| A | B |
|---|
| abstraction | A concept or idea without a specific example; idealized generalities |
| abstract noun | Ideas or things that can mean many things to many people, such as peace, honor, etc. |
| analogy | Compares two things that are similar in several respects in order to prove a point or clarify an idea |
| antecedent | That which comes before; the antecedent of a pronoun is the noun to which the pronoun refers (you may be expected to find this relationship) |
| antithesis | The opposite of an idea used to emphasize a point; the juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas. Example: To err is human; to forgive, divine |
| catalog | lists of details can reinforce a concept. Inductive arguments build to a conclusion based on the collective impression of lists (facts). |
| circumlocution | To write around a subject; to write evasively; to say nothing |
| double entendre | A phrase or saying that has two meanings, one being sexual or provocative in nature. |
| euphemism | A kinder, gentler, less crude or harsh word or phrase to replace one that seems imprudent to use in a particular situation. |
| ethos | A speaker or writer’s credibility; his or her character, honestly, commitment to the writing. |
| hyperbole | An exaggeration or overstatement-saying more than is warranted by the situation in order to expose reality by comparison; also, one of the main techniques in satire. |
| juxtapose | To place side by side in order to show similarities or differences |
| oxymoron | A figure of speech in which two contradictory elements are combined for effect, such as “deafening silence.” |
| paradox | The juxtaposition of incongruous or conflicting ideas that reveal a truth or insight. |
| parody | A humorous imitation of an original text meant to ridicule, used as a technique in satire. |
| parallel structure | Equal or similar grammatical or rhetorical elements used side by side or in succession, generally for emphasis. |
| pathos | The quality in literature that appeals to the audience’s emotions. |
| repetition | Any of a variety of devices that emphasize through repetition: one example of a repetition device is anaphora, which is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. |
| rhetoric | The use of language for persuasion (in our context, persuasive writing) |
| rhetorical strategy | Various strategies and appeals that writers use to persuade. The main appeals are to logic/reason, to needs, to tradition, to emotion, and to ethics/fairness. |
| satire | Type of literature that exposes idiocy, corruption, or other human folly through humor, exaggeration, and irony. |
| understatement | Saying less than is warranted by the situation in order to emphasize reality. |
| verb phrase | The verb and its object and modifiers. |
| vernacular | The ordinary, everyday speech of a region. |
