THE LOGOPHILE LEXICON
PART III: FORM AND STRUCTURE
IN THIS SECTION
3.1: Form and Structure of Words and Writing
3.2: Speech, Pronunciation & Sound
3.3: The Marks of Punctuation
3.4: The Modes of Communication
3.5: Obscure Words for Communication
3.6: Literary Devices
THE LOGOPHILE LEXICON >> HOME >> INDEX
Download the Complete Lexicon
3.1: Form and Structure of Words and Writing
3.2: Speech, Pronunciation & Sound
3.3: The Marks of Punctuation
3.4: The Modes of Communication
3.5: Obscure Words for Communication
3.6: Literary Devices
THE LOGOPHILE LEXICON >> HOME >> INDEX
Download the Complete Lexicon
Part 3.6: Literary Devices
ACROSTIC - sentence where the first letter of each word of the sentence helps to remember the spelling of a word, or order of things. For example – Never Eat Sour Wieners = North, East, South, West.
ALLEGORY - when a writer embellishes the sentence by adding more information to add value or make it more understandable.
ALLITERATION - a device in which words are used in quick succession and begin with letters of the same sound group.
ALLUSION - a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers. It is just a passing comment and the writer expects the reader to possess enough knowledge to spot the allusion and grasp its importance in a text.
ALEATORICISM: incorporation of chance into the process of creation, especially the creation of art or media.
AMBIGUITY - a word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning. Ambiguous words or statements lead to vagueness and confusion, and shape the basis for instances of unintentional humor.
AMPLIFICATION - a rhetorical device writers use to embellish a sentence or statement by adding further information. The objective is to increase readability and worth of the statement or sentence. They usually use it when a simple sentence is abrupt, and cannot convey the desired implications. Writers then use amplification to make structural additions, and give further meanings by describing and repeating a certain statement or idea. The purpose of this rhetorical device is to bring the readers’ attention to an idea, which they may miss otherwise.
ANACHRONISM - derived from the Greek word anachronous, which means “against time,” an anachronism is an error of chronology or timeline in a literary piece. In other words, anything that is out of time and out of place.
ANECDOTES - defined as a short and interesting story, or an amusing event, often proposed to support or demonstrate some point, and to make the audience laugh.
ANTITHESIS - which literally means “opposite,” is a rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect.
ARGUMENT - the main statement of a poem, an essay, a short story, or a novel, which usually appears as an introduction, or a point on which the writer will develop his work in order to convince his readers. An argument does not intend to serve only as an introduction, but it attracts the reader’s focus to an issue that will be made clear gradually.
AUTIMATISM: strategies of writing or creating art that aimed to access the unconscious mind.
BATHOS - a literary term derived from a Greek word meaning “depth.” Bathos is the act of a writer or a poet falling into inconsequential and absurd metaphors, descriptions, or ideas in an effort to be increasingly emotional or passionate.
BIAS - is as an undue favor, support or backing extended to a person, group or race or even an argument against another. It is a single-side or one-side illogical and non-neutral support of a viewpoint in favor of the other side. Etymologically the word ‘bias’ has been derived from the French word “biais” which means angle or slant.
CATASTROPHE - a final resolution that appears in a narrative plot or a long poem. It unravels the mystery or intrigue, and brings the story toward a logical end. In a tragedy, Catastrophe is a synonym of denouement. It is the final part following protasis, epistasis, and catastasis.
CATHARSIS - is an emotional discharge through which one can achieve a state spiritual or moral renewal, or achieve a state of liberation from anxiety and stress. Catharsis is a Greek word meaning “cleansing.” In literature, it is used for the cleansing of emotions of the characters. It can also be any other paradigm shift or change that leads to emotional rejuvenation of a person.
CHARACTERIZATION - a literary device that is used step-by-step in literature to highlight and explain the details about a character in a story. It is in the initial stage in which the writer introduces the character with noticeable emergence. After introducing the character, the writer often talks about his behavior; then, as the story progresses, the thought-processes of the character.
CIRCUMLOCUTION - a rhetorical device that can be defined as an ambiguous or paradoxical way of expressing things, ideas, or views. In fact, when somebody wants to remain ambiguous about something, and he does not want to say a thing directly, it means he is using circumlocution.
CLICHE - refers to an expression that has been overused to the point that it loses its original meaning or novelty. A cliché may also refer to actions and events that are predictable because of some previous events. All examples of cliché are expressions that were once new and fresh and demonstrated popularity in the public. They have been used so extensively that such expressions now sound boring and at times irritating, due to the fact that they have lost their original color.
COHERENCE - a Latin word, meaning “to stick together.” It is a literary technique that refers to logical connections, which listeners or readers perceive in an oral or written text. It is a written or spoken piece that is not only consistent and logical, but also unified and meaningful. It makes sense when read or listened to as a whole.
COLLOQUIALISM - the use of informal words, phrases, or even slang in a piece of writing. Colloquial expressions tend to sneak in as writers, being part of a society, are influenced by the way people speak in that society. Naturally, they are bound to add colloquial expressions to their vocabulary. However, writers use such expressions intentionally too, as it gives their works a sense of realism.
CONCESSION - a literary device used in argumentative writing in which one acknowledges a point made by their opponent. It allows for different opinions and approaches toward an issue, indicating an understanding of what causes the actual debate or controversy.
CONNOTATION - refers to a meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly. Words carry cultural and emotional associations or meanings, in addition to their literal meanings or denotations. For instance, “Wall Street” literally means a street situated in Lower Manhattan, but connotatively it refers to wealth and power.
