rhetorical devices

absolute

a word free from limitations or qualifications (e.g., always, best)

asyndeton

omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence (e.g. i came, i saw, i conquered)

polysyndeton

use of many conjunctions for effect (e.g. we have ships and men and money and stores.)

anaphora

repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of clauses

epistrophe

repetition of a word or phrase at the end of clauses

chiamus

reversal of grammatical structure

antimetabole

repetition of words in reverse order (similar to chiasmus but with exact words)

synecdoche

a part representing the whole (e.g. all hands on deck)

metonymy

substitution of one word for mother it is closely associated with (e.g., the crown for monarchy)

antithesis

contrast of ideas in a parallel structure (e.g., it was the best of times, it was the worst of times)

litotes

an understatement using double negatives (e.g. not bad=not good)

euphemism

a mild or indirect word substituted for one considered harsh (e.g. passed away instead of died)

understatement

making something seem les important than it really is

jargon

specialized language of a profession/group

vernacular

everyday language spoken by ordinary people

colloquialism

informal words/phrases used in conversation

zeugma

a word applies to multiple parts of a sentence (e.g. she stole my heart and my wallet)

apostrophe

addressing an absent or imaginary person/thing (e.g. oh death, where is your sting)

allusion

reference to another work, person, or event

hypophora

a rhetorical device where the speaker asks a question and ten immediately answers it

hyperbole

exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally

idiom

a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning that can’t be understood from the literal meanings of the individual words

oxymoron

a figure of speech that combines two contradictory words or ideas in a single phrase (ex.- jumbo shrimp, deafening silence)

synesthesia

the blending of senses where a writer describes one sense in terms of another (ex.- sweet sound)

aporia

a speaker or writer expresses genuine or feigned doubt or uncertainty about how to proceed, often using rhetorical questions or statements like “I don’t know”

sarcasm

the use of irony to mock or convey contempt

tautology

the needless repetition of an idea using different words (ex.- free gift, repeat again)

syllogism

a simple , three-part logical argument where a conclusion is drawn from two given statements (ex.- All humans are mortal (major claim), Socrates is human (minor claim), therefore, Socrates is mortal (conclusion))

juxtaposition

the fact of two things ending seen or placed close together with contrasting effect

verbal irony

a figure of speech where a speaker says one thing but means the opposite, creating a contrast between the literal words and the intended meaning (ex.- saying “Lovely weather!” during a downpour)

situational irony

a literary device and plot twist where the outcome of events is the opposite of what was expected or intended (ex.- a fire station getting burned down)

dramatic irony

a storytelling tool where the audience knows crucial information that characters in the story are unaware of (ex.- knowing the Titanic will sink while passengers celebrate its “unsinkability”)

aphorism

a short, memorable phrase that expresses a general truth, principle, or observation about life, often with wit or wisdom (ex.- actions speak louder than words)

paradox

a statement or situation that seems contradictory or absurd but actually contains a deeper truth or logic when examined closely (ex.- less is more, you have to spend money to make money)

simile

figure of speech that directly compares two different things, usually using the worlds “like” or “as” to make the comparison, creating a more vivid or descriptive image

metaphor

a figure or speech that directly compares two unlike things by stating one is the other, without using “like” or “as”

foreshadowing

be a warning or indication of (a future event)

personification

a literary device where human qualities, emotions, or actions are given to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract ideas, making them seem alive to create vivid imagery

symbolism

the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities

ethos

a rhetorical or written technique that appeals to an audience or reader’s ethics/credibility (ex.- a politician highlighting their history of public service)

pathos

a quality that evokes pity or sadness

logos

a persuasive appeal to an audiences sense of logic and reasoning, using facts, statistics, evidence, and clear, rational connections between ideas

mood

the atmosphere or emotional setting authors create, influencing how the reader feels, distinct from tone, which is the author’s attitude

tone

the author’s or narrator’s attitude toward the subject, characters, or audience

colloquial register

the informal, everyday style of language used in casual conversation, characterized by slang, idioms, abbreviations, and relaxed grammar, informal and often specific to a region or group

informal register

a casual, relaxed style of speaking or writing used with friends, family, or everyday, personal communication, characterized by slang, contractions, simple sentences, personal anecdotes, and a conversational tone