Rhetoric Devices Flashcards

Question

What is Symploce (Adjunct)?

Answer 1

sim'-plo-see or sim'-plo-kee from Gk. sym, "together" and plekein "to weave" Also sp. symploche, symploke adjunct, circulo rhetorica, conplexio the figure of reply The combination of anaphora and epistrophe: beginning a series of lines, clauses, or sentences with the same word or phrase while simultaneously repeating a different word or phrase at the end of each element in this series. Examples: "Against yourself you are calling him, against the laws you are calling him, against the democratic constitution you are calling him" —Aeschines

Answer 2

ep-i-zoog'-ma from Gk. epi, "upon" and zeugma, "a yoking" ("joined at the top") epizeugmenon adjunctio Placing the verb that holds together the entire sentence (made up of multiple parts that depend upon that verb) either at the very beginning or the very ending of that sentence. Examples: epizeugma at the beginning: "Fades beauty with disease or age" epizeugma at the ending: "Either with disease or age beauty fades"

Answer 3

pa-rain'-e-sis Gk. parainesis “exhortation, recommendation” admonitio, sapienta A warning of impending evil.

Answer 4

zoog'-ma Gk. "a yoking" adnexio, iunctio single supply A general term describing when one part of speech (most often the main verb, but sometimes a noun) governs two or more other parts of a sentence (often in a series). Zeugma is sometimes used simply as a synonym for syllepsis, though that term is better understood as a more specific kind of zeugma: when there is disparity in the way that the parallel members relate to the governing word (as a vice or for comic effect). Zeugma comprises several more specialized terms, all of which employ ellipsis and parallelism (among the governed members of the sentence). The zeugma figures are of two types: those in which the governing word is the main verb (in which case these are subsequently categorized according to the position of that governing verb), and those in which the governing word is another part of speech (usually the subject noun). Zeugma figures: Position of Governing Verb: - prozeugma (beginning position) - hypozeugma (ending position) - epizeugma (beginning or ending position) - mesozeugma or synzeugma (middle position) Zeugma figures: Governing Noun: - diazeugma A single subject governs several verbs or verbal constructions - hypozeuxis Every clause (in a series of parallel clauses) has its own (different) verb Examples: As Virgil guided Dante through Inferno, the Sibyl Aeneas Avernus. —Roger D. Scott Through zeugma, "guided" and "through" are inferred for Sibyl and Aeneas: "As Virgil guided Dante through Inferno, the Sibyl [guided] Aeneas [through] Avernus."

Answer 5

pa-ro-no-ma'-si-a from Gk. para, "alongside" and onomos, "name" ("to alter slightly in naming") prosonomasia adnominatio or agnominatio, allusio the nicknamer, allusion Using words that sound alike but that differ in meaning (punning). The Ad Herennium author further specifies that this is brought about through various kinds of metaplasm. Examples: A jesting friar punned upon the name of the famous humanist Erasmus, "Errans mus" [erring mouse]. —Puttenham A pun is its own reword. For a plethora of puns (of mixed quality, but plenty of quantity), see this internet pun resource. po-lyp-to'-ton from Gk. poly, "many" and ptotos, "falling" or ptosis, "[grammatical] case" paragmenon traductio, adnominatio the tranlacer, many inflections Repeating a word, but in a different form. Using a cognate of a given word in close proximity. Examples: With eager feeding food doth choke the feeder. —John of Gaunt in Shakespeare's Richard II 2.1.37

Answer 6

a-dyn'-a-ton from Gk. a, "without" and dynasthai, "to be able" (="powerless") Also adynata impossibilia A declaration of impossibility, usually in terms of an exaggerated comparison. Sometimes, the expression of the impossibility of expression. Examples: I will sooner have a beard grow in the palm of my hand than he shall get one of his cheek , —Shakespeare 2 Henry IV 1.2.20-22 I cannot speak enough of this content It stops me here; it is too much of joy. —Shakespeare, Othello 2.1.196-97

Answer 7

ka-kem'-fa-ton Gk. “ill-sounding” aischrologia (aeschrologia, aschrologia) cacophonia, scurra, turpiloquum, turpis loquutio An expression that is deliberately either foul (such as crude language) or ill-sounding (such as from excessive alliteration). Example: Quintilian gives the example of using the nominative form of intercapedinis ("interruption"), intercapedo, since its last two syllables (-pedo) could sound like a separate, far different Latin word (pedo, "to break wind")

Answer 8

ae-ti-o-log'-i-a from Gk. aitia, "a cause" and logos, "a description" Also sp. etiologia apodeixis; redditio causae, ratiocinatio etiology, the reason rend, the tell cause, cause shown A figure of reasoning by which one attributes a cause for a statement or claim made, often as a simple relative clause of explanation. Examples: I mistrust not the judges, for they are just. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. —Romans 1:15-16

Answer 9

af'-fir-ma'-ti-o L. “assertion” A general figure of emphasis that describes when one states something as though it had been in dispute or in answer to a question, though it has not been. kat-af'-a-sis Gk. "an affirmation" affirmation A kind of paralipsis in which one explicitly affirms the negative qualities that one then passes over. Examples: I will say nothing here of his fraudulent practices.

Answer 10

aganactesis aganactesis ag'-an-ak-tee'-sis Gk. "physical pain, irritation" indignatio, iracundia An exclamation proceeding from deep indignation.

Answer 11

al'-le-go-ry from Gk. eirein, ìto speakî allegoria permutatio the figure of false semblant, continued metaphor A sustained metaphor continued through whole sentences or even through a whole discourse. Examples: The most obvious use of allegory is work-length narratives such as the medieval Everyman or Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. Quintilian labels allegory what is elsewhere called a "conceit": an extended metaphor: The ship of state has sailed through rougher storms than the tempest of these lobbyists. Allegory also occurs when an allusion is made with no introductory explanation and the speaker trusts the audience to make the connection, as in the following example, where reference is made to the historic landing of a craft on the moon, but no direct connection is made to the more mundane application of this allusion: Well, the Eagle has landed. I thought you'd never make partner in the firm.

Answer 12

al-le-o-the'-ta from Gk. allothen “from another place” and theteuo “to work for” Also sp. allotheta alloeosis or alloiosis Substitution of one case, gender, mood, number, tense, or person for another. Synonymous with enallage. Peacham makes alleotheta the general category that includes antiptosis and all forms of enallage. Examples: Each of the students should bring their notebook. Through alleotheta, the word "their" has been substituted for the more traditional but non-inclusive possessive pronoun, "his." e-nal'-la-ge Gk. “change” Also sp. allage figure of exchange The substitution of grammatically different but semantically equivalent constructions. Note: Erasmus delineated numerous specific methods of enallage as ways of varying expression by substituting equivalent expressions in order to build copia. Examples: "I consumed the triple-decker pizza" (active verb) through enallage of mood is transformed to: "The triple-decker pizza was consumed by me" (passive verb).

Answer 13

al-lit'-er-a'-tion alliteratio figure of like letter Repetition of the same letter or sound within nearby words. Most often, repeated initial consonants. Note: The term "alliteratio" was coined by Giovanni Pontano in 1519 as a further specification of the term annominatio. Current usage of this term is in its most restricted sense (repeated initial consonants), aligning it with the vice known as homoeoprophoron or paroemion. Examples: Why not waste a wild weekend at Westmore Water Park?

Answer 14

sar'-kazm from Gk. sarcazein, "to tear flesh, to speak bitterly" sarcasmus, amara irrisio the bitter taunt Use of mockery, verbal taunts, or bitter irony. Examples: If you be the son of God, descend from the cross —Matt. 27 In the following passage Cleopatra taunts her lover Antony when a messenger comes from Rome with possible news from his wife or orders from Caesar: Nay, hear them [the messages], Antony. Fulvia perchance is angry; or who knows If the scarce-bearded Caesar have not sent His pow'rful mandate to you: "Do this, or this; Take in that kingdom, and enfranchise that; Perform't, or else we damn thee." —Antony and Cleopatra 1.1.19-24

Answer 15

cir-cum-lo-cu'-tion L. “talking around” circumlocutio, circumitio periphrasis (perifrasis) the figure of ambage As the name implies, "talking around" something, usually by supplying a descriptive phrase in place of a name (=periphrasis). Circumlocutions are rhetorically useful as euphemisms, as a method of amplification, or to hint at something without stating it. Examples: Laertes, urging Ophelia to keep clear of Hamlet, refers to her virginity metaphorically through a circumlocation: ...Or lose your heart, or your chaste treasure open To his unmast'red importunity. —Shakespeare, Hamlet 1.3.31-32

Answer 16

am'-fi-bo-lo'-gi-a from Gk. amphi- “on both sides,” bolos “a throw” and logos “word” Also sp. amphibology ambiguitas ambiguous Ambiguity of grammatical structure, often occasioned by mispunctuation.

Answer 17

anacephalaeosis anacephalaeosis an'-a-sef-a-li-o'-sis from Gk. ana, "back" and cephale, "head" enumeratio, complexio A recapitulation of the facts. A kind of summary employed in the peroratio.

Answer 18

an'-a-ko-en-os'-is from Gk. anakoinoun, "to communicate" Also sp. anachinosis communicacio the impartener, common cause Asking the opinion or judgment of the judges or audience, usually implying their common interest with the speaker in the matter. Examples: And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What could I have done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? —Isaiah 5:3-4 Now I ask you to decide: Given the persecution my client has undergone, does he not deserve to have some justifiable anger?

Answer 19

an-a-co'-lu-tha Substituting one word with another whose meaning is very close to the original, but in a non-reciprocal fashion; that is, one could not use the first, original word as a substitute for the second. This is the opposite of acoloutha. Example: "When Diana lighteth Late her crystal lamp, Her pale glory kindleth From her brotherís fire." —the manuscript of Benedictbeuern The word "glory" is being used instead of "light," but the replacement is not reciprocal; light would probably not be used for glory.

Answer 20

an-a-co-lu'-thon Gk. "lacking sequence" A grammatical interruption or lack of implied sequence within a sentence. That is, beginning a sentence in a way that implies a certain logical resolution, but concluding it differently than the grammar leads one to expect. Anacoluthon can be either a grammatical fault or a stylistic virtue, depending on its use. In either case, it is an interruption or a verbal lack of symmetry. Anacolouthon is characteristic of spoken language or interior thought, and thus suggests those domains when it occurs in writing. (Not to be confused with anacoloutha) Example: Athletes convicted of drug-related crimes — are they to be forgiven with just a slap on the wrist?

Answer 21

an'-a-di-plo'-sis from Gk. ana ìagainî and diploun ìto doubleî reduplicatio the redouble The repetition of the last word (or phrase) from the previous line, clause, or sentence at the beginning of the next. Often combined with climax. Examples: The love of wicked men converts to fear, That fear to hate, and hate turns one or both To worthy danger and deserved death. — Shakespeare, Richard II 5.1.66-68 The following shows anadiplosis of a phrase: ...a man could stand and see the whole wide reach Of blue Atlantic. But he stayed ashore. He stayed ashore and plowed, and drilled his rows... — Charles Bruce, “Biography”

Answer 22

an'-am-nee'-sis from ana ìagainî and mimneeskein ìto put in mindî recollectio, recordatio remembrance Calling to memory past matters. More specifically, citing a past author from memory. Examples: Was it not Socrates who said the unexamined life is not worth living?

Answer 23

Gk. “necessary” Arguing on the basis of inevitability or necessity. Examples: Yes, I killed him, but it was in self-defense.

Answer 24

an'-a-po'-do-ton Gk. "without the main clause (apodosis)." A figure in which a main clause is suggested by the introduction of a subordinate clause, but that main clause never occurs. Anapodoton is a kind of anacoluthon, since grammatical expectations are interrupted. If the expression trails off, leaving the subordinate clause incomplete, this is sometimes more specifically called anantapodoton. Anapodoton has also named what occurs when a main clause is omitted because the speaker interrupts himself/herself to revise the thought, leaving the initial clause grammatically unresolved but making use of it nonetheless by recasting its content into a new, grammatically complete sentence. Examples: "If you think I'm going to sit here and take your insults..." "When you decide to promote me to manager—when you see more clearly what will benefit this corporation—I will be at your service."

Answer 25

an-as'-tro-phee from Gk. ana ìback againî and strephein ìto turn, a turning backî parallage, syncategorema inversio, reversio, trajectio reversal Departure from normal word order for the sake of emphasis. Anastrophe is most often a synonym for hyperbaton, but is occasionally referred to as a more specific instance of hyperbaton: the changing of the position of only a single word. Examples: Anastrophe occurs whenever normal syntactical arrangment is violated for emphasis: The verb before the subject-noun (normal syntax follows the order subject-noun, verb): Glistens the dew upon the morning grass. (Normally: The dew glistens upon the morning grass) Adjective following the noun it modifies (normal syntax is adjective, noun): She looked at the sky dark and menacing. (Normally: She looked at the dark and menacing sky) The object preceding its verb (normal syntax is verb followed by its object): Troubles, everybody's got. (Normally: Everybody's got troubles) Preposition following the object of the preposition (normal syntax is preposition, object ["upon our lives"]): It only stands / Our lives upon, to use Our strongest hands —Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra 2.1.50-51

Answer 26

an'-em-o-graph'-i-a Gk. “writing about the wind” Creating an illusion of reality through description of the wind. A type of enargia. Examples: "The rushing zephyr hushed the pace of words." The onomatopoeia (words sounding like wind) and the rhythm of this line (iambic pentameter) seem to suggest the sound and movement of wind.

