Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
Amplification
the addition of a phrase for the purpose of embellishment or emphasis
antithesis
two opposite or contrasting phrases or clauses or ideas that have a parallel sentence structure
distincto
detailing or defining the particular meaning of word or phrase within a sentence
allusion
a reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that the author assumes the reader will recognize
asyndeton
a construction in which elements are presented in a series without conjunctions
polysyndeton
a construction in which several coordinating conjunctions are used in succession
synesthesia
mixing one type of sensory input with another in an impossible way
analogy
a comparison of two different things that are similar in some abstract way
oxymoron
a figure of speech that combines two apparently contradictory elements
anaphora
the repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of consecutive phrases or sentences
epistrophe
the repetition of words or phrases at the end of consecutive phrases or sentences
antanagoge
placing a positive (a good point or benefit) next to a negative (a criticism or problem)
apostrophe
a figure of speech in which one directly addresses an absent or imaginary person, or some abstraction
litotes
An understatement expressed through the use of the negative of its contrary, or through use of an antonym of the term which would express one’s the true meaning.
catachresis
A completely impossible figure of speech, especially one breaking the rules of grammar (often parts of speech) or the usual context in which a word is used.
