Rhetorical & Literary Devices – Lecture Vocabulary

67 vocabulary flashcards covering rhetorical and literary terms from the lecture.

Ad hominem argument

An argument that attacks an individual’s character rather than the position held.

Allusion

A reference to something literary, mythological, or historical the author assumes the reader will recognize.

Analogy

A comparison of two different things that are similar in some way.

Anaphora

Repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses.

Anecdote

A brief narrative focusing on a particular incident or event.

Antithesis

A statement in which two opposing ideas are balanced.

Balanced sentence

A sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast.

Cliché

An overused expression whose freshness has worn off.

Climax (rhetorical)

Arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in order of increasing importance, often with parallel structure.

Colloquialism

Informal words or expressions not usually acceptable in formal writing.

Complex sentence

A sentence containing one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Compound sentence

A sentence with two or more coordinate independent clauses, often joined by conjunctions.

Compound-complex sentence

A sentence with two or more principal clauses and one or more subordinate clauses.

Concrete details

Details that relate to or describe actual, specific things or events.

Connotation

The implied or associative meaning of a word.

Cumulative (loose) sentence

A sentence whose main independent clause is elaborated by successive modifying phrases or clauses.

Declarative sentence

A sentence that makes a statement or declaration.

Deductive reasoning

Reasoning that applies a general principle to reach a specific conclusion.

Denotation

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word.

Dialect

A variety of speech with its own grammar or pronunciation, often regional.

Diction

The word choices made by a writer.

Ellipsis

The omission of a word or phrase that is grammatically necessary but understood from context.

Ethos

The persuasive appeal of one’s character or credibility.

Euphemism

An indirect, less offensive way of stating something unpleasant.

Exclamatory sentence

A sentence expressing strong feeling, ending with an exclamation mark.

Exigence

The reason or occasion that prompts a writer to write or a speaker to speak.

Figurative language

Language employing one or more figures of speech.

Hyperbole

Intentional exaggeration for effect.

Idiom

An expression whose meaning is not deducible from the literal words; often regional.

Imagery

Language that creates vivid sensory impressions.

Imperative sentence

A sentence that issues a command.

Implication

A suggestion made without being stated directly; the author implies, the reader infers.

Inductive reasoning

Deriving general principles from particular facts or instances.

Inference

A conclusion drawn from evidence or premises.

Interrogative sentence

A sentence that asks a question.

Irony

Use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning or an incongruity between expectation and reality.

Jargon

Specialized language of a particular group or profession.

Juxtaposition

Placing two elements side by side to present comparison or contrast.

Logos

Persuasive appeal to reason or logic.

Maxim

A concise statement offering advice; an adage.

Metaphor

A direct comparison of two different things.

Mood

The emotional atmosphere of a work.

Motif

A standard theme, element, or situation that recurs in various works.

Non sequitur

A conclusion that does not logically follow from the premises.

Paradox

An apparently contradictory statement that actually contains some truth.

Parallelism

Use of corresponding grammatical or syntactical forms.

Parody

A humorous imitation of a serious work.

Parenthetical

A comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain.

Pathos

The quality in a work that evokes pity or emotion.

Pedantic

Characterized by an excessive display of learning or scholarship.

Personification

Endowing non-human objects or creatures with human qualities.

Rhetoric

The art of presenting ideas in a clear, effective, and persuasive manner.

Rhetorical question

A question asked for effect, not requiring an answer.

Rhetorical devices

Literary techniques used to heighten the effectiveness of expression.

Sarcasm

Harsh, cutting language or tone intended to ridicule.

Satire

Humor used to emphasize human weaknesses or societal flaws.

Simile

A comparison using "like," "as," or similar words.

Simple sentence

A sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause.

Structure

The arrangement or framework of a sentence, paragraph, or entire work.

Style

The combination of distinctive features and choices a writer makes.

Syntax

The manner in which words are arranged into sentences.

Theme

The central idea of a work.

Thesis

The primary position taken by a writer or speaker.

Tone

The writer’s attitude toward the subject or audience, usually implied.

Trope

An artful deviation from the ordinary meaning of a word; a figurative use such as metaphor or hyperbole.

Understatement

Deliberate representation of something as less significant than it is.

Vernacular

The everyday speech of a particular country or region, often nonstandard.