DEDUCTIVE REASONING - defined as a way of building an argument from general premises to a conclusion. If the principle selected is correct and clear, the rules of deductive reasoning are prepared. It is also called a top to down thinking or taking general statements to specific one and then to a conclusion. For example, if B = C and C = D, then obviously B = D. First two premises are general while the third conclusion is specific.
DENOUEMENT - derived from the French word denoue, which means “to untie.” Denouement is a literary device that can be defined as the resolution of the issue of a complicated plot in fiction. The majority of examples of denouement show the resolution in the final part or chapter, often in an epilogue. Denouement is usually driven by the climax. In mystery novels, however, the climax and denouement might occur simultaneously. In most of the other forms of literature, it is merely the end of the story.
DIACOPE - derives from the Greek word thiakhop, which means “to cut into two.” It is a repetition of a phrase or word that is broken up by other intervening words. For example , in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “to be, or not to be” is a diacope. In this line, the speaker has repeated the phrase “to be,” which is separated by another phrase “or not.”
DICHOTOMY - from the Greek word dichotomia, which means “dividing in two.” Dichotomy is a literary technique that divides a thing into two equal and contradictory parts, or between two opposing groups. In literary works, writers use this technique for creating conflicts in their stories and plays. Its common examples in literature are good and evil, soul and body, real and imaginary, heaven and hell, male and female, and savage and civilized, among others.
DISSONANCE - the use of impolite, harsh-sounding, and unusual words in poetry. In other words, it is a deliberate use of inharmonious words, phrases, or syllables intended to create harsh sounding effects. Dissonance is opposite of assonance, and similar to cacophony, which is also a use of inharmonious sounds.
DISTORTION - a literary device that twists, exaggerates, changes, and makes something quite different from what it actually is. Writers can distort a thought, an idea, a situation, or an image. They may use symbolism, satire, and personification to present distortion. For instance, in his novel Animal Farm, George Orwell uses personification and symbolism to distort stereotypes and historical figures.
DRAMATIC IRONY - an important stylistic device that is commonly found in plays, movies, theaters, and sometimes in poetry. Storytellers use this irony as a useful plot device for creating situations in which the audience knows more about the situations, the causes of conflicts, and their resolutions before the leading characters or actors. That is why readers observe that the speech of actors takes on unusual meanings.
EPISTOLARY - comes from a Greek word, epistolē, which means “letter.” Epistolary is a literary genre that pertains to storytelling through letters, journals, and diary entries. Though the usual formats of epistolary are letters, writers sometimes use newspaper clippings, diary entries, emails, blogs, radio broadcast, and recordings.
ENUMERATION - a rhetorical device used for listing details with words or phrases that outline step by step. It is a technique that takes the subject and breaks it down into components or parts. It is used to make it understandable for the readers and to avoid ambiguity in the minds of the readers.
EXEMPLUM - a rhetorical device that is defined as a short tale, narrative, or anecdote used in literary pieces and speeches to explain a doctrine, or emphasize a moral point. They are generally in the forms of legends, folktales, and fables. An exemplum clarifies and proves a point.
EXISTENTIALISM- a philosophy focused on the existence of mankind and deals with humanity’s efforts of finding a way in a hostile universe. The author applies existentialist philosophies in their work to illustrate the efforts of tormented or alienated humans as they face hard choices in the world. It is based on the concept that humans should choose their own paths of life and make rational decisions in an irrational universe.
EXPOSITION - a literary device used to introduce background information about events, settings, characters, or other elements to the audience. The word comes from the Latin language, and its literal meaning is “a showing forth.” It is crucial to any story because without it nothing will make sense.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE -uses figures of speech to be more effective, persuasive, and impactful. Figures of speech such as metaphors, similes, and allusions go beyond the literal meanings of the words to give readers new insights. On the other hand, alliterations, imageries, or onomatopoeias are figurative devices that appeal to the senses of the readers.
FLASHBACK - references to past events that provide background or context to the current events. Authors will allow readers to gain insight into a character’s motivations by providing a background to their current conflict. Dream sequences and memories are methods used to present flashbacks.
FORESHADOWING - gives the audience hints about the future. It suggests what is coming with imagery, language, and/or symbolism. It does not directly reveal the outcome but rather suggests it.
HOMOGRAPH - a word that originated from the Greek word “homos,” which means “the same,” and graph, which means “to write,” and it is used extensively in language. It can be defined as words that are used in such a manner as to give two or more different meanings, where the words have the same spelling, but different meanings, and sometimes different pronunciations as well. For instance, the word “bear” (verb) means “to endure,” and “bear” (noun) is the name of an animal.
HUBRIS - extreme pride and arrogance shown by a character, which ultimately brings about his downfall.Hubris is a typical flaw in the personality of a character who enjoys a powerful position; as a result of which, he overestimates his capabilities to such an extent that he loses contact with reality. A character suffering from hubris tries to cross normal human limits, and violates moral codes. Examples of hubris are found in major characters of tragic plays.
HYPERBOLE - derived from a Greek word meaning “over-casting,” is a figure of speech that involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis.It is a device that we employ in our day-to-day speech. For instance, when you meet a friend after a long time, you say, “It’s been ages since I last saw you.” You may not have met him for three or four hours, or a day, but the use of the word “ages” exaggerates this statement to add emphasis to your wait. Therefore, a hyperbole is an unreal exaggeration to emphasize the real situation.
HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS - questions that are based on supposition, opinion, personal belief, or conjecture but not facts or reality. It references actions and scenarios could happen. This requires the questioner to arrange imaginary parameters for what he supposes.
IDIOM - refers to a set expression or a phrase comprising two or more words. An interesting fact regarding the device is that the expression is not interpreted literally. The phrase is understood to mean something quite different from what individual words of the phrase would imply. Alternatively, it can be said that the phrase is interpreted in a figurative sense. Further, idioms vary in different cultures and countries.