Answer 27

an'-ta-na-cla'-sis from Gk. anti ìagainst or back,î ana ìupî and klasis ì a breakingî Also sp. anaclasis refractio the rebounde, word-clashing The repetition of a word or phrase whose meaning changes in the second instance. Examples: Your argument is sound...all sound. —Benjamin Franklin The meaning of "sound" first appears to be "solid" or "reasonable"; in its repetition, it means something very different, "all air" or "empty" In thy youth learn some craft that in thy age thou mayest get thy living without craft. The meaning of "craft" first means "vocation"; in its repetition, it means "fraud" or "cunning." While we live, let us live. In the following example, antanaclasis occurs with an entire phrase whose meaning alters upon repetition: "If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm." —Vince Lombardi

Answer 28

an'-ta-na'-go-gee from Gk. ant- “against” and anagoge “a leading up” Also sp. antenagoge compensatio the recompencer Putting a positive spin on something that is nevertheless acknowledged to be negative or difficult. Examples: "Many are the paines and perils to be passed But great is the gaine and glorie at the last." "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

Answer 29

li-to'-tees from Gk litos, "plain, small, meagre" Also sp. lyptote, liptote antenantiosis diminutio (deminutio), extenuatio the moderatour Deliberate understatement, especially when expressing a thought by denying its opposite. The Ad Herennium author suggests litotes as a means of expressing modesty (downplaying one's accomplishments) in order to gain the audience's favor (establishing ethos). Examples: It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain. —J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye Running a marathon in under two hours is no small accomplishment.

Answer 30

an-thi-mer'-i-a from Gk. anti- “instead of” and mereia “a part” antimereia Substitution of one part of speech for another (such as a noun used as a verb). Examples: I've been Republicaned all I care to be this election year. Noun used as verb. Did you see the way those blockers defenced on that last play? Noun used as verb. Feel bad? Strike up some music and have a good sing. Verb used as noun.

Answer 31

an'-thro-po-path-ei'-a from Gk. anthropos, "man" and pathos, "affections, feelings" syncatabasis condescensio, humanus affectus condescension Ascribing human attributes to God. Examples: In the following example, God speaks as though he were ignorant of what Abraham would have done; thus, a human quality (ignorance) is attributed to God: And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. —Genesis 22:10-12

Answer 32

an'-thi-po'-phor-a Also sp. antipophora antiphora, hypophora subjectio (subiectio), rogatio, contradictio figure of responce A figure of reasoning in which one asks and then immediately answers one's own questions (or raises and then settles imaginary objections). Reasoning aloud. Anthypophora sometimes takes the form of asking the audience or one's adversary what can be said on a matter, and thus can involve both anacoenosis and apostrophe. Examples: "But there are only three hundred of us," you object. Three hundred, yes, but men, but armed, but Spartans, but at Thermoplyae: I have never seen three hundred so numerous. —Seneca

Answer 33

pro-lep'-sis Gk. "A preconception" prolepsie anticipation, propounder 1. A synonym for procatalepsis. 2. Speaking of something future as though already done or existing. A figure of anticipation. Examples: [Of Defninition #1] Oh, I am a dead man! Obviously, the speaker refers less to the actuality of the moment as he does to the near future. The following scriptural verse refers to Christ's ultimate victory as though it had already occurred. Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. —Hebrews 2:8 pro-cat-a-lep'-sis Gk. "anticipation" procatalipsis, prolepsis praesumptio, praeoccupatio anticipation, the presumptious, the figure of presupposall Refuting anticipated objections. Examples: IT is again objected as a very absurd ridiculous Custom, that a Set of Men should be suffered, much less employed and hired, to bawl one Day in Seven against the Lawfulness of those Methods most in use towards the Pursuit of Greatness, Riches and Pleasure, which are the constant Practice of all Men alive on the other Six. But this Objection is I think, a little unworthy so refined an Age as ours. Let us argue this Matter calmly; I appeal to the Breast of any polite Free Thinker, whether in the Pursuit of gratifying a predominant Passion, he hath not always felt a wonderful Incitement, by reflecting it was a Thing forbidden; And therefore we see, in order to cultivate this Taste, the Wisdom of the Nation hath taken special Care, that the Ladies should be furnished with Prohibited Silks, and the Men with Prohibited Wine; And indeed it were to be wisht, that some other Prohibitions were promoted, in order to improve the Pleasures of the Town, which for want of such Expedients begin already, as I am told, to flag and grow languid, giving way daily to cruel Inroads from the Spleen. —Jonathan Swift, "Argument Against Abolishing Christianity"

Answer 34

an-ti'-lo-gy from Gk. anti, "against" and logia, "speaking" A contradiction either in terms or ideas. More generally, antilogy names the basic rhetorical theory (propounded by Protagoras) that two contrary arguments may be given about everything.

Answer 35

an'-ti-me-ta'-bo-lee Gk. anti “in opposite direction” and metabole “turning about” Also sp. antimetavole commutatio the counterchange Repetition of words, in successive clauses, in reverse grammatical order. This figure is sometimes known as chiasmus. Examples: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country —John F. Kennedy You can take the gorilla out of the jungle, but you can't take the jungle out of the gorilla. Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. —Samuel Johnson, Rasselas Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! —Isaiah 5:20 ki-az'-mus Gk. "a diagonal arrangement" Repetition of ideas in inverted order Repetition of grammatical structures in inverted order (not to be mistaken with antimetabole, in which identical words are repeated and inverted). Examples: But O, what damned minutes tells he o'er Who dotes, yet doubts; suspects, yet strong loves. —Shakespeare, Othello 3.3 The idea of affection occurs in "dotes" and "strongly loves"; the idea of doubting in "doubts" and "suspects". These two ideas occur in the quotation in an A B B A order, thus repeated and inverted It is boring to eat; to sleep is fulfilling The pattern is present participle-infinitive; infinitive-present participle

Answer 36

Irony of one word, often derisively through patent contradiction. Also, a synonym for paralipsis (Quintilian). Examples: Referring to a tall person: "Now there's a midget for you" par-a-lip'-sis from Gk. para, "side" and leipein, "to leave" ("to leave to one side") Also sp. paraleipsis, paralepsis antiphrasis, parasiopesis occultatio, occupatio, praeteritio, preteritio, praetermissio the passager, preterition Stating and drawing attention to something in the very act of pretending to pass it over. A kind of irony. Example: It would be unseemly for me to dwell on Senator Kennedy's drinking problem, and too many have already sensationalized his womanizing... Melville's narrator of Moby Dick, Ishmael, manages to characterize Queequeg in the very act of stating he will pass over such details: We will not speak of all Queequeg's peculiarities here; how he eschewed coffee and hot rolls, and applied his undivided attention to beefsteaks, done rare. —Moby Dick "Breakfast"

Answer 37

an-ti-pro-so-po-pe'-i-a from Gk. anti, "opposite," prosopon, "face," "person" and poiein, "to make" anti-personification The representation of persons as inanimate objects. This inversion of prosopopoeia or personification can simply be the use of a metaphor to depict or describe a person. Examples: She was a doormat upon which the tread of too many boots had scraped.

Answer 38

an-tip-to'-sis from Gk. anti, "in exchange" and ptosis, "falling, case" casus pro casu ("case for case") A type of enallage in which one grammatical case is substituted for another. Note: In English, this is apparent only with pronouns, unlike in inflected languages (Greek, Latin, German, etc.) Examples: Me Jane, Tarzan. "Me" is used (the objective case pronoun) instead of the proper subjective case pronoun, "I". This example also includes ellipsis of the verb "am"

Answer 39

an-tir-rhee'-sis Gk. anti “against” and rhesis “speech” Rejecting reprehensively the opinion or authority of someone. Examples: Rush Limbaugh is no political commentator; he's a two-bit showman whose political ideas are about as impressive as his humility.

Answer 40

an-tis-a-go'-gee from Gk. anti, "against, instead" eis, "in" and agein, "to lead, bring" ("a bringing in instead") 1. Making a concession before making one's point (=paromologia). 2. Using a hypothetical situation or a precept to illustrate antithetical alternative consequences, typically promises of reward and punishment. Examples: [of #1]: Yes, it is most difficult to learn languages, but most necessary. [of #2]: See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: —Deuteronomy 30:15-19

Answer 41

an-ti'-sta-sis Gk. “standing against, resistance” refractio The repetition of a word in a contrary sense. Often, simply synonymous with antanaclasis.

Answer 42

an-tis'-the-con from Gk. anti- “against” and stoicheon “letter order” Also sp. antistoechon, antistoecon littera pro littera Substitution of one sound, syllable, or letter for another within a word. A kind of metaplasm. Examples: The following pun is accomplished only through antisthecon, substituting "o" for "a" in the word "reward": "A pun is its own reword"

Answer 43

e-pis'-tro-fee from Gk. epi, "upon" and strophe, "turning" ("wheeling about") antistrophe, epiphora conversio the counter turne, conversion Ending a series of lines, phrases, clauses, or sentences with the same word or words. Examples: What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny compared to what lies within us." —Emerson Hourly joys be still upon you! Juno sings her blessings on you. [. . .] Scarcity and want shall shun you, Ceres' blessing so is on you. — Shakespeare, The Tempest (4.1.108-109; 116-17) We are born to sorrow, pass our time in sorrow, end our days in sorrow.

Answer 44

an-tith'-e-sis from Gk. anti ìagainstî and thesis ìa settingî or tithenai ìto set, placeî contrarium contentio, comparatio contrast Juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas (often, although not always, in parallel structure). This is closely related to the Topic of Invention: Contraries, and is sometimes known as the similarly named figure of thought, antitheton. Examples "It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues." —Abraham Lincoln "It can't be wrong if it feels so right" —Debbie Boone

Answer 45

an-tith'-e-ton from Gk. anti ìagainstî and thesis ìa settingî or tithenai ìto set, placeî compositum ex contrariis, contentio the renconter, the quarreller contencion A proof or composition constructed of contraries. Antitheton is closely related to and sometimes confused with the figure of speech that juxtaposes opposing terms, antithesis. However, it is more properly considered a figure of thought (=Topic of Invention: Contraries). Examples: Flattery hath pleasant beginnings, but the same hath very bitter endings. — R. Sherry

Answer 46

an-to-no-ma'-si-a from anti ìinsteadî and onomazein ìto nameî periphrasis pronominatio, pronominacio change of name, the surnamer Substituting a descriptive phrase for a proper name, or substituting a proper name for a quality associated with it. (=periphrasis) Examples: You must pray to heaven's guardian for relief. He proved a Judas to the cause. Multum Ciceronis est in hac epistola. There is much of Cicero in this letter [Here, what is meant is that there is much eloquence in the letter]

Answer 47

a-pa-gor'-e-sis from Gk. apagoreuo “to dissuade” A statement designed to inhibit someone from doing something. Examples: If your parents discover what you did, you will not see your next birthday. The apagoresis above demonstrates the antecedent/consequence relationship. To dissuade a person from an action, it suggests unattractive consequences due to follow such an action. Obviously, the consequence of this apagoresis is exaggerated to be more persuasive. If you return to Florence, you will be entering the lion's den. The apagoresis above uses a metaphor to demonstrate the repercussions of an action. The speaker is comparing Florence to a lion's den. By making such a strong comparison, the speaker is inferring that the atmosphere in Florence is as dangerous to his subject as a lion's den would be.

Answer 48

a-phor-is'-mus Gk. "a distinction, definition" Calling into question the proper use of a word. Examples: For you have but mistook me all this while. I live with bread like you, feel want, Taste grief, need friends: subjected thus, How can you say to me I am a king? —Shakespeare, Richard II 3.2.174-177

Answer 49

a-po-car-ter'-e-sis Gk. apo “away from” and karteresis “patient endurance” Casting of all hope away from one thing and placing it on another source altogether.

Answer 50

a-po-dix'-is Gk. "a showing forth, exposition" Also sp. apodeixis Proving a statement by referring to common knowledge or general experience.

Answer 51

a'-po-log Gk. "story, tale, fable" Appeasing and persuading the rude and ignorant through comparisons made in form of a fable.

Answer 52

a-pof'-a-sis Gk. "denial" expeditio expedicion, expedition, quick dispatch The rejection of several reasons why a thing should or should not be done and affirming a single one, considered most valid. Examples: Seeing that this land was mine, you must show that either you did possess it, being empty, or made it your own by use, or purchase, or else that it came to you by inheritance. You could not possess it empty when I was in possession. Also, you cannot make it your by use or custom. You have no deed to prove your purchase of it; I being alive it could not descend upon you by inheritance. It follows then that you would put me from my own land before I am dead. —John Smith

Answer 53

a-po-plan'-e-sis Gk. “a leading astray” Promising to address the issue but effectively dodging it through a digression.

Answer 54

a-pos-i-o-peeí-sis from Gk. aposiopao ìto be silent after speaking, observe a deliberate silenceî praecisio, reticentia, obticentia, interruptio figure of silence Breaking off suddenly in the middle of speaking, usually to portray being overcome with emotion. Examples: In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Antony interrupts his own speech at Caesar's funeral: O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts, And men have lost their reason. Bear with me, My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, And I must pause till it come back to me. —Shakespeare, Julius Caesar 3.2.104-107

Answer 55

a-pos'-tro-phe Gk. apo ìaway fromî and strephein ìto turnî prosphonesis aversio the turne tale Turning one's speech from one audience to another. Most often, apostrophe occurs when one addresses oneself to an abstraction, to an inanimate object, or to the absent. Since this figure often involves emotion, it can overlap with exclamatio. Examples: Antony addresses Caesar's corpse immediately following the assasination in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar: O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! Thou art the ruins of the noblest man That ever lived in the tide of times. —Shakespeare, Julius Caesar 3.1.254-257

Answer 56

a'-po-theem Gk. "something clearly spoken" Also sp. apophthegm apothegma One of several terms describing short, pithy sayings. Others include adage, gnome, maxim, paroemia, proverb, and sententia.

Answer 57

ap-po-sit'-i-o L. ad “near” and positio “placement” appositum epitheton apposition Addition of an adjacent, coordinate, explanatory or descriptive element. Examples: Albert Einstein, perhaps the greatest of scientists, seemed not to have mastered the physics of hair combing.

Answer 58

a'-ra Gk. "a prayer for evil, a curse" areia execracio execracion Cursing or expressing detest towards a person or thing for the evils they bring, or for inherent evil. Melanchthon refers to this as a sort of exclamatio.

Answer 59

ar-tic'-u-lus L. “clause” comma phrase Roughly equivalent to "phrase" in English, except that the emphasis is on joining several phrases (or words) successively without any conjunctions (in which case articulus is simply synonymous with the Greek term asyndeton). See also brachylogia. Articulus is also best understood in terms of differing speeds of style that depend upon the length of the elements of a sentence. The Ad Herennium author contrasts the the slower speed of concatenated membra (see membrum) to the quicker speed possible via articulus. Examples: Note in the following exemple the lack of any conjunctions in the series, and the way that the sentence seems to accelerate due to the brief, consecutive phrases: "Through your ill-will, your injuries, your might, your treachery you have destroyed the enemy" —Ad Herennium

Answer 60

Gk. "without form or figure" aschematismus male figuratum The use of plain, unadorned or unornamented language. Or, the unskilled use of figurative language. A vice.

