle or truth about life.

Apostrophe

A direct address to an absent person, abstract idea, or non-human being as if it could understand and respond.