ILLUSION - a false illustration of something, a deceptive impression, or a false belief. Literally speaking, an illusion is something that is false and not factual. It tricks the human brain into thinking an unreal into a real. In other words, it is meant to mislead the perception of readers, and deceive their senses. Writers deceive readers’ sense of sight, touch, taste, and sounds, making them imagine what is happening, by illustrating certain details.
IMPERATIVE SENTENCE - a type of sentence that gives instructions or advice, expresses a command, executes an order, gives a direction, or makes a request. It is also known as a jussive or a directive.
INDUCTION - a conclusion reached through logical reasoning. An inductive statement is derived using facts that lead to the formation of an opinion.
INNUENDO -can be defined as an indirect or a subtle observation about a thing or a person. It is generally critical, disparaging, or salacious in nature, and its use is almost always derogatory. However, it must be kept in mind that it is the most thinly-veiled form of satire, and when it is strong, it takes the shape of criticism.
INVERSION - also known as “anastrophe,” it is a literary technique in which the normal order of words is reversed in order to make an emphasis.
IRONY - a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. It may also be a situation that ends up in quite a different way than what is generally anticipated. In simple words, it is a difference between appearance and reality.
JUXTAPOSITION - a literary technique in which two or more ideas, places, characters, and their actions are placed side by side in a narrative or a poem, for the purpose of developing comparisons and contrasts.In literature, juxtaposition is a useful device for writers to portray their characters in great detail, to create suspense, and to achieve a rhetorical effect. It is a human quality to comprehend one thing easily by comparing it to another. Therefore, a writer can make readers sense “goodness” in a particular character by placing him or her side-by-side with a character that is predominantly “evil.” Consequently, goodness in one character is highlighted by evil in the other character.
MELODRAMA - a subgenre of drama but it is an exaggerated form. Melodramas present sensational and romantic topics that affect the emotions of the audience. A melodrama details a characterization of characters in a simply drawn, one-dimensional, or stereotyped way.
METAPHOR - a direct and vivid comparison between two things usually considered distinct or unrelated. Hyperbole is when a writer uses specific words and phrases that exaggerate and overemphasize the subject to produce a grander, more noticeable effect.
MOOD - a literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in the readers through use of words and descriptions. It is referred to as the atmosphere of a literary piece and it creates an emotional setting that surrounds the readers. Mood is developed through setting, theme, tone, and diction.
MORAL - from the Latin term “morālis,” moral means delivery of message or a lesson. It doesn’t need to be stated and it could be left for the audience to determine themselves. However a moral is sometimes clearly stated in the shape of a proverb. The moral of a story not only entertains, but it also serves the purpose of instruction and information for the audience.
NEOLOGISMS - newly-created words used in expressions. Not all neologisms are entirely new. Some neologisms are built from new uses of old words, while others are combinations of old and new words.
NON SEQUITUR - a literary device that includes statements, sayings, and conclusions that do not follow the fundamental principles of logic and reason. They are frequently used in theater and comedies to create comedic effect.In fact, non sequitur is a Latin phrase that means “it doesn’t follow.” Here, non means “not,” and sequitur means “to follow.” It takes place when a difference is created between the principle idea and the conclusion, which finally leads to a fallacy. In conversation, non sequitur is something that is said, which seems quite absurd – to the point of confusion due to lack of proper meanings. It is sometimes taken as postulation, which means the statement might not be true.
NOSTALGIA - is used to discuss a general interest in the past, or personalities of the past, and the subsequent feelings of pleasure or pain. It is defined as pleasure or sadness caused by remembering something from the past and wishing that you could experience it again. It is not only sadness or sickness, but also the pleasure of remembering, or taking interest in, the past.
OMNISCIENT - a literary technique of writing a narrative-in third person, in which the narrator knows the feelings and thoughts of every character in the story. Through omniscient narrative, the author brings an entire world of his characters to life, and moves from character to character, allowing different voices to interpret the events, and maintaining omniscient form — that is keeping a distance. Omniscient narrative tells the story of every character by demonstrating that only the narrator possesses information.
ONOMATOPOEIA - defined as a word which imitates the natural sounds of a thing. It creates a sound effect that mimics the thing described, making the description more expressive and interesting. Do r instance, saying, “The gushing stream flows in the forest” is a more meaningful description than just saying, “The stream flows in the forest.” The reader is drawn to hear the sound of a “gushing stream,” which makes the expression more effective.
OXYMORON - a figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective proceeded by a noun with contrasting meanings, such as “cruel kindness,” or “living death”. However, the contrasting words/phrases are not always glued together. The contrasting ideas may be spaced out in a sentence, such as, “In order to lead, you must walk behind.”
PARABLE - a figure of speech that presents a short story with a moral lesson at the end. Parable is a Greek word, parable, that means “comparison.” It is a succinct narrative, or a universal truth that uses symbolism, simile, and metaphor to demonstrate the moral lesson to be taught.
PARADOX - from the Greek word paradox on, which means “contrary to expectations, existing belief, or perceived opinion.”It is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly, but which may include a latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional ideas. A paradox is often used to make a reader think over an idea in an innovative way.
PARALLELISM - the use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or similar in the construction elements of sound, meaning, or meter. This method adds balance and rhythm to sentences that give ideas a smooth flow and persuasiveness because of the repetition it employs.
PERSONIFICATION - a kind of metaphor in which the writer describes an inanimate object, abstract thing, or non-human animal in human terms.
PERSPECTIVE- While reading a person sees and experiences the events and feelings about the characters through a certain point of view. A perspective is a literary tool that serves as a lens through which readers observe characters, events, and actions. A writer may narrate the story from his perspective or from a character’s perspective. Its purpose is to illustrate the voice of the writer as distinctive from other writers.