Answer 61

as-fay'-li-a Gk. "assurance, security" Offering oneself as a guarantee, usually for another. Examples: After slaying Caesar, Brutus attempts to appease the upset Romans, concluding with this instance of asphalia: With this I depart, that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death. —Shakespeare, Julius Caesar 3.2.44-47

Answer 62

Repetition of similar vowel sounds, preceded and followed by different consonants, in the stressed syllables of adjacent words. Examples: The seargant asked him to bomb the lawn with hotpots.

Answer 63

as-sump'-ti'o Lat. "taking to" assumption The introduction of a point to be considered, especially an extraneous argument. See proslepsis. pros-leep'-sis from Gk. pros, "toward" and leepsis, "a taking" assumptio, circumductio assumption When paralipsis (stating and drawing attention to something in the very act of pretending to pass it over) is taken to its extreme. The speaker provides full details. Examples: It would be unseemly for me to dwell on Senator Kennedy's drinking or womanizing, or to call your attention to the recent scandal regarding the purported rape at Au Bar where, some have said, he has passed the torch of alcoholism and womanizing to a new generation.

Answer 64

as-te-is'-mus from Gk. asteios, "of the city" Also sp. asteismos, astysmus, astismus facetia, urbanitas the merry scoffe, civille jest, urbanity Polite or genteel mockery. More specifically, a figure of reply in which the answerer catches a certain word and throws it back to the first speaker with an unexpected twist. Less frequently, a witty use of allegory or comparison, such as when a literal and an allegorical meaning are both implied (see Bede). Examples: In the following selection from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, Beatrice and Benedick vie to see which can outdo the other in the use of asteismus: Benedick: God keep your ladyship still in that mind! [of not marrying] so some gentleman or other shall scape a predestinate scratch'd face. Beatrice: Scratching could not make it worse, an 't were such a face as yours were. Benedick: Well, you are a rare parrot-teacher. Beatrice: A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours. —Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing 1.1:133-140

Answer 65

as-tro-the'-si-a A vivid description of stars. One type of enargia. Examples: They are the icy spikes of winter nights That prick the heart-warm blood with stilling chill They are God's whiskers, old and frosty white Or shards of milk the dipper big had spilled The stars are slow invaders edging in So cautiously we fail to see their aim Or else the stars are seedlings planted thin Within the loamy darkness, bright and plain. I cannot fathom distances or time Within the ceaseless broadcast of the sky Reducing fiery suns to words and rhyme Arrests, if for a moment, questions why We would be privy to such cosmic awe For I am here, confessing what I saw. —Gideon Burton

Answer 66

ok-see'-sis Gk. "increase, amplification" incrementum the avancer 1. Arranging words or clauses in a sequence of increasing force. In this sense, auxesis is comparable to climax and has sometimes been called incrementum. 2. A figure of speech in which something is referred to in terms disproportionately large (a kind of exaggeration or hyperbole). 3. Amplification in general. This figure (in its second meaning) is often paired with its opposite, meiosis. Examples: Said of a scratch: Look at this wound!

Answer 67

bar'-bar-ism from barbarizein, "to act like a foreigner" barbarismus The use of nonstandard or foreign speech (see cacozelia); the use of a word awkwardly forced into a poem's meter; or unconventional pronunciation. Like solecisms, barbarisms are possible according to each of the four categories of change. Examples: To you he appeals that knew him ab extrema pueritia, whose placet he accounts the plaudite of his pains, thinking his day-labor was not altogther lavish'd sine linea if there be anything of all in it that doth olere Atticum in your estimate. —Thomas Nash, Preface to Greene's Menaphon Pronouncing "bourgeoisie" as "bur-goy'-zee"

Answer 68

bat-to-log'-i-a Gk. “vain repetition” vain repetition Vain repetition. A vice.

Answer 69

ben-e-dic'-ti-o from Lat. bene, "well" and dico, "to speak" benediction, blessing, beatitude A blessing, or the act of blessing. Examples: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. —Genesis 1:28

Answer 70

bom-phi-o-lo'-gi-a verborum bombus Exaggeration done in a self-aggrandizing manner, as a braggart.

Answer 71

brach-y-lo'-gi-a from Gk. brachy, "short" and logia, "speech" Also sp. brachiologia, brachiologa articulus the cutted comma The absence of conjunctions between single words. Compare asyndeton. The effect of brachylogia is a broken, hurried delivery. Examples: Phillip! Rise! Eat! Leave! Love, hate, jealousy, frenzy, fury drew him from pity —Angel Day

Answer 72

ka-ko-syn'-the-ton Gk. “ill put-together” Also sp. cacosintheton male collocutum The ill placing of words, as when an adjective improperly follows a noun or when there is any other unpleasing order of words.

Answer 73

ka-ko-zeel'-i-a A stylistic affectation of diction, such as throwing in foreign words to appear learned. Bad taste in words or selection of metaphor, either to make the facts appear worse or to disgust the auditors. Example: This is an adultery against the state, to have sex under the trophies of Miltiades. —Seneca

Answer 74

kat-a-kos-mees'-is from Gk. katakosmeo “to set in order, arrange” ordo Ordering words from greatest to least in dignity, or in correct order of time. Examples: Sun and moon Life and death First he planned the murder; then he carried it out.

Answer 75

kat-a-pleex'-is Gk. "a striking down, terrifying menace" Threatening or prophesying payback for ill doing. Examples: In the following quote from The Tempest, Caliban's curse is rewarded with a threatening prophecy, or cataplexis, from Prospero: Caliban: As wicked-dew as e'er my mother brush'd With raven's feather from unwholesome fen Drop on you both! A south-west blow on ye, And blister you all o'er! Prospero: For this, be sure, to-night thou shalt have cramps, Side-stitches, that shall pen thy breath up; urchins Shall, for that vast of night that they may work, All exercise on thee; thou shalt be pinch'd As thick as honeycomb, each pinch more stinging Than bees that made 'em. —Shakespeare, The Tempest 1.2.321-329

Answer 76

kar-ak-ter-iz'-mus Gk. "designation by a characteristic mark" description of character The description of a person's character. If this is restricted to the body, this is effictio; if restricted to a person's habits, this is ethopoeia. Characterismus is a kind of enargia (principally when describing physical attributes). Examples: He is a monster both in mind and in body; whatever part of mind or body you consider, you will find a monster ) quivery head, rabid eyes, a dragon's gape, the visage of a Fury, distended belly, hands like talons ready to tear, feet distorted, in short, view his entire physical shape and what else does it all present but a monster? Observe that tongue, observe that wild beast's roar, and you will name it a monstrosity; probe his mind, you will find a horror; weigh his character, scrutinize his life, you will find all monstrous; and, not to pursue every point in detail, through and through he is nothing but a monster. —Erasmus, De copia

Answer 77

kar-i-en-tis'-mus Gk. "gracefulness of style" graciosa nugutio the privy nippe Mollifying harsh words by answering them with a smooth and appeasing mock. Examples: Bite not my nose off I pray you. Don't have a cow.

Answer 78

ko-ro-graph'-i-a from Gk. choros “country” and grapho “to write” The description of a particular nation.

Answer 79

kray'-a Gk. "useful" Also sp. chria 1. The progymnasmata exercise, chreia. 2. Employing an anecdote which relates a saying or deed of someone well known.

Answer 80

chro-no-graph'-i-a from Gk. chronos, "time" and graphein, "to write" Also sp. cronographia the counterfeit time, description of time Vivid representation of a certain historical or recurring time (such as a season) to create an illusion of reality. A kind of enargia. Examples: Listen, my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere. On the eighteenth of April in seventy-five, Hardly a man is now alive, that remembers that famous day and year.î (Longfellow, ìPaul Revereís Rideî)

Answer 81

cli'-max Gk. "ladder" Also sp. klimax, clymax gradatio, incrementum the marching figure, gradation Generally, the arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in an order of increasing importance, often in parallel structure. More specifically, climax is the repetition of the last word of one clause or sentence at the beginning of the next, through several clauses or sentences (= anadiplosis) Examples: Miss America was not so much interested in serving herself as she was eager to serve her family, her community, and her nation. The following passage from the Bible shows that version of climax that is synonymous with anadiplosis: But we glory also in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience trial; and trial hope; and hope confoundeth not, because the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost, who is given to us. —St. Paul

Answer 82

cee'-no-tees Gk. "sharing in common" combined repetition Repetition of two different phrases: one at the beginning and the other at the end of successive paragraphs. Note: Composed of anaphora and epistrophe, coenotes is simply a more specific kind of symploce (the repetition of phrases, not merely words). Examples: O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever O give thanks to the Lord of Lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. — Psalm 136:1-3

Answer 83

ko'-lon Gk. “clause” membrum, membrum orationis clause Roughly equivalent to “clause” in English, except that the emphasis is on seeing this part of a sentence as needing completion, either with a second colon (or membrum) or with two others (forming a tricolon). When cola (or membra) are of equal length, they form isocolon. Colon or membrum is also best understood in terms of differing speeds of style that depend upon the length of the elements of a sentence. The Ad Herennium author contasts the slower speed of concatenated membra to the quicker speed of words joined together without conjunction (articulus). Examples: Each of the three membra in the following sentence is numbered: (1) You have not considered the well-being of the country, (2) nor have you seen to the welfare of your friends, (3) nor have you resisted your enemies. —Ad Herennium

Answer 84

See articulus. Like other modern terms for punctuation, "comma" first referred to a portion of a sentence set of by a "comma mark."

Answer 85

kom-mun-i-ka'-ti-o L. “sharing, deliberating with the audience” In general, to include one's audience overtly in a discourse. A term that comprises several more specific ones. This may mean addressing one's opponent, the judges of a case, or the general auditors of a speech.

Answer 86

com-pa-ra'-ti-o L. “comparison” A general term for a comparison, either as a figure of speech or as an argument. More specific terms are generally employed, such as metaphor, simile, allegory, etc.

Answer 87

com-pro-ba'-ti-o L. “full approval” conciliatio Approving and commending a virtue, especially in the hearers.

Answer 88

An extended metaphor. Popular during the Renaissance and typical of John Donne or John Milton. Unlike allegory, which tends to have one-to-one correspondences, a conceit typically takes one subject and explores the metaphoric possibilities in the qualities associated with that subject. Examples: Robert Herrick's "The Vine"

Answer 89

kon-kes'-si-o Conceding an argument, either jestingly and contemptuously, or to prove a more important point. A synonym for paromologia.

Answer 90

con-clu'-si-o L. “conclusion, summation” Term given by the Ad Herennium author for enthymeme. Not to be confused with conclusion, the English equivalent of the last part of an oration, the peroratio. ení-thy-meem Gk. "a thought, a consideration" conclusio 1. The informal method of reasoning typical of rhetorical discourse. The enthymeme is sometimes defined as a "truncated syllogism" since either the major or minor premise found in that more formal method of reasoning is left implied. The enthymeme typically occurs as a conclusion coupled with a reason. When several enthymemes are linked together, this becomes sorites. Example: We cannot trust this man, for he has perjured himself in the past. In this enthymeme, the major premise of the complete syllogism is missing: - Those who perjure themselves cannot be trusted. (Major premise - omitted) - This man has perjured himself in the past. (Minor premise - stated) - This man is not to be trusted. (Conclusion - stated) 2. A figure of speech which bases a conclusion on the truth of its contrary. Example: If to be foolish is evil, then it is virtuous to be wise. This also an example of chiasmus

Answer 91

con-du-pli-ca'-ti-o L. “doubling” The repetition of a word or words. A general term for repetition sometimes carrying the more specific meaning of repetition of words in adjacent phrases or clauses. Sometimes used to name either ploce or epizeuxis. Examples: War it is that you are bringing into Attica, Aeschines, an Amphictyonic war. —Demosthenes, De corona 143

Answer 92

con'-ger-eez Lat. "heap," "pile" synonymia interpretatio Piling up words of differing meaning but for a similar emotional effect. Often congeries is simply the Latin term for synathroesmus ("collection"). However, the Latin term seems to emphasize the emotional amplification of such an accumulation, making congeries akin to climax and grouped among both the Figures of Pathos and the Figures of Amplification (Thus Melanchthon distinguishes incrementum [climax] as a kind of congeries). If the piling up occurs by rapidly touching on one thing and then another, congeries may be considered a type of epitrochasmus.Some authorities equate congeries with synonymia (as Melanchthon 1523 D1r; 1531 D4v-E1r))

Answer 93

con-junc'-ti-o L. “connection” Term given by the Ad Herennium author for synzeugma. Not to be confused with the part of speech having the same name, conjunctio (a conjunction). sin-zoog'-ma conjunctio That kind of zeugma in which a verb joins (and governs) two phrases by coming between them. A synonym for mesozeugma. Examples: Either with disease beauty fades or with time. The phrases "with disease" and "with time" are both governed and joined by "beauty fades"

Answer 94

The repetition of consonants in words stressed in the same place (but whose vowels differ). Also, a kind of inverted alliteration, in which final consonants, rather than initial or medial ones, repeat in nearby words. Consonance is more properly a term associated with modern poetics than with historical rhetorical terminology.

Answer 95

sis'-to-lee from Gk. syn, "together" and stellein, "to place" contractio To make short a naturally long vowel. A kind of metaplasm. Examples: In the following stanza, the rhyming words only do rhyme if the second word, "feel" has its vowel sound shortened to the equivalent of "fill": Poor duck, by buckshot robbed of useful bill, Poor hunter, maimed by sorrow he must feel.

Answer 96

cor-rec'-ti-o L. “correction, amendment” The amending of a term or phrase just employed; or, a futher specifying of meaning, especially by indicating what something is not (which may occur either before or after the term or phrase used). A kind of redefinition, often employed as a parenthesis (an interruption) or as a climax. Examples: Hamlet employs correctio when he expresses his unhappiness at the marriage of his mother and uncle so soon after his father's death: That it should come [to this]! But two months dead, nay, not so much, not two. —Shakespeare, Hamlet 1.2.137-38 I desire not your love, but your submissive obedience.

