Rhetorical Terms: Sentence Variation and Figures of Speech 21-30

Euphemism

polite, indirect expressions that replace words and phrases considered harsh and impolite, or which suggest something unpleasant

You are becoming a little thin on top (bald).

Example of \_________

Euphemism

Epiphora

a word or a phrase is repeated at the ends of successive clauses (could be in one sentence or multiple sentences).

I am an American, he is an American, and everybody here is an American.

Example of \_________

Epiphora

Formal diction

Contains language that creates an elevated tone.

Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter: therefore, ye soft pipes, play on


Example of \__________________

formal diction

Hyperbole

exaggeration for emphasis or for rhetorical effect.

My vegetable love should grow
vaster than empires, and more slow.

Example of \_____________________________

Hyperbole

Hypophora

a figure of speech in which the speaker poses a question and then answers the question.

What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured." - Kurt Vonnegut

Example of \____________

Hypophora

Idiom

a set expression or phrase, the phrase is understood to mean something quite different from what individual words of the phrase would imply

If we play our cards right, we may be able to find out when those whales are being released.

Example of an \_____

Idiom

Imagery

the use of particular words that create visual representation of ideas in our minds by appealing to the five senses

The wild gusts of cold wind pierced her body

Example of \_______

Imagery

Invective

insulting, abusive, or highly critical language

I cannot but conclude the bulk of your natives to be the most pernicious race of little odious vermin that nature ever suffered to crawl upon the surface of the earth.

Example of an \____________________

Invective

Inverted syntax

a change in the pattern of words in the formation of a sentence

Wept the bird, in the golden cage

Example of an \_____________

Inverted Syntax

Jargon

the use of specific phrases and words in a particular situation, profession, or trade

Musical jargon:

Allegro - Cheerful or brisk tempo.
Coda - Ending section of music.
Piano vs. forte- Quiet vs. loud.

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Example of _______

Jargon