PERSUASION - a literary technique that writers use to present their ideas with reason and logic to influence the audience. Persuasion may use an argument to persuade readers to perform a certain action. It is the art of effective speaking and persuasive writing in which writers make their opinions believable to the audience. With logic or reasoning they invoke emotions and prove their own credibility.
POETIC JUSTICE - this form of justice shows through a twist of fate how the good characters get rewarded and the bad characters get punished. Writers employ poetic justice to conform to moral principles.
REDUCTIO AD ABSURDUM - a Latin term that means “to reduce something to absurdity.” It is a figure of speech that is defined as a manner of arguing something for one’s own position by showing the absurdity of the position of his opponent. In simple words, it means to reduce an argument to absurdity, by drawing conclusions with logical limits, or by showing ridiculous consequences. Reductio ad absurdum in satires breaks down an idea to the point of absurdity.
REFUTATION - the argument where the writer illustrates contradicting points of view. It can be described as the negation of an argument, opinion, testimony, doctrine, or theory, through contradicting evidence. It normally constitutes a part of an essay that disproves opposing arguments.
The difference between refutation and counter-argument is that the writer acknowledges that there is substance in the contradicting argument, yet he provides evidence for his alleged stance. Refutation presents evidence that negates the opposing arguments.
When the writer agrees with certain aspects of the opposing argument, he makes a concession. However, writers and speakers rarely employ concession, as it can very easily undermine their own stance.
RHETORICAL DEVICES - literary elements used to convince or persuade audiences using logos, pathos, and ethos. Their appropriate use makes the text rich, lifelike and enjoyable in prose and poetry. When carefully inserted, they transform an ordinary piece of writing into a memorable, evocative and pleasant literary work. It is due to these devices the readers feel aligned to the character or the writer. Also, the audiences understand the uniqueness and depth of the text. However, rhetorical devices appeal to one’s sensibilities in four ways: logos, pathos, ethos, and kairos.
SABOTEUR: Voices of the Saboteur (sometimes called gremlins) tell you to not take any risks, to play it safe, to stay with the status quo. They remind you of the dangers of both success and failure, and try to keep you from individuality, passion, and powerful creativity. You may hear them anytime, but they most often surface when you are getting ready to do something creative, powerful, and fulfilling. Learn to deal with them so they don’t prevent you from really shining a big light in the world.
SARCASM - derived from the French word sarcasm or, and also from the Greek word sarkazein, which means “tear flesh,” or “grind the teeth.” Somehow, in simple words it means to speak bitterly.Generally, the literal meaning is different than what the speaker intends to say through sarcasm. Sarcasm is a literary and rhetorical device that is meant to mock, often with satirical or ironic remarks, with a purpose to amuse and hurt someone, or some section of society, simultaneously.
SATIRE - a technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society, by using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule. It intends to improve humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles. A writer in a satire uses fictional characters, which stand for real people, to expose and condemn their corruption.
SIMILE - a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things. Unlike a metaphor, a simile draws resemblance with the help of the words “like” or “as.” Therefore, it is a direct comparison.
SNARK - a combination of two words, “snide” and “remark,” which means a sarcastic comment. It is a literary device that is meant to be sarcastic speech. Depending on the subject, the audience, and the speaker, snark can be taken as sophisticated, witty, or asinine. It is a witty blending of cynicism and sarcasm.
STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS- a method of narration that describes actions and events in the flow of thoughts in the minds of the characters. They flow like a river or stream Another appropriate term for this device is “interior monologue,” in which the character’s individual thought processes are portrayed in the form of a monologue that addresses the character itself. It differs from the “dramatic monologue” or “soliloquy,” because the speaker addresses the audience or the third person.
SUBJECTIVE - a subjective point of view is based on one’s own opinions, perspectives, beliefs, discoveries, desires, and feelings. It has no concern with right or wrong, other than the person’s opinion of what is right and wrong. Subjective writing or point of view is based on the writer’s own observation and experience. It focuses on the writer’s personal point of view and not built on facts that others see or things others go through. Third person point of view can also be subjective. It is known as “limited omniscience,” in which a writer knows every detail about a character and sees the whole story through that character’s eyes.
SYMBOLISM - a figure of speech in which an object, person, or situation has another meaning other than its literal meaning. The actions of a character, word, action, or event then have a deeper meaning.
TAUTOLOGY - is the repetitive use of phrases or words that have similar meanings. It is the same as repetition which repeats words. Tautology repeats concepts and ideas. It is expressing that same idea two or more times. The word tautology is derived from the Greek word tauto, meaning “the same,” and logos, meaning “a word or an idea.” A grammatical tautology refers to an idea repeated within a phrase, paragraph, or sentence to give an impression that the writer is providing extra information. For example, “she is completely devoid of emotion” is a tautology because the definition of devoid is “completely empty.”
TROPE - a figure of speech in which the writer intends to express meanings of words differently than their literal meanings. It is a metaphorical or figurative use of words in which writers shift away from literal meanings to their non-literal meanings. It could be a phrase, a word, or an image used to create artistic effect.
VERISIMILITUDE - likeness to the truth, such as the resemblance of a fictitious work to a real event, even if it is a far-fetched one. Verisimilitude ensures that even a fantasy must be rooted in reality, which means that events should be plausible to the extent that readers consider them credible enough to be able to relate them somehow to their experiences of real life.
ALLEGORY - when a writer embellishes the sentence by adding more information to add value or make it more understandable.
ALLITERATION - a device in which words are used in quick succession and begin with letters of the same sound group.
