Rhetorical Terms I

Front

Language that describes concepts rather than concrete images (ideas and qualities rather than observable or specific things, people, or places).

Back

Abstract

Front

In an argument, this is an attack on the person rather than on the opponent’s ideas. It comes from the Latin meaning “against the man.”

Back

Ad hominem

Front

An extended narrative in prose or verse in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract qualities and in which the writer intends a second meaning to be read beneath the surface of the story; the underlying meaning may be moral, religious, political, social, or satiric.

Back

Allegory

Front

Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words that are close to one another: Mickey Mouse; Donald Duck.

Back

Alliteration

Front

A reference to a well-known person, place, or thing from literature, history, etc. Example: Eden

Back

Allusion

Front

Comparison of two similar but different things, usually to clarify an action or a relationship, such as comparing the work of a heart to that of a pump. A comparison to a directly parallel case.

Back

Analogy

Front

Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences in a row. This is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer’s point more coherent.

Back

Anaphora

Front

A short, simple narrative of an incident; often used for humorous effect or to make a point.

Back

Anecdote

Front

Explanatory notes added to a text to explain, cite sources, or give bibliographical data.

Back

Annotation

Front

The presentation of two contrasting images or ideas. The ideas are balanced by word, phrase, clause, or paragraphs. “To be or not to be…” “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country…”

Back

Anthesis