Repetition is using the same word, phrase, or sound more than once in a short passage. When a writer employs repetition, they do it purposefully to add emphasis and provide clarity. We encounter this technique in all types of writing, but it is more frequently used in songs, poetry, and speeches.
—Robert Frost, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”
Continue reading: What Is Repetition in Writing? | Definition & Examples
Dramatic irony is a literary device in which the audience knows something that the characters in a work of fiction do not. As a result of their limited knowledge, the characters often make flawed decisions and face the consequences.
Dramatic irony is used to create suspense as the audience is unsure when and how the character will find out what is actually happening.
Because dramatic irony helps to create tension and build up the audience’s anticipation, it is a storytelling device used in many genres, such as horror, comedy, and drama. If you want to explore creative writing, use QuillBot’s Paraphraser!
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Parallelism involves using similar structures in two or more phrases, clauses, or sentences, like in the phrase “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” This technique enhances rhythm and balance within the text, making it more engaging and memorable for the reader. Parallelism is common in both everyday speech and works of literature.
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A parable is a short and simple story that teaches some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson. Although fictitious, parables present audiences with realistic scenarios and prompt them to think about how one should behave in life. Parables appear in both religious and secular literary texts.
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Imagery refers to language that describes how something looks, tastes, smells, sounds, or feels. By engaging these senses, writers draw readers into the story and immerse them in its atmosphere. Imagery can be found in various forms of writing, including novels, short stories, speeches, and advertising.
My muscles tensed as I could feel the anxiety balling up in my stomach.
I tripped over my shoelace while juggling my morning coffee and car keys.
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An anecdote is a brief, engaging story about a specific incident or experience, often involving an individual. While they can be real or fictional, anecdotes are typically presented as true. They may entertain, serve as cautionary tales, or reveal character traits. Some are humorous, while others are serious, making them common in casual conversations, speeches, and literature.
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An epithet is a descriptive word or phrase that highlights a specific quality of a person, place, or thing, such as “Alexander the Great” or “Ivan the Terrible.” While epithets can range from neutral to highly critical, they are powerful linguistic tools that shape our perception and memory of their subjects. As a result, we encounter them in various contexts, including literature, public speaking, and everyday conversations.
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A pejorative is a word used to express disapproval, criticism, or disrespect toward a person, group, or concept. Pejoratives are inherently negative and meant to belittle or insult the subject they refer to. While their seriousness and impact can vary depending on the context and audience, pejoratives are loaded terms and should be used with caution.
After he made that rude comment at the meeting, everyone started to see him as a real jerk.
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An eye rhyme is the repetition of two or more words that are spelled almost identically yet pronounced differently, such as “alone” and “gone.” It is also called visual rhyme or sight rhyme. Poets use eye rhymes to appeal to our sense of sight by creating visual patterns, generating an interesting tension between what we see and what we hear.
—Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare
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Dysphemism is a harsh, derogatory, or blunt word used instead of a neutral or more polite one. It is often employed to express strong negative emotions such as contempt or hatred, to shock the audience, or as a form of humor among peers. Dysphemisms generally add a negative, critical, or confrontational tone to communication, influencing how readers or listeners perceive the message.
The old geezer next door keeps complaining about my music, even though I only play it during the day.
Instead of fixing up their dump on Oak Street, the owners just decided to sell it as-is.
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