ALLUSION - a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers. It is just a passing comment and the writer expects the reader to possess enough knowledge to spot the allusion and grasp its importance in a text.
ALEATORICISM: incorporation of chance into the process of creation, especially the creation of art or media.
AMBIGUITY - a word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning. Ambiguous words or statements lead to vagueness and confusion, and shape the basis for instances of unintentional humor.
AMPLIFICATION - a rhetorical device writers use to embellish a sentence or statement by adding further information. The objective is to increase readability and worth of the statement or sentence. They usually use it when a simple sentence is abrupt, and cannot convey the desired implications. Writers then use amplification to make structural additions, and give further meanings by describing and repeating a certain statement or idea. The purpose of this rhetorical device is to bring the readers’ attention to an idea, which they may miss otherwise.
ANACHRONISM - derived from the Greek word anachronous, which means “against time,” an anachronism is an error of chronology or timeline in a literary piece. In other words, anything that is out of time and out of place.
ANECDOTES - defined as a short and interesting story, or an amusing event, often proposed to support or demonstrate some point, and to make the audience laugh.
ANTITHESIS - which literally means “opposite,” is a rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect.
ARGUMENT - the main statement of a poem, an essay, a short story, or a novel, which usually appears as an introduction, or a point on which the writer will develop his work in order to convince his readers. An argument does not intend to serve only as an introduction, but it attracts the reader’s focus to an issue that will be made clear gradually.
AUTIMATISM: strategies of writing or creating art that aimed to access the unconscious mind.
BATHOS - a literary term derived from a Greek word meaning “depth.” Bathos is the act of a writer or a poet falling into inconsequential and absurd metaphors, descriptions, or ideas in an effort to be increasingly emotional or passionate.
BIAS - is as an undue favor, support or backing extended to a person, group or race or even an argument against another. It is a single-side or one-side illogical and non-neutral support of a viewpoint in favor of the other side. Etymologically the word ‘bias’ has been derived from the French word “biais” which means angle or slant.
CATASTROPHE - a final resolution that appears in a narrative plot or a long poem. It unravels the mystery or intrigue, and brings the story toward a logical end. In a tragedy, Catastrophe is a synonym of denouement. It is the final part following protasis, epistasis, and catastasis.
CATHARSIS - is an emotional discharge through which one can achieve a state spiritual or moral renewal, or achieve a state of liberation from anxiety and stress. Catharsis is a Greek word meaning “cleansing.” In literature, it is used for the cleansing of emotions of the characters. It can also be any other paradigm shift or change that leads to emotional rejuvenation of a person.
CHARACTERIZATION - a literary device that is used step-by-step in literature to highlight and explain the details about a character in a story. It is in the initial stage in which the writer introduces the character with noticeable emergence. After introducing the character, the writer often talks about his behavior; then, as the story progresses, the thought-processes of the character.
CIRCUMLOCUTION - a rhetorical device that can be defined as an ambiguous or paradoxical way of expressing things, ideas, or views. In fact, when somebody wants to remain ambiguous about something, and he does not want to say a thing directly, it means he is using circumlocution.
CLICHE - refers to an expression that has been overused to the point that it loses its original meaning or novelty. A cliché may also refer to actions and events that are predictable because of some previous events. All examples of cliché are expressions that were once new and fresh and demonstrated popularity in the public. They have been used so extensively that such expressions now sound boring and at times irritating, due to the fact that they have lost their original color.
COHERENCE - a Latin word, meaning “to stick together.” It is a literary technique that refers to logical connections, which listeners or readers perceive in an oral or written text. It is a written or spoken piece that is not only consistent and logical, but also unified and meaningful. It makes sense when read or listened to as a whole.
COLLOQUIALISM - the use of informal words, phrases, or even slang in a piece of writing. Colloquial expressions tend to sneak in as writers, being part of a society, are influenced by the way people speak in that society. Naturally, they are bound to add colloquial expressions to their vocabulary. However, writers use such expressions intentionally too, as it gives their works a sense of realism.
CONCESSION - a literary device used in argumentative writing in which one acknowledges a point made by their opponent. It allows for different opinions and approaches toward an issue, indicating an understanding of what causes the actual debate or controversy.
CONNOTATION - refers to a meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly. Words carry cultural and emotional associations or meanings, in addition to their literal meanings or denotations. For instance, “Wall Street” literally means a street situated in Lower Manhattan, but connotatively it refers to wealth and power.
DEDUCTIVE REASONING - defined as a way of building an argument from general premises to a conclusion. If the principle selected is correct and clear, the rules of deductive reasoning are prepared. It is also called a top to down thinking or taking general statements to specific one and then to a conclusion. For example, if B = C and C = D, then obviously B = D. First two premises are general while the third conclusion is specific.
DENOUEMENT - derived from the French word denoue, which means “to untie.” Denouement is a literary device that can be defined as the resolution of the issue of a complicated plot in fiction. The majority of examples of denouement show the resolution in the final part or chapter, often in an epilogue. Denouement is usually driven by the climax. In mystery novels, however, the climax and denouement might occur simultaneously. In most of the other forms of literature, it is merely the end of the story.
DIACOPE - derives from the Greek word thiakhop, which means “to cut into two.” It is a repetition of a phrase or word that is broken up by other intervening words. For example , in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “to be, or not to be” is a diacope. In this line, the speaker has repeated the phrase “to be,” which is separated by another phrase “or not.”
DICHOTOMY - from the Greek word dichotomia, which means “dividing in two.” Dichotomy is a literary technique that divides a thing into two equal and contradictory parts, or between two opposing groups. In literary works, writers use this technique for creating conflicts in their stories and plays. Its common examples in literature are good and evil, soul and body, real and imaginary, heaven and hell, male and female, and savage and civilized, among others.