Answer 97

pro-so-po-pe'-i-a from Gk. prosopon, "face," "person" and poiein, "to make" prosopeia conformatio, personae confictio the counterfait in personation 1. A synonym for the figure of speech personification 2. The progymnasmata exercise, impersonation.

Answer 98

top-o-graf'-i-a counterfait place, description of place Description of a place. A kind of enargia.

Answer 99

de'-e-sis Gk. "an entreating, a calling to witness" Also sp. deasis obsecratio, obtestacio obtestacion, adjuration An adjuration or calling to witness; or, the vehement expression of desire put in terms of "for someone's sake" or "for God's sake." Examples: "For God's sake hold your tongue and let me love..." —John Donne

Answer 100

de-hor-ta'-ti-o L. “dissuasion” Dissuasion.

Answer 101

den-dro-graf'-i-a from Gk. dendron “tree” and grapho “to write” Creating an illusion of reality through vivid description of a tree. Examples: Its trunk was but a wizened arm, its branches bony fingers grasping vainly at the winter sky.

Answer 102

dep-re-ca'-ti-o Lat. "a praying against" deprecation, imprecation A praying against evil, against others, or oneself; a prayer for the removal of some evil. Examples: And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. —Matt 26:39

Answer 103

de-scrip'-ti-o L. “diagram, description” Although descriptio is synonymous with enargia, the Ad Herennium author further specifies that it contains an exposition of the consequences of an act. Examples: Should you let the defendant go free, consider how he will prey upon other hapless victims, perhaps even hunting in your own neighborhood. en-ar'-gi-a from Gk. enarges, "visible, palpable, manifest" diatyposis, hypotyposis demonstratio, descriptio Generic name for a group of figures aiming at vivid, lively description.

Answer 104

di-a'-co-pee from Gk. diakopto, “to cut in two, cut through” the doubler Repetition of a word with one or more between, usually to express deep feeling. Examples: As Shakespeare's Tempest opens a terrible storm frightens those aboard a ship, of which one proclaims "All lost! To prayers, to prayers! All lost!"

Answer 105

di-aer'-e-sis divisio, partitio The logical division of a genus into its species. Dividing one syllable into two (especially the pronunciation of two contiguous vowels). A kind of metaplasm. Examples: An example of the second definition: The professor's self-importance could be measured by the way he pronounced "medieval" as "medi-eval."

Answer 106

di-a-lo-giz'-mus from Gk. dialogos, “a conversation, dialogue” sermocinatio the right reasoner Speaking as someone else, either to bring in others' points of view into one's own speech, or to conduct a pseudo-dialog through taking up an opposing position with oneself. Examples: "This is merely an oversight," he tells us. "It is no crime." But I say, when an oversight takes such dimensions as these, it is indeed a crime.

Answer 107

di-al'-i-sis from Gk. dia, "through," "asunder" and lyein, "to loose" Also sp. dialisis divisio the dismembrer 1. To spell out alternatives, or to present either-or arguments that lead to a conclusion. 2. A synonym for asyndeton. Examples: [For Definition #1] If you remember it, I have said enough, if not, my words will not provoke you.

Answer 108

di-a-noe'-a Gk. "a revolving in the mind" animated dialogue The use of animated questions and answers in developing an argument (sometimes simply the equivalent of anthypophora).

Answer 109

di-a'-pho-ra Gk. “distinction, variance” Repetition of a common name so as to perform two logical functions: to designate an individual and to signify the qualities connoted by that individual's name or title. Examples: The president is not the president when he compromises his morals and our trust so basely. Boys will be boys.

Answer 110

di-as-keu'-ee from Gk. diaskeuazesthai, "to arm, equip, prepare" Graphic peristasis (description of circumstances) intended to arouse the emotions. Examples: Look at my children, their malnourished cheeks, their bare feet, their hunger to know something more than hunger... per-is'-ta-sis from Gk. peri, "around" and stasis, "a standing, setting" circumstantiae descriptio description of circumstances A description of attendant circumstances: time, place, occasion, personal characteristics, background, education, habits, etc.

Answer 111

di-as'-to-lee from Gk. dia, "asunder" and stellein, "to place" eciasis, ectasis To lengthen a vowel or syllable beyond its typical length. A kind of metaplasm. Note: Diastole is sometimes employed for the sake of meter, and may result (in English) in the shifting of accent from one syllable to another. Examples The third syllable of "serviceable" is normally short, but as this word occurs in the following line of iambic pentameter, that syllable is lengthened because it takes the stress of the meter's rhythm (stressed syllables are underlined): I know thee well; a serviceable villain, —Shakespeare, King Lear 4.6.251

Answer 112

di'-a-syrm-os Gk. "a tearing in pieces" Also sp. diasyrmos elevatio, irrisio, vexatio Rejecting an argument through ridiculous comparison. Examples: Arguing that we can clean up government by better regulating elections is like asking a dog to quit marking his territory by lifting his hind leg.

Answer 113

di-a-zoog'-ma disjunctio, disiunctio The figure by which a single subject governs several verbs or verbal constructions (usually arranged in parallel fashion and expressing a similar idea); the opposite of zeugma. Examples: The Romans destroyed Numantia, razed Carthage, obliterated Corinth, overthrew Fregellae. —Ad Herennium

Answer 114

di-kay-o-lo'-gi-a Gk. “a plea in defense” Also sp. dichologia figure of excuse Admitting what's charged against one, but excusing it by necessity. Examples: At the start of 3 Henry VI, the King, making a political compromise, has designated York, rather than his son, to be his heir. When pressed about it by the queen and the prince, he employs dicaeologia in response: Prince. Father, you cannot disinherit me. If you be king, why should not I succeed? King Henry Pardon me, Margaret, pardon me, sweet son, The Earl of Warwick and the Duke enforc'd me. —Shakespeare 3 Henry VI 1.1.226-29

Answer 115

di-gres'-si-o digression A departure from logical progression in a speech. Examples: Cicero, in his Defense of the poet Archias, demonstrates the rhetorical effectiveness of the digression. There, in a suit whose issue was the Roman citizenship of an individual, he provides a long discussion on the virtues of literature and their cultural value. This both diverts attention from the issue at hand (whether Archias was indeed a Roman or whether he should be expelled) and leads effectively back to it: to the extent that Cicero prompts his hearers to value literature, they will be inclined to sympathize with someone who professes literature (and has written positively for the Roman republic). Cicero's digression succeeded, and it is presumed his suit for Archias was won. A second example of digressions, from a different period altogether, can be found in Jonathan Swift's Tale of a Tub, in which he meta-rhetorically devotes an entire chapter, a digression, in praise of digressions (Section VII), thus comically combining encomium with digressio.

Answer 116

di-lem'-ma Gk. “double proposition” Offering to an opponent a choice between two (equally unfavorable) alternatives. Examples: Either your client is guilty of perjury, or of murder.

Answer 117

dis-tri-bu'-ti-o L. “apportionment, division” Assigning roles among or specifying the duties of a list of people, sometimes accompanied by a conclusion. Sometimes this term is simply a synonym for diaeresis or merismus, which are more general figures involving division. Examples: The prosecutor's job is to bring charges; the defence lawyer's, to answer and downplay these; the witness, to state truthfully what has been seen or heard, the judge, to keep all these three doing what they ought. To allow a witness to make accusations only confuses the role of a prosecutor with those of a witness...

Answer 118

ec-pho-nee'-sis from Gk. ek, "out" and phonein, "to speak" Also ecphonisis, epiphonesis exclamatio the outcry An emotional exclamation. Examples: O tempora! O mores! —Cicero

Answer 119

ek'-fra-sis from Gk. ek, "out" and phrasein, "to speak" 1. Vivid description; using details to place an object, person, or event before the listeners' eyes (=hypotyposis or evidentia). See also enargia. 2. The Greek term for the progymnasmata exercise, description. 3. Ecphrasis has another more restricted definition: the literary description of a work of art. Philostratus Lemnius helped to fix this more restricted sense of this term in the second century in his Imagines.

Answer 120

ekth-lip'-sis from Gk. ek, "out" and thlibein, "to rub" elisio The omission or elision of letters or syllables (often the consonant "m" and the vowel that precedes it) for the sake of poetical meter. A kind of metaplasm specific to Latin. Examples: The second line illustrates the omission of letters from words via ecthlipsis to accommodate the poetical meter of the second line: Multum ille et terris iactatus et alto Mult'ill'et terris iactatus et alto —Mosellanus

Answer 121

ef-fik'-ti-o from L. effingere, "to fashion" blazon, portrayal, word-portrait A verbal depiction of someone's body, often from head to toe. Note: This figure was used in forensic rhetoric for purposes of clearly identifying an alleged criminal. It has often been adapted to poetical uses. Examples: I mean that man, he with the white hair, the crazed look in his eye, the huge scar across his chin, the lame left leg, and feet too large for any shoes...

Answer 122

e-len'-kus Gk. "cross-examination" A logical refutation

Answer 123

el-lip'-sis from Gk. elleipein, "to come short" Also sp. elipsis, elleipsis, eclipsis defectus figure of default Omission of a word or short phrase easily understood in context. Examples: "The average person thinks he isn't." ñFather Larry Lorenzoni The term "average" is omitted but understood after "isn't." John forgives Mary and Mary, John. Note that the comma signals what has been elided, "forgives"

Answer 124

em'-pha-sis from Gk. phainein, "to show" renforcer Giving prominence to a quality or trait by conceiving it as constituting the very substance in which it inheres.

Answer 125

e-nan-ti-o'-sis from Gk. enantios, "opposite" contraries contentio contraries, contention, contrariety Using opposing or contrary descriptions together, typically in a somewhat paradoxical manner. Examples: Money is an excellent servant but a cruel master. I could neither continue listening nor turn away. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. —Psalm 1:1

Answer 126

en-co'-mi-um Gk. "eulogy" Generally, encomium means the praise of a person or thing. While keeping this general meaning, "encomium" also names several distinct aspects of rhetoric: 1. A general category of oratory (nearly synonymous with "epideictic") 2. A method within rhetorical pedagogy (one of the "progymnasmata": Encomium) 3. A figure of speech. As a figure, "encomium" means praising a person or thing, but occuring on a smaller scale than an entire speech.

Answer 127

energia energia en-er'-gi-a Also sp. energeia A general term referring to the "energy" or vigor of a expression. Note: Energia is easily confused with enargia, vivid description (energia is not necessarily visual, and not necessarily descriptive).

Answer 128

e-nig'-ma from Gk. ainos, "fable" Also sp. aenigma sermo obscurus the riddle, dark saying Obscuring one's meaning by presenting it within a riddle or by means of metaphors that purposefully challenge the reader or hearer to understand. Examples: An enigma may simply mean the presentation of a paradox: Those hunger most who are most full. An enigma often takes the form of providing descriptive attributes but leaving to the audience to guess what it is that could have those attributes (which are sometimes apparently contradictory): Rain is spent. Now colors bent Frame a clear, blue sky. [answer: a rainbow] Enigma also occurs when tropes are used in series, each of which is fairly clear, but their combined effect teases with its obscurity. In this example, periphrasis (or antonomasia) is employed repeatedly to bring about enigma: Elizabeth Taylor, twice Cleopatra to her Anthony, never quite reconciled her Marilyn Monroe with her Scarlett O'Hara.

Answer 129

en-no'-i-a Gk. "a thought in the mind, intention" invitio A kind of purposeful holding back of information that nevertheless hints at what is meant. A kind of circuitous speaking.

Answer 130

e-nu-mer-a'-ti-o Lat. "a counting out" 1. A synonym for anacephalaeosis. 2. Dividing a subject into its adjuncts, a cause into its effects, or an antecedent into its consequents. 3. A synonym for expeditio.

Answer 131

ex-pe-di'-ti-o L. "a freeing, a dispatching from difficulties" enumeratio elimination, the speedie dispatcher After enumerating all possibilities by which something could have occurred, the speaker eliminates all but one (=apophasis). Although the Ad Herennium author lists expeditio as a figure, it is more properly considered a method of argument (sometimes known as the "Method of Residues" when employed in refutation.) Examples: You either made, purchased, or stole the bomb. Since you lack the intelligence to make it and the funds to purchase it, it can only be that you have stolen it.

Answer 132

ep-an-a-lep'-sis from Gk. ep, "in addition," ana, "again," and lepsis, "a taking" resumptio the echo sound, the slow return, resumption Repetition of the same word or clause after intervening matter. More strictly, repetition at the end of a line, phrase, or clause of the word or words that occurred at the beginning of the same line, phrase, or clause. Examples: "In times like these, it is helpful to remember that there have always been times like these. " —Paul Harvey "Believe not all you can hear, tell not all you believe." —Native American proverb "A lie begets a lie." —English proverb "To each the boulders that have fallen to each." —Robert Frost, "Mending Wall"

Answer 133

e-pan'-o-dos from Gk. ep, "upon," ana, "again," and odos, "way" Also sp. epanadis, epanodis reditus ad propositum, regressio the figure of retire, regression 1. Repeating the main terms of an argument in the course of presenting it. 2. Returning to the main theme after a digression 3. Returning to and providing additional detail for items mentioned previously (often using parallelism). Example: Puttenham provides this example of epanodos: Love, hope, and death, do stir in me such strife, As never man but I led such a life: For burning love doth wound my heart to death: And when death comes at call of inward grief, Cold lingering hope doth feed my fainting breath: Against my will, and yields my wound relief, So that I live, and yet my life is such: As never death could grieve me half so much

Answer 134

ep-an-or-tho'-sis from Gk. epi, "in addition," ana, "again," and orthos, "straight" prodiorthosis correctio, praecedens correctio correction Amending a first thought by altering it to make it stronger or more vehement (=metanoeia). Example: I am angry—no, I am furious about the delay.

