Rhetorical Devices | Examples, Definition & List
Rhetorical devices are linguistic tools used by speakers and writers to make their arguments more compelling. These devices involve playing with sentence structure, sound, or meaning to evoke a particular reaction from the audience and ultimately persuade them. We often encounter rhetorical devices in public speaking and written communication.
All birds lay eggs; a penguin is a bird; therefore a penguin lays eggs. [syllogism]
The project fell apart faster than the wings of Icarus as he flew too close to the sun. [allusion]
What are rhetorical devices?
Rhetorical devices are techniques used to engage and persuade an audience. These devices help shape structure, tone, and communication style, making the message more impactful.
Rhetoric, the art of persuasion, has been studied since ancient times, particularly by philosophers like Aristotle, who identified key strategies for effective argumentation, such as the rhetorical triangle. Public speaking developed in many places worldwide; however, much of what we know about it came to English speakers from the ancient Greeks. For this reason, most rhetorical devices have names that come from Greek.
Rhetorical devices are some of the methods that writers and speakers can use to apply the three rhetorical strategies or modes of persuasion—ethos, pathos, and logos—in their speeches or written works. These devices help craft arguments that are credible (ethos), emotionally engaging (pathos), and logically sound (logos).
For example, a speaker might use a simile to appeal to pathos, creating emotional connection. Similarly, syllogisms and enthymemes strengthen logos, while allusions to respected sources can bolster ethos. However, there are other strategies and methods that can also be used to make these appeals, such as using facts and figures or nonverbal communication.
Rhetorical devices examples
Some rhetorical devices rely on the repetition of sounds, while others rearrange the order or meaning of words.
Anadiplosis
Anadiplosis is the repetition of the final words of a sentence or line at the beginning of the next. It is often used to link a series of ideas in a memorable way.
Anaphora
Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, sentences, or verses, for emphasis.
go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.
Assonance
Assonance is the repetition of similar vowel sounds in nearby words. The repeated sound usually occurs in the middle of the word. Assonance helps to create a pleasant rhythm between words.
Golden bells!
Chiasmus
Chiasmus involves reversing the order of grammatical structures or concepts in a phrase, creating an A-B-B-A pattern, without necessarily repeating the same words.
Love without end, and without measure grace”
Here, “love” and “grace” reflect related concepts, while “without end” and “without measure” both convey the idea of infinity.
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is the use of exaggerated language to create emphasis or add humor to a statement. Hyperbolic statements effectively communicate the intensity of a situation, emotion, or characteristic.
I am so tired I could sleep for a week.
The show was so good, we were dying of laughter.
Hypophora
Hypophora is a rhetorical device in which a speaker or writer poses a question and immediately provides an answer.
Litotes
Litotes is a form of understatement in which a sentiment is expressed by denying its opposite, such as “not bad” to mean “good.” This rhetorical device often expresses irony or softens a statement.
It wasn’t the worst dish I’ve had. [implying it was good]
The report is not without its errors. [to indicate that there are mistakes]
Metaphor
A metaphor is an implicit comparison between two unrelated things, where one is described as if it were the other to highlight a shared characteristic or quality.
Our nation’s economy is the engine that drives our success.
Life is a journey, so enjoy each step along the way.
Metonymy
Metonymy is the substitution of the name of one thing for that of another to which the former is closely related. Metonymy helps create concrete and vivid images in place of generalities.
The press has been covering the story all week. [the news media]
We need to get more boots on the ground for this operation. [soldiers]
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is the use of words that mimic the sound of the thing they describe, such as animal or machine sounds.
The bees buzzed around the flowers.
The thunder rumbled in the distance.
Oxymoron
An oxymoron is the combination of two apparently contradictory terms to produce an expression that conveys a new complex meaning. Because oxymorons seem absurd at first, they invite readers or members of an audience to pause and think about their meaning.
Our affordable luxury collection gives you the best of both worlds.
He tried to act naturally while giving his presentation, but his nerves got the best of him.
Personification
Personification is giving human attributes to non-human animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts.
The sun smiled down on the children playing in the park.
My laptop does not want to cooperate today.
Pleonasm
Pleonasm is the use of more words than necessary to express an idea. While typically considered a stylistic fault, pleonasm can be used deliberately for emphasis.
It is a true fact that he was there.
She made a final conclusion.
Polysyndeton
Polysyndeton is the use of multiple conjunctions like “and,” “or,” and “but” in close succession within a sentence, particularly where they could have been omitted.
The repeated use of “and” is not necessary here, but it emphasizes the intensity of the emotions.
Rhetorical devices list
Here is a list of some common rhetorical devices with definitions and examples.
| Rhetorical device | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Anadiplosis | Repetition of the final words of a sentence or line at the beginning of the next. | “When I give, I give myself” —”Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman |
| Anaphora | Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences. | “[…] we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets […] —Winston Churchill |
| Assonance | Repetition of similar vowel sounds in nearby words. | Keep your eyes on the prize. |
| Chiasmus | Reversal of the structure of phrases or clauses in a mirrored arrangement (A-B-B-A). | “Who dotes [A], yet doubts [B]; suspects [B], yet strongly loves [A]” —Othello by Shakespeare |
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration used for emphasis or effect. | It took us ages to find the place. |
| Hypophora | A question followed directly by an answer. | What makes a good leader? A good leader inspires and motivates others … |
| Litotes | Using double negatives or negation to affirm a positive meaning. | It was not too shabby. |
| Metaphor | A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” | The news was music to my ears. |
| Metonymy | Replacing the name of an object or concept with a word closely related to the original. | That is a nice ride you have |
| Onomatopoeia | A word that imitates the sound of the thing it represents. | The chickens clucked as they dug the dirt for worms. |
| Oxymoron | Placing contradictory or opposite words together for effect. | Parting is such sweet sorrow. |
| Personification | Attribution of human characteristics or qualities to non-human entities or abstract concepts. | My battery died. |
| Pleonasm | Using redundant words to express an idea, often for effect. | Thanks to our advanced planning, we delivered the project on time. |
| Polysyndeton | Deliberate use of multiple conjunctions in close succession to create an effect. | Over the weekend, we went to the park and the movies and the swimming pool. |
Frequently asked questions about rhetorical devices
- What is the difference between literary devices and rhetorical devices?
-
Literary devices and rhetorical devices are closely related, but they differ in their purpose and use:
- Literary devices encompass a broad category of artistic techniques that writers use to enhance their writing, adding interest and depth. For example, devices like irony or metaphor and narrative styles like first-person point of view fall under this category.
- Rhetorical devices, on the other hand, are techniques used to persuade and evoke emotion. Examples include metonymy, appeal to emotion, and understatement. Although these can be used as literary devices, we often encounter them in various forms of communication, such as speeches, advertisements, and debates where their primary role is to influence decision-making.
In short, literary devices are used to enrich a narrative, whereas rhetorical devices are more focused on persuasion and emotional appeal. However, literary and rhetorical devices sometimes overlap (e.g., irony).
- What are some rhetorical devices examples?
-
The following are some common rhetorical devices with examples:
Rhetorical device examples Rhetorical device Description Example Metaphor An implicit comparison between two unlike things He is a night owl. He prefers working at night. Hyperbole An exaggerated statement, not to be taken literally I was bored to tears during the lecture. Synecdoche A part is used to represent a whole or vice versa I got a new set of wheels.