DISSONANCE - the use of impolite, harsh-sounding, and unusual words in poetry. In other words, it is a deliberate use of inharmonious words, phrases, or syllables intended to create harsh sounding effects. Dissonance is opposite of assonance, and similar to cacophony, which is also a use of inharmonious sounds.
DISTORTION - a literary device that twists, exaggerates, changes, and makes something quite different from what it actually is. Writers can distort a thought, an idea, a situation, or an image. They may use symbolism, satire, and personification to present distortion. For instance, in his novel Animal Farm, George Orwell uses personification and symbolism to distort stereotypes and historical figures.
DRAMATIC IRONY - an important stylistic device that is commonly found in plays, movies, theaters, and sometimes in poetry. Storytellers use this irony as a useful plot device for creating situations in which the audience knows more about the situations, the causes of conflicts, and their resolutions before the leading characters or actors. That is why readers observe that the speech of actors takes on unusual meanings.
EPISTOLARY - comes from a Greek word, epistolē, which means “letter.” Epistolary is a literary genre that pertains to storytelling through letters, journals, and diary entries. Though the usual formats of epistolary are letters, writers sometimes use newspaper clippings, diary entries, emails, blogs, radio broadcast, and recordings.
ENUMERATION - a rhetorical device used for listing details with words or phrases that outline step by step. It is a technique that takes the subject and breaks it down into components or parts. It is used to make it understandable for the readers and to avoid ambiguity in the minds of the readers.
EXEMPLUM - a rhetorical device that is defined as a short tale, narrative, or anecdote used in literary pieces and speeches to explain a doctrine, or emphasize a moral point. They are generally in the forms of legends, folktales, and fables. An exemplum clarifies and proves a point.
EXISTENTIALISM- a philosophy focused on the existence of mankind and deals with humanity’s efforts of finding a way in a hostile universe. The author applies existentialist philosophies in their work to illustrate the efforts of tormented or alienated humans as they face hard choices in the world. It is based on the concept that humans should choose their own paths of life and make rational decisions in an irrational universe.
EXPOSITION - a literary device used to introduce background information about events, settings, characters, or other elements to the audience. The word comes from the Latin language, and its literal meaning is “a showing forth.” It is crucial to any story because without it nothing will make sense.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE -uses figures of speech to be more effective, persuasive, and impactful. Figures of speech such as metaphors, similes, and allusions go beyond the literal meanings of the words to give readers new insights. On the other hand, alliterations, imageries, or onomatopoeias are figurative devices that appeal to the senses of the readers.
FLASHBACK - references to past events that provide background or context to the current events. Authors will allow readers to gain insight into a character’s motivations by providing a background to their current conflict. Dream sequences and memories are methods used to present flashbacks.
FORESHADOWING - gives the audience hints about the future. It suggests what is coming with imagery, language, and/or symbolism. It does not directly reveal the outcome but rather suggests it.
HOMOGRAPH - a word that originated from the Greek word “homos,” which means “the same,” and graph, which means “to write,” and it is used extensively in language. It can be defined as words that are used in such a manner as to give two or more different meanings, where the words have the same spelling, but different meanings, and sometimes different pronunciations as well. For instance, the word “bear” (verb) means “to endure,” and “bear” (noun) is the name of an animal.
HUBRIS - extreme pride and arrogance shown by a character, which ultimately brings about his downfall.Hubris is a typical flaw in the personality of a character who enjoys a powerful position; as a result of which, he overestimates his capabilities to such an extent that he loses contact with reality. A character suffering from hubris tries to cross normal human limits, and violates moral codes. Examples of hubris are found in major characters of tragic plays.
HYPERBOLE - derived from a Greek word meaning “over-casting,” is a figure of speech that involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis.It is a device that we employ in our day-to-day speech. For instance, when you meet a friend after a long time, you say, “It’s been ages since I last saw you.” You may not have met him for three or four hours, or a day, but the use of the word “ages” exaggerates this statement to add emphasis to your wait. Therefore, a hyperbole is an unreal exaggeration to emphasize the real situation.
HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS - questions that are based on supposition, opinion, personal belief, or conjecture but not facts or reality. It references actions and scenarios could happen. This requires the questioner to arrange imaginary parameters for what he supposes.
IDIOM - refers to a set expression or a phrase comprising two or more words. An interesting fact regarding the device is that the expression is not interpreted literally. The phrase is understood to mean something quite different from what individual words of the phrase would imply. Alternatively, it can be said that the phrase is interpreted in a figurative sense. Further, idioms vary in different cultures and countries.
ILLUSION - a false illustration of something, a deceptive impression, or a false belief. Literally speaking, an illusion is something that is false and not factual. It tricks the human brain into thinking an unreal into a real. In other words, it is meant to mislead the perception of readers, and deceive their senses. Writers deceive readers’ sense of sight, touch, taste, and sounds, making them imagine what is happening, by illustrating certain details.
IMPERATIVE SENTENCE - a type of sentence that gives instructions or advice, expresses a command, executes an order, gives a direction, or makes a request. It is also known as a jussive or a directive.
INDUCTION - a conclusion reached through logical reasoning. An inductive statement is derived using facts that lead to the formation of an opinion.
INNUENDO -can be defined as an indirect or a subtle observation about a thing or a person. It is generally critical, disparaging, or salacious in nature, and its use is almost always derogatory. However, it must be kept in mind that it is the most thinly-veiled form of satire, and when it is strong, it takes the shape of criticism.
INVERSION - also known as “anastrophe,” it is a literary technique in which the normal order of words is reversed in order to make an emphasis.
IRONY - a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. It may also be a situation that ends up in quite a different way than what is generally anticipated. In simple words, it is a difference between appearance and reality.