Answer 135

e-pen'-thes-is from Gk. epi, "in addition," and thesis, "placing" interpositio interlacing in the midst The addition of a letter, sound, or syllable to the middle of a word. A kind of metaplasm. Note: Epenthesis is sometimes employed in order to accommodate meter in verse; sometimes, to facilitate easier articulation of a word's sound. It can, of course, be accidental, and a vice of speech. Examples: Addition of a medial letter: When "sherbet" is pronounced "sherbert" Addition of an medial syllable: When "realtor" is pronounced "realator" I have but with a cursorary eye O'erglanc'd the articles. —Shakespeare, Henry V 5.2.77

Answer 136

e-per-gee'-sis appositio Interposing an apposition, often in order to clarify what has just been stated. Example: I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing.

Answer 137

ep-ex-e-ge'-sis from Gk. epi, "in addition" and exegeisthai, "to explain" When one interprets what one has just said. A kind of redefinition or self-interpretation (often signaled by constructions such as "that is to say..."). Examples: I'm afraid we've run up against the bamboo curtain—that is to say, an economic and political barrier in the East as real as the iron curtain has been in the West.

Answer 138

e-pi-lo'-gus from Gk. epi, "in addition" and logos, "speech" conclusio Providing an inference of what is likely to follow.

Answer 139

e-pi'-mo-nee from Gk. epi, "upon" and meno, "to remain" ("a staying on, tarrying") the love burden Persistent repetition of the same plea in much the same words.

Answer 140

e-pi-pho-ne'-ma from Gk. epi, "upon" and phonein, "to speak out" acclamatio acclamation An epigrammatic summary which gathers into a pithy sentence what has preceeded. A striking, summarizing reflection. Examples: "Thus is the haughty miller soundly beat, And thus he's lost his pay for grinding wheat, And paid for the two suppers, let me tell, of Alain and of John, who've tricked him well, His wife is taken, also his daughter sweet; Thus it befalls a miller who's a cheat." —Chaucer, The Reeve's Tale The Reeve drives home his story of a cheating Miller by summarizing the tale that he has told in an epiphonema.

Answer 141

e-pi-plex'-is from Gk. epi, "upon" and plessein, "to strike" increpacio Asking questions in order to chide, to express grief, or to inveigh. A kind of rhetorical question. Examples: Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly? —Job 3:11

Answer 142

e-pit'-a-sis Gk. "a stretching" The addition of a concluding sentence that merely emphasizes what has already been stated. A kind of amplification. Example: Clean your bedroom. All of it.

Answer 143

e-pith'-e-ton from Gk. epithetsìplaced upon, addedî appositum, sequens epithet, qualifier, figure of attribution Attributing to a person or thing a quality or description sometimes by the simple addition of a descriptive adjective; sometimes through a descriptive or metaphorical apposition. Note: If the description is given in place of the name, instead of in addition to it, it becomes antonomasia or periphrasis. Examples: The following example is epitheton using a simple adjective added to a noun. As Quintilian suggests, the epithet is made stronger when metaphorical, as this is: "unfettered joy" Epitheton is sometimes used in the conventional names or descriptive slogans found in oral-formulaic poetry: rosy-fingered dawn; swift-footed Achilles A series of following appositions constitute this use of epitheton: Anchises, worthy deigned Of Venus' glorious bed, beloved of heaven, Twice rescued from the wreck of Pergamum —Vergil, Aeneid 3.475

Answer 144

ep'-i-sin-a-lif'-a from Gk. synaleiphein, "to smear or melt together" Also sp. episynaloepha conglutinatio Blending two syllables together into one (rather than simply omitting one of two neighboring vowels [=synaloepha]). The opposite of diaeresis. A kind of metaplasm. Examples: Fixerit Êripedem [instead of aÎripedem] cervam —Vergil, Georgics

Answer 145

e-pi-tro-kas'-mus from Gk. epitrochazein, "to run swiftly over" percursio To touch rapidly on one point and then another.

Answer 146

e-pi'-tro-pe from Gk. epi, "upon" and trope, "turn" ("to yield") Also sp. epitropis concessio, permissio admission, figure of reference, figure of submission A figure in which one turns things over to one's hearers, either pathetically, ironically, or in such a way as to suggest a proof of something without having to state it. Epitrope often takes the form of granting permission (hence its Latin name, permissio), submitting something for consideration, or simply referring to the abilities of the audience to supply the meaning that the speaker passes over (hence Puttenham's term, figure of reference). Epitrope can be either biting in its irony, or flattering in its deference. A specific form of epitrope is the (apparent) admission of what is wrong in order to carry our point. Examples: Go ahead, make my day... —Clint Eastwood If you seeke the victorie take it, and if you list, triumph. — A. Fraunce Because all things [be] taken away, only is left unto me my body and mind. These things, which only are left unto me of many, I grant then to you and to your power. —R. Sherry Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. —Ecclesiastes 11:9

Answer 147

e-pi-zook'-sis from Gk. epi, "upon" and zeugnunai, "to yoke" palilogia geminatio, iteratio, conduplicatio, subjunctio the underlay or the coocko-spel, iteration Repetition of words with no others between, for vehemence or emphasis. Examples: Hamlet: Words, words, words... He, he it was who spelled my doom.

Answer 148

e-ro-tem'-a Gk. "question" interrogatio, interrogatum, rogatio the questioner The rhetorical question. To affirm or deny a point strongly by asking it as a question. Generally, as Melanchthon has noted, the rhetorical question includes an emotional dimension, expressing wonder, indignation, sarcasm, etc. Examples: Just why are you so stupid?

Answer 149

e-tho-po'-ia from Gk. ethos, "character" and poeia, "representation" aetopeia moralis confictio description of manners The description and portrayal of a character (natural propensities, manners and affections, etc.). A kind of enargia. See the progymnasmata exercise impersonation.

Answer 150

eu-cha-ris'-ti-a Gk. "thanksgiving" Giving thanks for a benefit received, sometimes adding one's inability to repay.

Answer 151

yoo'-kay Gk. "prayer, vow" precatio, promissio, votum A vow to keep a promise.

Answer 152

eu-lo'-gi-a Gk. "a blessing" Pronouncing a blessing for the goodness in a person.

Answer 153

eu-phe-mis'-mus from Gk. euphemizein, "to speak fair" euphemismos Substituting a more favorable for a pejorative or socially delicate term. Example: In Shakespeare's King Richard II Richard inquires after John of Gaunt: King Richard: What says he? Northumberland: Nay, nothing, all is said. His tongue is now a stringless instrument [meaning "he died"] —Shakespeare, Richard II 2.1.147-149

Answer 154

yoos-tay'-thi-a Gk. "stability, vigor" Promising constancy in purpose and affection.

Answer 155

eu-tre-pis'-mus from Gk. eutrepes “well-turning” ordinatio Numbering and ordering the parts under consideration. A figure of division, and of ordering. Examples: In considering the siege, we should consider three things: First, are diplomatic alternatives exhausted? Second, do we have sufficient means to isolate the enemy? Third, would a siege achieve the desired effect?

Answer 156

from L. exemplum “specimen, sample” paradigma Amplifying a point by providing a true or feigned example.

Answer 157

ex-ki-ta'-ti-o from L. excitare, "to excite" egersis To excite an audience, especially out of a stupor or boredom. Kinds of excitatio include an acclamatio, an invocation, a digression affirming, denying, or prohibiting something, or a simple admonishment not to sleep.

Answer 158

ex-clam-a'-ti-o from Gk. ex, "out" and clamare, "to shout" ecphonesis Most often exclamatio is simply the Latin term for ecphonesis (an emotional exclamation); however, it has also been used (as in the Ad Herennium) to indicate apostrophe.

Answer 159

ek-skur'-sis L. "to run out" A digression.

Answer 160

ex-er-ga'-si-a from Gk. ex, "out" and ergon, "work" (a "working out") Also sp. exargasia, epexergasia expolitio, expolicio refining, working out Repetition of the same idea, changing either its words, its delivery, or the general treatment it is given. A method for amplification, variation, and explanation. As such, exergasia compares to the progymnasmata exercises. Examples: No peril is so great that a wise man would think it ought to be avoided when the safety of the father land is at stake. When the lasting security of the state is in question, the man endowed with good principles will undoubtedly believe that in defence of the fortunes of the republic he ought to shun no crisis of life, and he will ever persist in the determination eagerly to enter, for the fatherland, any combat, however great the peril to life. In the following example, each of the three clauses repeats the same idea in different terms: Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer... —Psalm 17:1

Answer 161

ex-ou-then-is'-mos Gk. "Scorn, contempt, disparagement" contempt An expression of contempt. Examples: O inhabitant of Lebanon, that makest thy nest in the cedars, how gracious shalt thou be when pangs come upon thee, the pain as of a woman in travail! —Jeremiah 22:23

Answer 162

ex-us-ci-ta'-ti-o from Gk. suscitare "to raise, rouse, awaken" Stirring others by one's own vehement feeling (sometimes by means of a rhetorical question, and often for the sake of exciting anger). Examples: Can I stand by and let the government trample on my rights? Is that safe? Is that right? Can any of us afford to allow this wrong to continue?

Answer 163

ge-o-graph-i'-a from Gk. geo- “earth” and grapho “to write” Vivid representation of the earth to create an illusion of reality.

Answer 164

nome or no'-mee from Gk. gnonai ìto knowî director One of several terms describing short, pithy sayings. Others include adage, apothegm, maxim, paroemia, proverb, and sententia. Examples: A stitch in time saves nine.

Answer 165

gree-kis'-mus L. ìGreekismî Using Greek words, examples, or grammatical structures. Sometimes considered an affectation of erudition.

Answer 166

hen-di'-a-dis from Gk. hen, "one" dia, "through" dis, "two" ("one by means of two") Also sp. hendyadis, endiadis, endiaduz figure of twinnes, two for one Expressing a single idea by two nouns instead of a noun and its qualifier. A method of amplification that adds force. Examples: He came despite the rain and weather. Instead of "He came despite the rainy weather" The distinction and presence of the dignitary moved his audience. By separating the term ìdistinctive presenceî into ìdistinction and presence,î the speaker accentuates the adjective by transforming it into a noun. Were the separation not made, the modifier would be combined with its object and lose some of its potency.

Answer 167

he'-ter-o-gen'-i-um from Gk. heteros “other” and genos “kind” Avoiding an issue by changing the subject to something different. Sometimes considered a vice. Example: Has our logging company endangered the spotted owl? I'll tell you what we've endangered: the unemployment rate in Oregon.

Answer 168

ho-mee-o-lo'-gi-a from Gk. homios, "like" and logia, "speech" sermo ubique sui similis Tedious and inane repetition.

Answer 169

ho-mo'-e-o-pro'-pho-ron from Gk. homoios “like” and prophero “to carry” alliteratio alliteration Repetition of the same consonant (especially the initial consonant) in neighboring words. Although synonymous with the more restricted sense of alliteration, this term was used to name a stylistic vice (= paroemion) Examples: O Tite tute Tati tibi tanta tyranne tulisti —Ennius

Answer 170

ho-mee-o'-sis Gk. "a becoming like" Also sp. omiosis resemblance Beautifying, enforcing and enlarging language through comparison. Bede identifies three figures that peform this: icon, parabola, and paradigma.

Answer 171

i'-kon resemblance by imagerie 1. A figure which paints the likeness of a person by imagery. 2. A figure of comparison in which a person is held up against the explicit image of another.

Answer 172

par-ab'-o-la from para ìbesideî and ballein ìto throw or castî parabole similitude, comparison, resemblance misticall The explicit drawing of a parallel between two essentially dissimilar things, especially with a moral or didactic purpose. A parable. Parabola can be considered a type of metaphor or simile, or allegory (within its more constrained meaning). Bede refers to this figure, along with paradigma and icon, as kinds of homoeosis.

Answer 173

pa-ra-dig'-ma Gk. "a showing side by side" example, resemblance by example An argument from example whose purpose is to exhort or dissuade. Bede refers to this figure, along with parabola and icon, as kinds of homoeosis.

Answer 174

ho-mee-op-to'-ton from Gk. homios, "like" and ptosis, "case" Also sp. homeoeptoton similiter cadens like inflections The repetition of similar case endings in adjacent words or in words in parallel position. Examples: From the Carmina Burana comes this extended example of homoioptoton. Quod Spiritu David precinuit nunc exposuit nobis Deus et sic innotuit: Sarracenus sepulchrum polluit, quo recubuit qui pro nobis crucifixus fuit dum sic voluit mortem pati cruce, nec meruit! Note: Since this figure only works with inflected languages, it has often been conflated with homoioteleuton and (at least in English) has sometimes become equivalent to simple rhyme: "To no avail, I ate a snail"

Answer 175

ho-mee-o-te-loot'-on from Gk. homios, "like" and teleute, "ending" Also sp. homoeoteleuton, omoioteliton, omoioteleton similiter desinens like loose, like endings Similarity of endings of adjacent or parallel words. Example: He is esteemed eloquent which can invent wittily, remember perfectly, dispose orderly, figure diversly [sic], pronounce aptly, confirme strongly, and conclude directly —Peacham Note the series of verbs followed by an adverb ending in "ly" Note: This figure is often combined with isocolon and alliteration in accentuing the rhythm of parallel members.

Answer 176

hor-is'-mus Gk. "boundary" ("definition") Also sp. orismus, horismus definitio, finitio definer of difference, definition Providing a clear, brief definition, especially by explaining differences between associated terms. Examples: Truth is a knowledge of things as they are, as they have been, and as they will be. Beauty is nothing but a transitory charm, an illusion of senses, a slave of pleasure; a flower which has but a moment of life; a dial, on which we neer look, but while the sun shines on it: it is a dunghill covered with snow; a glass painted with false colors. --John Smith

Answer 177

hy'-dro-graf-i'-a from Gk. hydro “water” and graphos “to write” Creating an illusion of reality through vivid description of water.

