Rhetorical Devices

Front

The exact point of disagreement in a debate, such as "Is human activity the main cause of global warming?" in a climate change debate.

Back

Stasis

Front

Using the opportune moment to make a point, like in a graduation speech: 'As we stand on the brink of a new chapter...' emphasizing transition.

Back

Kairos

Front

Exaggeration for emphasis, e.g., 'I’ve told you a million times!'

Back

Hyperbole

Front

A part representing the whole, e.g., "All hands on deck!" where "hands" represents sailors.

Back

Synecdoche

Front

Using a descriptive phrase instead of a simple term, e.g., 'the four-legged companion of humans' instead of 'dog'.

Back

Periphrasis

Front

Mentioning something by stating you won't mention it, e.g., 'I won’t even mention how late you were.'

Back

Paralipsis

Front

An argument where a premise is implied, e.g., 'He’s a doctor, so he must be intelligent.' (implies doctors are intelligent).

Back

Enthymeme

Front

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, e.g., 'We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds...'

Back

Anaphora

Front

Repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses, e.g., 'When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child.'

Back

Antistrophe

Front

Similar endings in words or phrases for rhythm, e.g., 'The quicker picker upper.'

Back

Homoioteleuton