JUXTAPOSITION - a literary technique in which two or more ideas, places, characters, and their actions are placed side by side in a narrative or a poem, for the purpose of developing comparisons and contrasts.In literature, juxtaposition is a useful device for writers to portray their characters in great detail, to create suspense, and to achieve a rhetorical effect. It is a human quality to comprehend one thing easily by comparing it to another. Therefore, a writer can make readers sense “goodness” in a particular character by placing him or her side-by-side with a character that is predominantly “evil.” Consequently, goodness in one character is highlighted by evil in the other character.
MELODRAMA - a subgenre of drama but it is an exaggerated form. Melodramas present sensational and romantic topics that affect the emotions of the audience. A melodrama details a characterization of characters in a simply drawn, one-dimensional, or stereotyped way.
METAPHOR - a direct and vivid comparison between two things usually considered distinct or unrelated. Hyperbole is when a writer uses specific words and phrases that exaggerate and overemphasize the subject to produce a grander, more noticeable effect.
MOOD - a literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in the readers through use of words and descriptions. It is referred to as the atmosphere of a literary piece and it creates an emotional setting that surrounds the readers. Mood is developed through setting, theme, tone, and diction.
MORAL - from the Latin term “morālis,” moral means delivery of message or a lesson. It doesn’t need to be stated and it could be left for the audience to determine themselves. However a moral is sometimes clearly stated in the shape of a proverb. The moral of a story not only entertains, but it also serves the purpose of instruction and information for the audience.
NEOLOGISMS - newly-created words used in expressions. Not all neologisms are entirely new. Some neologisms are built from new uses of old words, while others are combinations of old and new words.
NON SEQUITUR - a literary device that includes statements, sayings, and conclusions that do not follow the fundamental principles of logic and reason. They are frequently used in theater and comedies to create comedic effect.In fact, non sequitur is a Latin phrase that means “it doesn’t follow.” Here, non means “not,” and sequitur means “to follow.” It takes place when a difference is created between the principle idea and the conclusion, which finally leads to a fallacy. In conversation, non sequitur is something that is said, which seems quite absurd – to the point of confusion due to lack of proper meanings. It is sometimes taken as postulation, which means the statement might not be true.
NOSTALGIA - is used to discuss a general interest in the past, or personalities of the past, and the subsequent feelings of pleasure or pain. It is defined as pleasure or sadness caused by remembering something from the past and wishing that you could experience it again. It is not only sadness or sickness, but also the pleasure of remembering, or taking interest in, the past.
OMNISCIENT - a literary technique of writing a narrative-in third person, in which the narrator knows the feelings and thoughts of every character in the story. Through omniscient narrative, the author brings an entire world of his characters to life, and moves from character to character, allowing different voices to interpret the events, and maintaining omniscient form — that is keeping a distance. Omniscient narrative tells the story of every character by demonstrating that only the narrator possesses information.
ONOMATOPOEIA - defined as a word which imitates the natural sounds of a thing. It creates a sound effect that mimics the thing described, making the description more expressive and interesting. Do r instance, saying, “The gushing stream flows in the forest” is a more meaningful description than just saying, “The stream flows in the forest.” The reader is drawn to hear the sound of a “gushing stream,” which makes the expression more effective.
OXYMORON - a figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective proceeded by a noun with contrasting meanings, such as “cruel kindness,” or “living death”. However, the contrasting words/phrases are not always glued together. The contrasting ideas may be spaced out in a sentence, such as, “In order to lead, you must walk behind.”
PARABLE - a figure of speech that presents a short story with a moral lesson at the end. Parable is a Greek word, parable, that means “comparison.” It is a succinct narrative, or a universal truth that uses symbolism, simile, and metaphor to demonstrate the moral lesson to be taught.
PARADOX - from the Greek word paradox on, which means “contrary to expectations, existing belief, or perceived opinion.”It is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly, but which may include a latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional ideas. A paradox is often used to make a reader think over an idea in an innovative way.
PARALLELISM - the use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or similar in the construction elements of sound, meaning, or meter. This method adds balance and rhythm to sentences that give ideas a smooth flow and persuasiveness because of the repetition it employs.
PERSONIFICATION - a kind of metaphor in which the writer describes an inanimate object, abstract thing, or non-human animal in human terms.
PERSPECTIVE- While reading a person sees and experiences the events and feelings about the characters through a certain point of view. A perspective is a literary tool that serves as a lens through which readers observe characters, events, and actions. A writer may narrate the story from his perspective or from a character’s perspective. Its purpose is to illustrate the voice of the writer as distinctive from other writers.
PERSUASION - a literary technique that writers use to present their ideas with reason and logic to influence the audience. Persuasion may use an argument to persuade readers to perform a certain action. It is the art of effective speaking and persuasive writing in which writers make their opinions believable to the audience. With logic or reasoning they invoke emotions and prove their own credibility.
POETIC JUSTICE - this form of justice shows through a twist of fate how the good characters get rewarded and the bad characters get punished. Writers employ poetic justice to conform to moral principles.
REDUCTIO AD ABSURDUM - a Latin term that means “to reduce something to absurdity.” It is a figure of speech that is defined as a manner of arguing something for one’s own position by showing the absurdity of the position of his opponent. In simple words, it means to reduce an argument to absurdity, by drawing conclusions with logical limits, or by showing ridiculous consequences. Reductio ad absurdum in satires breaks down an idea to the point of absurdity.
REFUTATION - the argument where the writer illustrates contradicting points of view. It can be described as the negation of an argument, opinion, testimony, doctrine, or theory, through contradicting evidence. It normally constitutes a part of an essay that disproves opposing arguments.