Answer 178

hy-pal'-la-ge Gk. "interchange" Also sp. hipallage submutatio changeling Shifting the application of words. Mixing the order of which words should correspond with which others. Also, sometimes, a synonym for metonymy (see Quintilian). Examples: Come stay with me and dine not. Darksome wandering by the solitary night (instead of "Solitary wandering by the darksome night") —Angel Day In the following example, Bottom tries to recall the dream he has had, misquoting scripture as he goes. Hypallage occurs by misaligning sense organs with their proper sensations: The eye of man hath not heard, the ear of man hath not seen, man's hand is not able to taste, his tongue to conceive, nor his heart to report, what my dream was. —Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream 4.1.211-214

Answer 179

hy-per'-ba-ton from Gk. hyper, "over" and bainein, "to step" Also sp. hiperbaton transgressio trespasser, transposition 1. An inversion of normal word order. A generic term for a variety of figures involving transposition (see below), it is sometimes synonymous with anastrophe. 2. Adding a word or thought to a sentence that is already semantically complete, thus drawing emphasis to the addition. Example (of #1) Adriana asks regarding men in Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors: Why should their liberty than ours be more?

Answer 180

hy-per'-bo-lee from hyper, "over" and bollein, "to throw" {Alt Spelling} superlatio, excessus over reacher or the loud lyer Rhetorical exaggeration. Hyperbole is often accomplished via comparisons, similes, and metaphors. Examples: I've told you a million times not to exaggerate.

Answer 181

hy-po-ty-po'-sis from Gk. hypotypoein, "to sketch" (typos = "impression, form") Also sp. hypotiposis demonstratio, evidentia, adumbratio, representatio the counterfait representation, word-picture Synonym for enargia. Lively description of an action, event, person, condition, passion, etc. used for creating the illusion of reality.

Answer 182

hi-po-zoog'-ma from Gk. hypo, "slightly" and zeugma, "yoke" rerewarder Placing last, in a construction containing several words or phrases of equal value, the word or words on which all of them depend. Examples: Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears... Assure yourself that Damon to his Pythias, Pylades to his Orestes, Titus to his Gysippus, Theseus to his Pyrothus, Scipio to his Laelius, was never found more faithful than Euphues will be to his Philautus. —John Lyly, Euphues Nihil ne te nocturnum praesidium palatii, nihil urbis vigilae, nihil timor populi, nihil concursus bonorum omnium, nihil hic muntissimus habendi senatus locus, nihil horum ora vultusque moverunt? —Cicero In Catalinam. [Also a periodic sentence]

Answer 183

hyp-o-zook'-sis from Gk. hypo, "slightly" and zeugma, "yoke" substitute Opposite of zeugma. Every clause has its own verb. Examples: The Republicans filibustered, the Democrats snored, and the independents complained.

Answer 184

his-ter-o-lo'-gi-a from Gk. histeros, "later" and logia, "speech" prepostera loquutio A form of hyperbaton or parenthesis in which one interposes a phrase between a preposition and its object. Also, a snynonym for hysteron proteron. Examples: The interrupting material in the following sentence is bolded: I jumped into with as much enthusiasm as a teenager has hormones my speech on abstinence.

Answer 185

his'-ter-on pro'-ter-on from Gk. hysteros, "later" and protos, "first" ("the latter put as the former") praeposteratio, prepostera loquutio preposterous Disorder of time. (What should be first, isn't.) A kind of hyperbaton. Examples: Put on your shoes and socks. (not in that order, of course) In the following example, the turning of the rudder logically precedes the flight described, yet is mentioned after: Th' Antoniad, the Egyptian admiral, With all their sixty, fly and turn the rudder. —Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra 3.10.2

Answer 186

in-o-pi-na'-tum L. "powerless" paradoxum wondrer The expression of one's inability to believe or conceive of something; a type of faux wondering). As such, this kind of paradox is much like aporia and functions much like a rhetorical question or erotema. Examples: It is unthinkable that this nation could compromise itself so quickly.

Answer 187

in-sin-u-a'-ti-o L. “winning sympathy” A method for securing good will within the exordium. Arrangement of Classical Oration 1. exordium| 2. narratio | 3. partitio | 4. confirmatio | 5. refutatio | 6. peroratio The introduction of a speech, where one announces the subject and purpose of the discourse, and where one usually employs the persuasive appeal of ethos in order to establish credibility with the audience.

Answer 188

in-ter-ro-ga'-ti-o L. “question, cross-examination” erotema rogatio Primarily, interrogatio is simply the Latin term for erotema (the rhetorical question). In the Ad Herennium, however, interrogatio is described as employing a question as a way of confirming or reinforcing the argument one has just made. Examples: While, therefore, you were doing and saying and negotiating all of these things, were you not alienating the republic's allies? —Ad Herennium

Answer 189

Using direct address to reprove someone before an audience, pointing out the contradictions in that person's character, often between what a person does and says. Example: Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? —Romans 2:21

Answer 190

i'-ron-ee Gk., "affectation of ignorance" ironia, illusio dissimulatio, simulatio the dry mock Speaking in such a way as to imply the contrary of what one says, often for the purpose of derision, mockery, or jest. Examples: When in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing the constable Dogberry says "redemption" instead of "damnation" (itself a malapropism), the fact that he means precisely the opposite of what he so passionately exclaims makes this a comical use of irony: O villain! thou wilt be condemned into everlasting redemption for this.

Answer 191

i-so-co'-lon from Gk. isos, "equal" and kolon, "member" compar, conpar, parison the figure of even A series of similarly structured elements having the same length. A kind of parallelism. Examples Veni, vidi, vici (I came, I saw, I conquered)

Answer 192

ma-cro-lo'-gi-a from Gk. macro, "long" and logos, "speaking" macrology Longwindedness. Using more words than are necessary in an attempt to appear eloquent. Examples: Polonius exemplifies macrologia in the following speech from Hamlet. My liege, and madam, to expostulate What majesty should be, what duty is, Why day is day, night night, and time is time, Were nothing but to waste night, day, and time; Therefore, [since] brevity is the soul of wit, And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, I will be brief. Your noble son is mad: Mad call I it, for to define true madness, What is't but to be nothing else but mad? —Shakespeare, Hamlet 2.2.86-94

Answer 193

mar-tir'-i-a from Gk. marturion “testimony” testatio Confirming something by referring to one's own experience. Example: During my 30 years experience in the company we have consistently maintained this policy.

Answer 194

max'-im from L. maximus “greatest proposition” = Gk. axiom One of several terms describing short, pithy sayings. Others include apothegm, gnome, paroemia, proverb, and sententia.

Answer 195

me-de'-la When you can't deny or defend friends' faults and seek to heal them with good words.

Answer 196

mem'-brum L. “part, section” colon membrum orationis clause Roughly equivalent to "clause" in English, except that the emphasis is on seeing this part of a sentence as needing completion, either with a second membrum (or colon) or with two others forming a tricolon. When membra (or cola) are of equal length, they form isocolon. Membrum is also best understood in terms of differing speeds of style that depend upon the length of the elements of a sentence. The Ad Herennium author contrasts the slower speed of concatenated membra to the quicker speed of words joined together without conjunction (articulus). Examples: Each of the three membra in the following sentence is numbered: (1) You have not considered the well-being of the country, (2) nor have you seen to the welfare of your friends, (3) nor have you resisted your enemies. —Ad Herennium

Answer 197

memp'-sis Gk. “blame, censure” Expressing complaint and seeking help.

Answer 198

mer-is'-mus distributio the distributor The dividing of a whole into its parts. Examples: Puttenham provides this example. If one begins with a sentence, "The house was outrageously plucked down." One can through merismus obtain: "They first undermined the ground fills, they beat down the walls, they unfloored the lofts, they untiled it and pulled down the roof."

Answer 199

mes-ar'-chi-a from Gk. mesos, "middle" and archee, "beginning" The repetition of the same word or words at the beginning and middle of successive sentences. Example: And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever. —Ezekiel 37:25

Answer 200

mes-o-dip-lo'-sis from Gk. mesos, "middle" and diplosis, "a doubling" mesophonia Repetition of the same word or words in the middle of successive sentences. Example: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. —2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Answer 201

me'-so-zyoog'-ma from Gk. meso, "middle" and zeugma, "yoke" Also sp. mezozeugma middle marcher A zeugma in which one places a common verb for many subjects in the middle of a construction. Examples: First the door locked, and then his jaw. Neither his father nor his mother could persuade him; neither his friends nor his kinsmen.

Answer 202

me-ta'-ba-sis from Gk. metabaio, "to pass over" transitio, transicio transition A transitional statement in which one explains what has been and what will be said. Examples: "You have heard how the proposed plan will fail; now consider how an alternative might succeed." Smith sets forth eight kinds of metabasis, categorized according to the sort of relationship being announced between the preceding and subsequent matter: 1. Equal The matters you have heard were wonderful, and those that you shall hear are no less marvelous. 2. Unequal You have heard very grievous things, but you shall year more grievous. 3. Like I have spoken of his notable enterprises in France, and now I will rehearse his worthy acts done in England. 4. Contrary As I have spoken of his sad adversity and misery, so will I now speak of his happy prosperity. 5. Differing I have spoken of manners; now it remains that I speak concerning doctrine. 6. Anticipating Objection You may think me too long in the threatenings of the law; I will now pass to the sweet promises of the gospel. 7. Reprehension Why do I dewll on these things? I shall hasten my speech unto that which is the principal point of the matter in question. 8. Consequents You have heard how he promised, and now I will tell you how he performed.

Answer 203

me-ta-lep'-sis from Gk. meta, "change" and lambanein "to take" ("to change the sense") transumptio transumption, the farrafet Reference to something by means of another thing that is remotely related to it, either through a farfetched causal relationship, or through an implied intermediate substitution of terms. Often used for comic effect through its preposterous exaggeration. A metonymical substitution of one word for another which is itself figurative. Examples: Pallid death The effect of death is to make the body pale. Ascribing this effect to death itself as an adjective here is an example of metalepsis. He is such a lead foot. This means, "he drives fast" but only through an implied causal chain: Lead is heavy, a heavy foot would press the accelerator, and this would cause the car to speed. In Laurence Sterne's novel, Tristram Shandy, Tristram blames his troubled life and character (the effect) on his parents' ill-timed conception of him (the remote cause)—a rather comical and extended example of metalepsis.

Answer 204

me-tal'-la-gee from Gk. meta, "beyond, across" and allagee, "a change" ("a taking over in exchange") suppositio, materialis When a word or phrase is treated as an object within another expression. Examples: A lady's "verily" is as potent as a lord's. —Shakespeare, The Winter's Tale 1.1.50-51 Their drink is sour: they have committed whoredom continually: her rulers with shame do love, "Give ye." —Hosea 4:19 I don't want to hear another "I'll do it later." Do it now.

Answer 205

metí-a-phor from meta ìbeyond, overî and pherein ìto carryî metaphora translatio translation, figure of transport A comparison made by referring to one thing as another. Examples: No man is an island —John Donne For ever since that time you went away I've been a rabbit burrowed in the wood —Maurice Sceve Life is a beach. Who captains the ship of state?

Answer 206

me-tas'-ta-sis from Gk. meta, "beyond, over" and stasis, "a standing or placing" transmotionem the flitting figure or remove Denying and turning back on your adversaries arguments used against you. Examples: And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim. —1 Kings 18:17-18

Answer 207

me-ta'-the-sis transposicio transposition The transposition of letters within a word. A kind of metaplasm (and sometimes a kind of paronomasia.) Examples: Several transpositions of letters in the first two words make possible the last two words of this humorous statement: "Elvis Lives in Evil Levis." American spelling is often simply metathesis applied to the original British spelling: "theatre" becomes "theater" "centre" becomes "center"

Answer 208

me-ton'-y-my from meta, "change" and onoma, "name" Also sp. metonimia hypallage denominatio, transmutatio, transnominatio the misnamer, change of noun or name, transmutation of a word Reference to something or someone by naming one of its attributes. Examples: The pen is mightier than the sword The pen is an attribute of thoughts that are written with a pen; the sword is an attribute of military action We await word from the crown. I'm told he's gone so far as to giver her a diamond ring The IRS is auditing me? Great. All I need is a couple of suits arriving at my door.

Answer 209

my-mee'-sis Gk. "imitation" Also sp. mimisis imitatio description of sayings 1. Greek name for the rhetorical pedagogy known as imitation. 2. The imitation of another's gestures, pronunciation, or utterance. Examples: The enemy said, "I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them." —Exodus 15:9

Answer 210

mik-ter-is'-mus from Gk. mukterizein “to sneer” Also sp. mycterismus, micterismus subsannatio fleering frumpe A mock given with an accompanying gesture, such as a scornful countenance. Example In some smiling sort looking aside or by drawing the lip awry or shrinking up the nose, as he had said to one whose words he believed not, "No doubt, sir, of that" — Puttenham

Answer 211

no-e'-ma Gk. "thought" the figure of close conceit An obscure and subtle speech.

Answer 212

op-ta'-ti-o Lat. "hoping for, wishing" oeonismus wishing Expressing a wish, often ardently. Examples: O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. —Isaiah 48:18 Shylock: Why, look you how you storm! / I would be friends with you, and have your love. —Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice 1.3.137-138

Answer 213

o-mi-na'-ti-o L. “foretelling, foreboding” A prophecy of evil. Examples: Fool: When priests are more in word than matter; When brewers mar their malt with water; When nobles are their tailors' tutors; No heretics burn'd, but wenches' suitors; Then shall the realm of Albion Come to great confusion. —Shakespeare, King Lear 3.2.80-86

Answer 214

on-e-dis'-mus from Gk. oneidizo “to reproach” exprobatio Reproaching someone for being impious or ungrateful.

Answer 215

on-o-mat-o-pee'-a from Gk. onomos, "name" and poein, "to make" nominatio, nominis confictio the new namer Using or inventing a word whose sound imitates that which it names (the union of phonetics and semantics). Examples: The buzzing of innumerable bees The "zz" and "mm" sounds in these words imitate the actual sounds of bees.

Answer 216

or'-kos alt. of Gk. horkos, “oath” Swearing that a statement is true.

Answer 217

ox-y-mo'-ron rom Gk. oxy, "sharp" and moros, "dull" acutifatuum wise-folly Placing two ordinarily opposing terms adjacent to one another. A compressed paradox. Examples: ...Yet from those flames No light, but rather darkness visible Served only to discover sights of woe. —Milton, Paradise Lost 1.62-64 The Sounds of Silence Festina lente (make haste slowly).

Answer 218

pai-nis'-mus from Gk. paian “hymn” Expressing joy for blessings obtained or an evil avoided. Example: Thank heavens the toupee was self-adhesive!

