Rhetorical Language (Advanced)

## Advanced Rhetorical and Persuasive Devices: Word List and Examples Learn C2-level technical rhetorical terms used in advanced analysis of persuasive speech and writing. ### Word List **anaphora** (repetition of a word/phrase at the start of successive clauses), **epistrophe** (repetition at the end of successive clauses), **chiasmus** (a reversal of grammatical structure in successive phrases), **asyndeton** (omitting conjunctions between clauses for effect), **polysyndeton** (using many conjunctions in succession for effect), **zeugma** (a word applying to two others in different senses), **hyperbaton** (unusual word order for emphasis), **apostrophe** (addressing an absent/imaginary person or abstract idea), **parallelism** (using similar grammatical structures for balance), **tricolon** (a series of three parallel elements), **anadiplosis** (repeating the last word of one clause at the start of the next), **epizeuxis** (immediate repetition of a word for emphasis), **hendiadys** (expressing one idea using two words joined by «and»), **syllepsis** (a word used once but applying differently to two other words), **meiosis** (deliberate understatement for rhetorical effect), **adynaton** (hyperbole so extreme it describes something impossible), **prolepsis** (anticipating and addressing objections in advance), **enthymeme** (a logical argument with an unstated premise), **kairos** (the opportune, persuasive moment for an argument), **decorum** (appropriateness of style to the occasion), **invective** (harsh, insulting language), **diatribe** (a forceful verbal attack), **harangue** (a lengthy, aggressive speech), **tirade** (a long, angry speech of criticism), **epithet** (a descriptive phrase/word characterizing someone), **aporia** (expressing genuine or feigned doubt/uncertainty rhetorically), **paralipsis** (drawing attention to something by claiming to pass over it), **dysphemism** (a deliberately harsh term, opposite of euphemism), **amplification** (repeating and expanding a point for emphasis), **antimetabole** (repeating words in reverse order for effect), **oxymoron** (a combination of contradictory terms), **antanaclasis** (repeating a word with a different meaning each time), **paronomasia** (a pun, playing on words with similar sounds), **litotes**, **anacoluthon** (a sudden grammatical break/shift mid-sentence), **pleonasm** (using more words than necessary for emphasis/clarity). Examples: «Ask not what your country can do for you» is a famous example of chiasmus. The senator’s speech was full of invective against his opponent. «Living dead» is a classic oxymoron. He used paralipsis, saying «I won’t even mention his past scandals,» while doing exactly that. Remember: «anaphora» (repetition at the beginning) and «epistrophe» (repetition at the end) are mirror-image devices, both used to create rhythm and emphasis in speeches.