The difference between refutation and counter-argument is that the writer acknowledges that there is substance in the contradicting argument, yet he provides evidence for his alleged stance. Refutation presents evidence that negates the opposing arguments.
When the writer agrees with certain aspects of the opposing argument, he makes a concession. However, writers and speakers rarely employ concession, as it can very easily undermine their own stance.
RHETORICAL DEVICES - literary elements used to convince or persuade audiences using logos, pathos, and ethos. Their appropriate use makes the text rich, lifelike and enjoyable in prose and poetry. When carefully inserted, they transform an ordinary piece of writing into a memorable, evocative and pleasant literary work. It is due to these devices the readers feel aligned to the character or the writer. Also, the audiences understand the uniqueness and depth of the text. However, rhetorical devices appeal to one’s sensibilities in four ways: logos, pathos, ethos, and kairos.
- LOGOS: derived from a Greek word, Logos means “logic.” Logos is a literary device that can be described as a statement, sentence, or argument used to convince or persuade the targeted audience by employing reason or logic.
- ETHOS: in rhetoric, ethos represents credibility, or an ethical appeal, which involves persuasion by the character involved.
- PATHOS: is a quality of an experience in life, or a work of art, that stirs up emotions of pity, sympathy, and sorrow. Pathos can be expressed through words, pictures, or even with gestures of the body.
SABOTEUR: Voices of the Saboteur (sometimes called gremlins) tell you to not take any risks, to play it safe, to stay with the status quo. They remind you of the dangers of both success and failure, and try to keep you from individuality, passion, and powerful creativity. You may hear them anytime, but they most often surface when you are getting ready to do something creative, powerful, and fulfilling. Learn to deal with them so they don’t prevent you from really shining a big light in the world.
SARCASM - derived from the French word sarcasm or, and also from the Greek word sarkazein, which means “tear flesh,” or “grind the teeth.” Somehow, in simple words it means to speak bitterly.Generally, the literal meaning is different than what the speaker intends to say through sarcasm. Sarcasm is a literary and rhetorical device that is meant to mock, often with satirical or ironic remarks, with a purpose to amuse and hurt someone, or some section of society, simultaneously.
SATIRE - a technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society, by using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule. It intends to improve humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles. A writer in a satire uses fictional characters, which stand for real people, to expose and condemn their corruption.
SIMILE - a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things. Unlike a metaphor, a simile draws resemblance with the help of the words “like” or “as.” Therefore, it is a direct comparison.
SNARK - a combination of two words, “snide” and “remark,” which means a sarcastic comment. It is a literary device that is meant to be sarcastic speech. Depending on the subject, the audience, and the speaker, snark can be taken as sophisticated, witty, or asinine. It is a witty blending of cynicism and sarcasm.
STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS- a method of narration that describes actions and events in the flow of thoughts in the minds of the characters. They flow like a river or stream Another appropriate term for this device is “interior monologue,” in which the character’s individual thought processes are portrayed in the form of a monologue that addresses the character itself. It differs from the “dramatic monologue” or “soliloquy,” because the speaker addresses the audience or the third person.
SUBJECTIVE - a subjective point of view is based on one’s own opinions, perspectives, beliefs, discoveries, desires, and feelings. It has no concern with right or wrong, other than the person’s opinion of what is right and wrong. Subjective writing or point of view is based on the writer’s own observation and experience. It focuses on the writer’s personal point of view and not built on facts that others see or things others go through. Third person point of view can also be subjective. It is known as “limited omniscience,” in which a writer knows every detail about a character and sees the whole story through that character’s eyes.
SYMBOLISM - a figure of speech in which an object, person, or situation has another meaning other than its literal meaning. The actions of a character, word, action, or event then have a deeper meaning.
TAUTOLOGY - is the repetitive use of phrases or words that have similar meanings. It is the same as repetition which repeats words. Tautology repeats concepts and ideas. It is expressing that same idea two or more times. The word tautology is derived from the Greek word tauto, meaning “the same,” and logos, meaning “a word or an idea.” A grammatical tautology refers to an idea repeated within a phrase, paragraph, or sentence to give an impression that the writer is providing extra information. For example, “she is completely devoid of emotion” is a tautology because the definition of devoid is “completely empty.”
TROPE - a figure of speech in which the writer intends to express meanings of words differently than their literal meanings. It is a metaphorical or figurative use of words in which writers shift away from literal meanings to their non-literal meanings. It could be a phrase, a word, or an image used to create artistic effect.
VERISIMILITUDE - likeness to the truth, such as the resemblance of a fictitious work to a real event, even if it is a far-fetched one. Verisimilitude ensures that even a fantasy must be rooted in reality, which means that events should be plausible to the extent that readers consider them credible enough to be able to relate them somehow to their experiences of real life.
THE LOGOPHILE LEXICON IS PART OF A
SERIES OF BEAUTIFUL WORDS
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A Beautiful Word: Web | Download (beautiful words)
The Logophile Lexicon: Web | Book (words about words)
Defining New Ideas: Web | Book (creativity & design)
Defining the Brain: Web | Downloads (terms of the mind)
INTRODUCTION | TOPIC INDEX | DOWNLOAD
www.logophilelexicon.com
SERIES OF BEAUTIFUL WORDS
A collection of Vocabulary Words & Terms By Kai of www.bykairos.com
The Collection Includes:
A Beautiful Word: Web | Download (beautiful words)
The Logophile Lexicon: Web | Book (words about words)
Defining New Ideas: Web | Book (creativity & design)
Defining the Brain: Web | Downloads (terms of the mind)
INTRODUCTION | TOPIC INDEX | DOWNLOAD
www.logophilelexicon.com