Answer 219

pa-li-lo'-gi-a from Gk. palin, "over again" and logia, "speaking" iteratio Repetition of the same word, with none between, for vehemence. Synonym for epizeuxis.

Answer 220

par-a-di-as'-to-lee from Gk. para, "beside, along" and stolee, "a sending" curry favell A figure by which one extenuates something in order to flatter or soothe, or by which one refers to a vice as a virtue. Example: Said of a proud man: "He is confident"

Answer 221

par-a-di-ee-gee'-sis from Gk. paradiegeomai “to relate by the way” A bye-leading An introductory narrative (often a digression) used to open a speech.

Answer 222

pa'-ra-dox from Gk. para, "past, contrary to" and doxa, "opinion" paradoxon, paradoxum wondrer 1. A statement that is self-contradictory on the surface, yet seems to evoke a truth nonetheless. Example: Whosoever loses his life, shall find it. 2. = inopinatum. The expression of one's inability to believe or conceive of something; a type of faux wondering). As such, this kind of paradox is much like aporia and functions much like a rhetorical question or erotema. Example: It seems impossible to me that this administration could so quickly reverse itself on this issue.

Answer 223

par-a-go'-ge from para "beyond" and goge "carrying" proparalepsis preassumpcio, diductio adding at the end The addition of a lettter or syllable to the end of a word. A kind of metaplasm. Examples: Addition of a final letter: In Love's Labour's Lost Holofernes parodies this figure. Both "sore" and "sorel" named kinds of deer. By adding an "L" [= 50 in Roman numerals] through paragoge, he makes "50" deer: If sore be sore, then L to sore makes fifty sores o' sorel —Shakespeare, Love's Labour's Lost 4.2.59-61 Addition of a final syllable: When "slack" becomes "slacken" without any change of meaning.

Answer 224

from Gk. parallelos “side-by-side” Similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses. Examples: parallelism of words: She tried to make her pastry fluffy, sweet, and delicate. parallelism of phrases: Singing a song or writing a poem is joyous. parallelism of clauses: Perch are inexpensive; cod are cheap; trout are abundant; but salmon are best.

Answer 225

pa-ra-mee'-thi-a Gk. “encouragement, exhortation” consolatio An expression of consolation and encouragement.

Answer 226

par-en'-the-sis from Gk. para, "beside" and thesis, "placing" parathesis interpositio interposicion, insertour Insertion of a verbal unit that interrupts normal syntactical flow. Examples: The garrulous Polonius from Hamlet can't help but interrupt himself as he speaks to King Claudius about Prince Hamlet's behavior toward his daughter, adding a parenthesis to his own parenthesis: But what might you think, When I had seen this hot love on the wing— As I perceiv'd it (I must tell you that) Before my daughter told me—what might you, Or my dear Majesty your queen here, think...? —Shakespeare, Hamlet 2.2.131-35

Answer 227

par-ec'-ba-sis From Gk. parecbaino, to go from the purpose Also sp. parecnasis pareonasis digressio, egressus, egressio the stragler or figure of digression A digression. More specifically, a digression that often comes following the narratio and has some bearing on the case, although it appears to be a departure from the logical order.

Answer 228

pa-reg'-men-on from Gk. paragein, "to lead aside, change" A general term for the repetition of a word or its cognates in a short sentence. Often, but not always, polyptoton. Examples: It will destroy the wisdom of the wise.

Answer 229

pa-rel'-kon from Gk. parelkein, "to draw along, spin out, prolong" {Alt Spelling} {Latin Synonyms} {English Synonyms} 1. The use of redundant or superfluous terms. Often the use of two words in lieu of one. 2. A synonym for paragoge.

Answer 230

taut-a-lo'-gi-a from Gk. tauto, "the same" and logos, "saying" inutilis repelicio eiusdem figure of self saying The repetition of the same idea in different words, but (often) in a way that is wearisome or unnecessary. Note: Not to be confused with the logical notion of tautology.

Answer 231

si-no-ni'-mi-a from Gk. syn, "alike" and onoma, "name" interpretatio, nominis communio synonymy, the figure of store, the interpreter In general, the use of several synonyms together to amplify or explain a given subject or term. A kind of repetition that adds emotional force or intellectual clarity. Synonymia often occurs in parallel fashion. The Latin synonym, interpretatio, suggests the expository and rational nature of this figure, while another Greek synonym, congeries, suggests the emotive possibilities of this figure. Examples: The tribune Murellus taunts the Roman populace in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar for their fickleness, calling the people several different pejorative names: You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!

Answer 232

pa-rem'-bo-lee from para, "beside" and embole, "throwing in" A figure of interruption closely related to parenthesis. Parembole occurs when the interrupting matter has a connection to the sentence subject, whereas the interrupting material of parenthesis need have no such connection.

Answer 233

par-yur-ee'-sis Gk. “pretense” adinventio, excusatio To put forward a convincing excuse.

Answer 234

pa-ri'-mi-a from Gk. para, "by" and oimos, "way" ("by word") Also sp. paremia, parimia adagium adage, proverb One of several terms describing short, pithy sayings.

Answer 235

par-a-mi'-on from Gk. para, "near" and homoios, "like" Also sp. paromoeon, parimion figure of like letter Alliteration taken to an extreme where nearly every word in a sentence begins with the same consonant. Sometimes, simply a synonym for alliteration or for homoeoprophoron. Example: The powers of prunes are prudent to provide potent pallitive prophylaxis of potential pooper problems, priming you for purging. —Rob Bohnenberger

Answer 236

par-o-moy-o'-sis from Gk. para, "beside" and homoiosis, "likeness" Also sp. paromoeosis assonance Parallelism of sound between the words of adjacent clauses whose lengths are equal or approximate to one another. The combination of isocolon and assonance. Example: In the following couplet, each line is of equal length (iambic pentameter), and the parallel assonance has been highlighted: In granite tombs, on walls of silent stone, With frantic runes, where falls the sharpened bone...

Answer 237

par-o-mo-lo'-gi-a from Gk. para, "alongside" and homologia, "agreement" ("partial agreement") Also sp. paramologia concessio, confessio the figure of admittance, confession Admitting a weaker point in order to make a stronger one. Examples: Yes, I may have been a petty thief, but I am no felon.

Answer 238

path-o-poy'-a from Gk. pathos, "feeling" and poiia, "a making" Also sp. pathopeia adfectus, affectus expressio description of feelings A general term for speech that moves hearers emotionally, especially as the speaker attempts to elicit an emotional response by way of demonstrating his/her own feelings (exuscitatio). Melanchthon explains that this effect is achieved by making reference to any of a variety of pathetic circumstances: the time, one's gender, age, location, etc. Examples: O that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people. —Jeremiah 9:1-2.

Answer 239

per-clu'-si-o A threat against someone, or something. Example: You can walk on over here, but you won't be walking back.

Answer 240

pe-ri-er'-gi-a from Gk. peri, "exceedingly" and ergon, "work" sedulitas superflua over labour, curious Overuse of words or figures of speech. As such, it may simply be considered synonymous with macrologia. However, as Puttenham's term suggests, periergia may differ from simple superfluity in that the language appears over-labored.

Answer 241

from Gk. periodos “going around, course” hirmos ambitus, circumductum, continuatio, conclusio, hirmus long loose The periodic sentence, characterized by the suspension of the completion of sense until its end. This has been more possible and favored in Greek and Latin, languages already favoring the end position for the verb, but has been approximated in uninflected languages such as English. Example: Note the long delay prior to the occurrence of the sentence's main verb ("sing"): Of man's first disobedience and the fruit Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste Brought death into the world, and all our woe, With loss of Eden, till one greater Man Restore us, and regain the blissful seat, Sing Heav'nly Muse... —John Milton, Paradise Lost

Answer 242

per-if'-ra-sis from Gk. peri, "around" and phrasein "to declare" Also sp. perifrasis antonomasia, circumlocutio, circumitio the figure of ambage The substitution of a descriptive word or phrase for a proper name (a species of circumlocution); or, conversely, the use of a proper name as a shorthand to stand for qualities associated with it. Examples In the TV sho:w "Dinosaurs" the infant dino called his father, "Not-the-Mama." He's no Fabio to look at; but then, he's no Woody Allen, either. Said of Aristotle: "The prince of Peripatetics" —Angel Day

Answer 243

per-is-so-lo'-gi-a from Gk. perissos, "redundant" and logos, "speech" sermo superfluus perissology In general, the fault of wordiness. More specifically, periphrasis, circumlocution, synonymia, accumulatio, or amplification carried to a fault by length or overelaborateness.

Answer 244

plee'-o-naz-um Gk. "superfluous," "redundant" pleonasmus superabundancia, plus necessarium Use of more words than is necessary semantically. Rhetorical repetition that is grammatically superfluous. Examples: With these very eyes I saw him do it. Referring to eyes is unnecessary since this is implied with "saw."

Answer 245

per-mu-ta'-ti-o L. “exchange, substitution” (of one expression for another) Sometimes simply the Latin term for allegory. However, the Ad Herennium author defines permutatio in three ways. The first of these is akin to the conventional understanding of allegory, while the other two are comparisons involving allusions. 1. Permutatio by comparison Employing several metaphors drawn from the same domain together. Example: After the most recent threats from abroad, the president claimed the dogs of war were barking up the wrong tree, and if they weren't careful, they'd find themselves more neutered than neutral. 2. Permutatio by argument Employing a comparison in order to magnify or lessen. Example: Said to Dan Quayle during the Vice-presidential debates: "Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy." 3. Permutatio by contrast Employing a mocking comparison. Example: Said to a penny pincher: Thanks for your philanthropy, buddy.

Answer 246

the counterfait in personation Reference to abstractions or inanimate objects as though they had human qualities or abilities. The English term for prosopopeia or ethopoeia. Examples: O beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-ey'd monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on. —Iago in Shakespeare's Othello 3.3.165-67 The insatiable hunger for imagination preys upon human life —Samuel Johnson

Answer 247

fi-lo-fro-nay'-sis from Gk. philophroneomai “to show kindness” The pacification of an adversary by use of mild speech or promises.

Answer 248

plo'-si or plo'-kee from Gk. plekein, "to plait" Also sp. ploche, ploke conduplicatio, diaphora doubler The repetition of a single word for rhetorical emphasis. Ploce is a general term and has sometimes been used in place of more specific terms such as polyptoton (when the repetition involves a change in the form of the word) or antanaclasis (when the repetition involves a change in meaning).

Answer 249

prag-ma-to-gra'-fi-a from Gk. pragma, "that which has been done" and graphe, "writing" the counterfait action, description of actions The description of an action (such as a battle, a feast, a marriage, a burial, etc.). A kind of enargia. This figure is frequently used in drama for exposition or to report what has happened offstage. Examples: Horatio reports to Hamlet the appearance his father's ghost: Horatio: Season your admiration for a while With an attent ear, till I may deliver, Upon the witness of these gentlemen, This marvel to you. Hamlet: For God's love let me hear! Horatio: Two nights together had these gentlemen, Marcellus and Barnardo, on their watch, In the dead waste and middle of the night, Been thus encount'red: a figure like your father, Armed at point exactly, cap-a-pe, Appears before them, and with solemn march Goes slow and stately by them; thrice he walk'd By their oppress'd and fear-surprised eyes Within his truncheon's length, whilst they, distill'd Almost to jelly with the act of fear, Stand dumb and speak not to him. This to me In dreadful secrecy impart they did, And I with them the third night kept the watch, Where, as they had delivered, both in time, Form of the thing, each word made true and good, The apparition comes. I knew your father, These hands are not more like. —Shakespeare, Hamlet 1.2.92-211

Answer 250

Challenging one's adversary.

Answer 251

pro-di-or-tho'-sis from Gk. pro "before" and diorthosis, "a making straight, putting right" ("a preparatory apology") warning A statement intended to prepare one's audience for something shocking or offensive. An extreme example of protherapeia. Examples: Horatio here continues after just having told Hamlet that he saw the ghost of Hamlet's father the night before: Season your admiration for a while With an attent ear, till I may deliver, Upon the witness of these gentlemen, This marvel to you. —Shakespeare, Hamlet 1.2.189-195

Answer 252

pro-ther-a-pei'-a Gk. "previous care or treatment" from pro, "before" and therapeia, "service" proepiplexis conciliation Preparing one's audience for what one is about to say through conciliating words. If what is to come will be shocking, the figure is called prodiorthosis. Examples: Paul the apostle warms up his audience by beginning his speech on Mars hill with protherapeia: Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are very religious... —Acts 17:22

Answer 253

from Gk. pro, "before" and ekthesis, "a setting out by way of conclusion" expositio When, in conclusion, a justifying reason is provided. Examples: I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. —Matt. 9:13

Answer 254

pro-sa-pod'-os-is Providing a reason for each division of a statement, the reasons usually following the statement in parallel fashion.

Answer 255

pro-so-po-graph'-i-a from Gk. prosopon, "face" or "person," and graphein, "to write" prosographia counterfeit countenance, description of persons The vivid description of someone's face or character. A kind of enargia. Also, the description of feigned or imaginary characters, such as devils or harpies. Examples: He is a monster both in mind and in body; whatever part of mind or body you consider, you will find a monster quivering head, rabid eyes, a dragon's gape, the visage of a Fury, distended belly, hands like talons ready to tear, feet distorted, in short, view his entire physical shape and what else does it all present but a monster? Observe that tongue, observe that wild beast's roar, and you will name it is a monstrosity; probe his mind, you will find a horror; weigh his character, scrutinize his life, you will find all monstrous...through and through he is nothing but a monster. —Erasmus, De copia

Answer 256

pro'-thes-is Also sp. prosthesis appositio apposition, addition at the first The addition of a letter or syllable to the beginning of a word. A kind of metaplasm. Examples: Addition of an initial letter: Adown we tumbled. To say "gnatus" for "natus" —Terence Addition of an initial syllable: By going to Achilles. That were to enlard his fat-already pride. —Shakespeare, Troilus and Cressida 2.3.194-195 To say "tetuli" instead of "tuli"

Answer 257

pro-tro'-pe Gk. “exhortation” adhortatio A call to action, often by using threats or promises.

