Rhetoric Terms

Question 1

Alliteration

Answer 1

The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in “she sells sea shells”).

Question 2

Allusion

Answer 2

A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.

Question 3

Analogy

Answer 3

A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar.

Question 4

Antithesis

Answer 4

The opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.

Question 5

Aphorism

Answer 5

A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle.

Question 6

Apostrophe

Answer 6

A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot answer.

Question 7

Connotation

Answer 7

The non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Connotations may involve ideas, emotions, or attitudes.

Question 8

Denotation

Answer 8

The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.

Question 9

Euphemism

Answer 9

From the Greek for “good speech,” euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The euphemism may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor or ironic understatement.

Question 10

Homily

Answer 10

This term literally means “sermon,” but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.

Question 11

Hyperbole

Answer 11

A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. Hyperboles often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible.

Question 12

Imagery

Answer 12

The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.

Question 13

Irony/Ironic

Answer 13

The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true. Irony is often used to create poignancy or humor.

Question 14

Metaphor

Answer 14

A figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.

Question 15

Mood

Answer 15

The prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work. Setting, tone, and events can affect the mood. Mood is similar to tone and atmosphere.

Question 16

Onomatopoeia

Answer 16

A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.

Question 17

Oxymoron

Answer 17

A figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.

Question 18

Paradox

Answer 18

A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity. (Think of the beginning of Dickens’ Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times….”)

Question 19

Parallelism

Answer 19

Refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. This can involve, but is not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal phrase.

Question 20

Anaphora

Answer 20

A sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences. MLK used anaphora in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech (1963).

Question 21

Parody

Answer 21

A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.

Question 22

Personification

Answer 22

A figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.

Question 23

Point of View

Answer 23

The perspective from which a story is told. There are two general divisions of point of view, and many subdivisions within those.

Question 24

Repetition

Answer 24

The duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.

Question 25

Rhetoric

Answer 25

Describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.

Question 26

Rhetorical Modes

Answer 26

Describes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing.

Question 27

Sarcasm

Answer 27

Involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.

Question 28

Satire

Answer 28

A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule. Regardless of whether or not the work aims to reform human behavior, satire is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for writing.

Question 29

Symbol/Symbolism

Answer 29

Anything that represents itself and stands for something else.

Question 30

Synecdoche

Answer 30

A figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole or, occasionally, the whole is used to represent a part.

Question 31

Syntax

Answer 31

The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences. Syntax is similar to diction, but you can differentiate them by thinking of syntax as groups of words, while diction refers to the individual words.

Question 32

Theme

Answer 32

The central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life. Usually theme is unstated in fictional works, but in nonfiction, the theme may be directly state, especially in expository or argumentative writing.

Question 33

Thesis

Answer 33

In expository writing, the thesis statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author’s opinion, purpose, meaning, or position. Expository writing is usually judged by analyzing how accurately, effectively, and thoroughly a writer has proven the thesis.

Question 34

Tone

Answer 34

Similar to mood, tone describes the author’s attitude toward his material, the audience, or both. Tone is easier to determine in spoken language than in written language. Considering how a work would sound if it were read aloud can help in identifying an author’s tone. Some words describing tone are playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, ornate, sardonic, somber, etc.

Question 35

Understatement

Answer 35

The ironic minimalizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic. Understatement is the opposite of hyperbole. Example: Jonathan Swift’s A Tale of a Tub: “Last week I saw a woman flayed, and you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse.”