Rhetorical Devices

Front

What is an obvious, intended exaggeration? An example is as follows: "His snores were louder than a freight train" or "I've told you a million times."

Back

hyperbole

Front

What is a type of metaphor in which non-human objects or ideas are given human qualities? An example is as follows: "The wind whispered her name."

Back

personification

Front

What is a comparison using "like" or "as"? An example is as follows: "She looked like a doll."

Back

simile

Front

What is a repeated word or phrase used for emphasis? There are two common types: anaphora and epistrophe.

Back

repetition

Front

A statement that says less than it means; often used for comedic effect. Example: "I have to have this operation. It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain."

Back

understatement

Front

Several parts of a sentence or several sentences expressed in similar grammatical form to show that the ideas are equal in importance. It can add balance, rhythm, and emphasis of ideas. Example: "We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

Back

parallelism

Front

A statement that expresses the opposite of the literal meaning of the words. Often used for humorous or sarcastic effect. Example: "Lucky me, I've lost my wallet."

Back

verbal irony

Front

The repetition of the first consonant sound, occurring close together in a series. Example: "Betty Botter bought some butter."

Back

alliteration

Front

Putting two contrasting elements together that are so unlike that the effect is surprising, witty, or even startling. Example: "My only love sprung from my only hate."

Back

juxtaposition

Front

Comparison without using "like" or "as." Example: "he felt lost in a sea of nameless faces" or "the teacher planted seeds of wisdom."

Back

metaphor