Answer 258

One of several terms describing short, pithy sayings. Others include adage, apothegm, gnome, maxim, paroemia, and sententia. Note that "proverb," besides being synonymous with these other terms, also names one of the progymnasmata exercises, proverb. Example: A stitch in time saves nine.

Answer 259

pro-zoog'-ma protozeugma, antezeugmenon, proepizeuxis injunctum, praeiunctio ringleader, ante-yoke A series of clauses in which the verb employed in the first is ellided (and thus implied) in the others. Examples: Her beauty pierced mine eye, her speech mine woeful heart, her presence all the powers of my discourse. —Puttenham Vicit pudorem libido, timorem audacia, rationem amentia —Cicero

Answer 260

pys'-ma Gk. "question" quaesitio, quaesitum The asking of multiple questions successively (which would together require a complex reply). A rhetorical use of the question.

Answer 261

ra'-ti-o-cin-a'-ti-o L. ratio, "reason" Reasoning (typically with oneself) by asking questions. Sometimes equivalent to anthypophora. More specifically, ratiocinatio can mean making statements, then asking the reason (ratio) for such an affirmation, then answering oneself. In this latter sense ratiocinatio is closely related to aetiologia. Examples: Old age is superior to youth. Why? The body has been tamed and the mind ripened with wisdom.

Answer 262

re-strik'-ti-o from L. restringere “to restrain” Making an exception to a previously made statement. Restricting or limiting what has already been said. Examples: "She's the most beautiful woman in the world—present company excepted," he said to his wife.

Answer 263

ske'-sis o-no'-ma-ton Also sp. schesis onomaton 1. A sentence constructed only of nouns and adjectives (typically in a regular pattern). 2. A series of successive, synonymous expressions. Examples: A man faithful in friendship, prudent in counsels, virtuous in conversation, gentle in communication, learned in all liberal sciences, eloquent in utterance, comely in gesture, an enemy to naughtiness, and a lover of all virtue and godliness. —Peacham

Answer 264

ske-ma-tis'-mus from Gk. schematizein, "to give form" Concealing a meaning by using figurative language, either out of necessity or for humor's sake.

Answer 265

from Gk. schema “form” An artful deviation from the ordinary arrangement of words. One of two general categories for figures of speech, along with trope.

Answer 266

from Gk. tropos, "a turn" An artful deviation from the ordinary or principal signification of a word. One of two general categories for figures of speech, along with scheme. Literally "turn" in Greek, trope signifies when one turns a word or phrase from its conventional use to a novel one for rhetorical effect. A scheme, on the other hand, refers to the unusual arrangement of words.

Answer 267

sko'-ti-son Gk. "darkened" Purposeful obscurity.

Answer 268

sen-ten'-ti-a L. “judgment, maxim” the sage sayer One of several terms describing short, pithy sayings. Others include adage, apothegm, gnome, maxim, paroemia, and proverb.

Answer 269

ser-mo-ci-na'-ti-o L. “[inserted imaginary] dialogue” dialogue Speaking dramatically in the first person for someone else, assigning language that would be appropriate for that person's character (and for one's rhetorical purpose). Sometimes this has meant dramatizing an entire scene, performing the dialogue of more than one person. In oratory, sermocinatio was readily blended with the narratio. Examples: When soldiers filled the city and all, oppressed by fear, took shelter in their homes, a certain ruffian appears in soldier's garb, armed with a sword and holding a javelin. Three youths, similarly appareled, follow him. Breaking suddenly into the house, he shouts with a loud voice, "Where is that wealthy master of this house who was to have appeared before me? Well? Why don't you answer!" Indeed, all are so terrified they cannot speak. Then the unlucky man's wife, in a fit of tears, flings herself at the soldier's feet, saying, "By all you hold dearest, pity us. Why destroy those already downcast? Make the best use of your own good fortune. We, also, have enjoyed good fortune. Do not forget that you, too, are human." "Why don't you just shut up and hand him over? He's not going to escape me." Meanwhile the master of the house, having heard of the commotion and the threatening stranger, entrusts his children to their teacher. "Listen well, Gorgias, hide my dear ones, protect them, be sure they are brought up to be young men in safety" [etc. until the man is killed] —adapted from Ad Herennium 4.52

Answer 270

si'-mi-lee L. “like” similitudo An explicit comparison, often (but not necessarily) employing "like" or "as." Examples: My love is like a red, red rose —Robert Burns Her hair was like gravy, running brown off her head and clumping up on her shoulders. The day we passed together for a while Seemed a bright fire on a winter's night —Maurice Sceve You are like a hurricane: there's calm in your eye, but I'm getting blown away —Neil Young The air-lifted rhinoceros hit the ground like a garbage bag filled with split pea soup.

Answer 271

so'-le-sizm Gk. "speaking incorrectly" (referred to those who spoke Greek imperfectly at Soloi) solecismus, solecismos inconveniens structura An element of speech or writing that is incorrect grammatically. Like barbarisms, solecisms are possible according to each of the four categories of change.

Answer 272

sor-ais'-mus Also sp. soraismos cumulatio To mingle different languages affectedly or without skill. Examples: His raison d'etre allows little quid pro quo with the hoi polloi.

Answer 273

so-ri'-tes from Gk. soros, "heap" Concatenated enthymemes. That is, a chain of claims and reasons which build upon one another. Sorites is sometimes seen as, and certainly can be, a logical fallacy, since the rapidity of claims and reasons does not allow the unstated assumptions behind each claim to be examined. Example: We cannot trust this man, for he has perjured himself in the past. Since the witness cannot be trusted, we must disregard his present testimony. Without his damning testimony, the accusations against my client are nothing. Since the accusations against my client amount to nothing, let him be dismissed.

Answer 274

sub-jec'-ti-o L. “appended support” Also sp. subiectio Providing a suggestion in answer to one's own question regarding how an argument should proceed. A Latin term for anthypophora or dianoea.

Answer 275

sil-lep'-sis from Gk. syn, "together" and lepsis, "taking" Also sp. sillepsis, silepsis, syllempsis conceptio, conglutinata conceptio, concepcio double supply, change in concord When a single word that governs or modifies two or more others must be understood differently with respect to each of those words. A combination of grammatical parallelism and semantic incongruity, often with a witty or comical effect. Not to be confused with zeugma. Note: Originally, syllepsis named that grammatical incongruity resulting when a word governing two or more others could not agree with both or all of them; for example, when a singular verb serves as the predicate to two subjects, singular and plural ("His boat and his riches is sinking"). In the rhetorical sense, syllepsis has more to do with applying the same single word to the others it governs in distinct senses (e.g., literal and metaphorical); thus, "His boat and his dreams sank." Examples: In the following example, "rend" governs both objects, but the first rending is figurative; the second, literal: Rend your heart, and not your garments. Joel 2:13 You held your breath and the door for me —Alanis Morissette "Fix the problem, not the blame." —Dave Weinbaum The verb "fix" governs both "problem" and "blame." In its first instance, "fix" means "solve," but this verb shifts its meaning when applied to its second object, where the understood "fix" = "assign."

Answer 276

syl-lo-gis'-mus from syn, "together" and logos, "reasoning" Also sp. syllogismos omission of the conclusion The use of a remark or an image which calls upon the audience to draw an obvious conclusion. Like a rhetorical enthymeme, but more compact, and frequently relying on an image. Not to be confused with the "syllogism" of formal logic (see enthymeme). Examples: Look at that man's yellowed fingertips and you just tell me if he's a smoker or not. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. —Luke 7:44-46 In the preceding example, the obvious conclusion to be drawn (which remains unstated) is "how much more does she love me than you do".

Answer 277

sym-per-as'-ma Gk. "a finishing or end" athroesmus concluding summary A conclusion that includes a brief summary of the foregoing. Examples: The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. —Matt 1:1-17

Answer 278

sin-air'-e-sis Gr. “a drawing together, contraction” When two syllables are contracted into one. A kind of metaplasm. Examples: When New Orleans is pronounced "Nawlins"

Answer 279

sin-a-lif'-a from Gk. synaleiphein, "to smear or melt together" Also sp. synalepha, synaloephe, synolephe episynaloepha deletio, delecio Omitting one of two vowels which occur together at the end of one word and the beginning of another. A contraction of neighboring syllables. A kind of metaplasm. Examples: I'll take one; you take th'other . When yond same star that's westward from the pole Had made his course t'illume that part of heaven —Shakespeare Hamlet 1.1.36-37

Answer 280

sin-ath-res'-mus Gk. "a collection, union" Also sp. synathroismos, sinathrismus frequentatio the heaping figure 1. The conglomeration of many words and expressions either with similar meaning (= synonymia) or not (= congeries). 2. A gathering together of things scattered throughout a speech (= accumulatio)

Answer 281

sin-cho-ree'-sis Gk. "concession, acquiescence, consenting," from synchoreo, "to come together, agree" epichoresis concessio concession Conceding one point for the sake of another (= paromologia). Examples: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Answer 282

sin'-ki-sis from Gk. synkein, "to mingle, confuse" Also sp. synchisis, synchesis confusio The confused arrangement of words in a sentence; hyperbaton or anastrophe taken to an obscuring extreme, either accidentally or purposefully.

Answer 283

sin'-ko-pee from Gk. syn and koptein, "to strike off" consicio cutting from the midst Cutting letters or syllables from the middle of a word. A kind of metaplasm. Examples: Omission of a medial letter: When "library" is pronounced "libary" Omission of an medial syllable: You, that are thus so tender o'er his follies, Will never do him good, not one of you. —Shakespeare The Winter's Tale 2.3.128-129 O'ermaster't as you may. —Shakespeare Hamlet 1.5.140

Answer 284

sin'-cri-sis from Gk. syn, "with" and krinein, "to separate" ("to compare") Comparison and contrast in parallel clauses. Examples: We support the victory; they decry the cost.

Answer 285

si-nek'-do-kee Gk. "to take with something else" Also sp. syndoche intellectio, subintellectio, pars pro toto intelleccion, figure of quick conceite A whole is represented by naming one of its parts (genus named for species), or vice versa (species named for genus). Examples: The rustler bragged he'd absconded with five hundred head of longhorns. Both "head" and "longhorns" are parts of cattle that represent them as wholes Listen, you've got to come take a look at my new set of wheels. One refers to a vehicle in terms of some of its parts, "wheels" "He shall think differently," the musketeer threatened, "when he feels the point of my steel." A sword, the species, is represented by referring to its genus, "steel"

Answer 286

sin-i-see'-i-sis from Gk. syn, "with" and oikeios, "one's own" Also sp. syneciosis oxymoron contrapositum crosse copling A coupling or bringing together of contraries, but not in order to oppose them to one another (as in antithesis). Examples: Thus for your sake I dayly dye And do but seem to live in deede: Thus is my blisse but miserie, My lucre losse without your meede. —George Puttenham The contraries include "dye" and "live" in the first two lines, "blisse" and "miserie" in the third line, "lucre" [gain] and "losse" in the last line.

Answer 287

sin'-the-sis Gk., "composition" compositio An apt arrangement of a composition, especially regarding the sounds of adjoining syllables and words.

Answer 288

sin'-the-ton from Gk. syn, "together" and tithenai, "to place" combination When by convention two words are joined by a conjunction for emphasis. Examples: Bread and wine. God and man.

Answer 289

si'-stro-fee from Gk. syn, "together" and strophe, "turning" The listing of many qualities or descriptions of someone or something, without providing an explicit definition. Examples: What [a] piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving, how express and admirable in action, how like an angel in apprehension, how like a god! the beauty of the world; the paragon of animals; and yet to me what is this quintessence of dust? —Shakespeare, Hamlet 2.2.303-310

Answer 290

ta'-sis extensio Sustaining the pronunciation of a word or phrase because of its pleasant sound. A figure apparent in delivery. Examples: I have no idea what "mellifluous" means, but just saying it does me a world of good: "mel-li-flu-ous." Mmmm.

Answer 291

tax'-is Gr. “arrangement, order” To divide a subject up into its various components or attributes.

Answer 292

thau-mas'-mus Gk. "a marvelling" wondering To marvel at something rather than to state it in a matter of fact way. Examples: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel. —Galatians 1:6

Answer 293

tmee'-sis Gk. "a cutting" Also sp. timesis dissectio Interjecting a word or phrase between parts of a compound word or between syllables of a word. Examples: In the following sentence the word "appear" occurs between the two words that make up the compound "hereafter." This is the place where Christ will come, as will here appear after. In the following sentence, "whatsoever" has been interrupted with "man": He shall be punished, what man soever offendeth. In the following passage, "heinous" interrupts "howe'er": If on the first, how heinous e'er it be, To win thy after-love I pardon thee. —Shakespeare, Richard II 5.3.34-35

Answer 294

to-po-the'-si-a The description of an imaginary place. A kind of enargia. Examples: The island of the Utopians is two hundred miles across in the middle part where it is widest, and is nowhere much narrower than this except toward the two ends. These ends, drawn toward one another as if in a five-hundred-mile circle, make the island crescent-shaped like a new moon. Between the horns of the crescent, which are about eleven miles apart, the sea enters and spreads into a broad bay. Being sheltered from the wind by the surrounding land, the bay is never rough, but quiet and smooth instead, like a big lake. Thus, nearly the whole inner coast is one great harbor, across which ships pass in every direction to the great advantage of the people. —Thomas More, Utopia

Answer 295

ra-duk'-ti-o L. “transference” traduccio, traduccion tranlacer Repeating the same word variously throughout a sentence or thought. Some authorities restrict traductio further to mean repeating the same word but with a different meaning (see ploce, antanaclasis, and diaphora), or in a different form (= polyptoton. See Puttenham). If the repeated word occurs in parallel fashion at the beginnings of phrases or clauses, it becomes anaphora; at the endings of phrases or clauses, epistrophe. Examples: A person who has nothing more in life to be desired than life itself is incapable of cultivating a virtuous life. —Ad Herennium

Answer 296

tri-co'-lon from Gk. tri, "three" and kolon, "clause" Three parallel elements of the same length occurring together in a series. Example: Veni, vidi, vici. —Julius Caesar ("I came; I saw; I conquered." However, the English is not a true tricolon, for its verbs are not all the same length, as is the case in the Latin)