Autoclesis is introduction of a topic by refusing to talk about it.

Example
You know I'm not going to talk about Mike's affair.

Don't ask me about what happened today!

What? The job? Sorry, I can't talk about it...No, really...Oh, well, if you insist,
what actually happened is...

Accismus

Description
Feigned or pretended refusal of something which is actually desired.

Example
How kind, but you need it more than me.

No, I don't want it now!

Antanagoge.

Antanagoge occurs where a negative point is balanced with a positive point.

Example
Yes, I know I've lost my job, but I'm so looking forward to spending time at home.

So you live alone? It must be nice to be able to do what you want.

You are doing good work, though you are not involving others enough. I still think
you can become our most valued team member.

Cledonism

Description
Cledonism is the use of circumlocution to avoid saying unlucky words.

Example
Actors often refer to Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' as 'The Scottish Play'.

Mentioning the devil is sometimes thought to be heard by the devil, so people would
talk about 'Old Nick' or 'the evil one'.

Homophone.

Description.

Homophones are words that are spelled differently yet have the same (or very
similar) pronunciation.

Example.

His death, which happen'd in his berth,

At forty-odd befell:
They went and told the sexton,
and The sexton toll'd the bell.

(From 'Faithless Sally Brown', by Thomas Hood)

She died, and her enemies cried 'How glad we were to know her.'

Perissologia is the excessive use of words.

Example
My dearest sir, it is a delight to see you in such stirling and excellent health.
Never, I say, have I set eyes on such a fine specimen of man who sets my mind a-
dancing with pleasure. (= hello)

Would that I could sing my heart, the birds and bees would faint with the sounds of
such ecstasy that burns my very soul in sacred flame! (= I'm happy)

Paronomasia is the use of similar-sounding words to cause confusion, often for

humorous effect.

Example
You can tune a file system, but you can't tune a fish. ('tuna fish' - from a Unix
manual)

We egged on the runners, but the yolk was on us.

I've a library in my trousers. Now there's a turn-up for the books!

Periphrasis is circumlocution, talking around the subject rather than directly what
perhaps might be said in the circumstances.

Example
It is not that James is welcome or otherwise, or that he is sometimes here or not.
I do wonder, though, if he might be thinking what it's all about. (= I don't like
James)

When I am with you, my toes tingle and my knees are weak. The world is a better
place altogether and I find myself giving my fortune to beggars, and I am a beggar
before you, craving a smile, a whim. (= I love you)

Praecisio is making a point by remaining silent.

Example
A defendant in court refuses to speak on the grounds that they have nothing to
defend against.

A modern poet composes a poem that is just silence for sixty seconds.

Subreption is deliberate misrepresentation of facts, often through concealment.

Example
You were there. You were alone. You did it.

I was there, but I was busy. How am I expected to see things when I am busy? It's a
big place.

The candle was burning. Light was emitted. There were hence photons in every corner
of the room.
Synchysis is an alternating word sequence of the form A-B-A-B.

Example
Young man, boy old.

Golden happy ring girl.

I run and shoot, fast and accurate.

Figures of speech: Humor

Paraprosdokian is the use of words at the end of a phrase or sentence that change
the apparent initial meaning.

Example
I am most disgusted that you were not rewarded for your wonderful work.

Take my hand, I don't want it.

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

A pun is a play on words, usually done for deliberate humorous effect.

Example
The pun is mightier than the word.

Acutezza is the use of wit or wordplay.

Example

Like Apollo, storms across the town. Then apologizing for the devastation.

She would! Two short planks, perhaps?

You say you have evidence, but evidently you do not.

Irony

Description
Irony occurs when there is incongruity between what is said/done/meant/perceived.

Example
Ironically, my wife's name is the same as my mother's.

Well that's as delightfully clear as mud.

I caught the last train in time. Unfortunately it was going back to where I had
started.

Acoloutha
Description
Substitution of reciprocal words, where each word could be substituted in the each
other's contexts.

Example
1. John ran down the road.
2. Jane hurried to work.

1a. John hurried down the road.

2a. Jane ran to work.

Accumulatio

Description
The bringing together of a number of points into a powerful conclusion or climax.

Example
I have talked about weather patterns, the rising sea levels, and the natural
patterns of high tides. Together this means that at the next full moon where there
is a force ten storm, then New York is in great danger of being flooded.

Come in, sit down, get your pens out and let's make some magic!

Acyron

Description
Acyron is where a word is used which is opposite to the normal word that should be
applied.

Example
I am as sad as a sandboy.
(the actual saying is 'happy as a sandboy' - ie. the speaker is not sad)

Blind am I to your face,

Beauty gone to God's disgrace.
Nothing there but light and fire,
Obscuring all but my desire.

Adjunction

Description
Adjunction is the placement of the verb at the start of the phrase or sentence.

Example
Sings the bird as we walk on by.

Angry am I, storms across the sky.

Good, it is, that fights the master with his dark lord.

Aetiologia
Description
Aetiologia is the justification or explanation of a claim or statement by showing
cause and effect.

Example
I will not repent, for I am a true and good person as all who know me will tell.

She did leave early, but it was because her manager called her and there were
customers waiting.

He broke the rules. He must be punished.

Affirmatio

Description
Acting as if a point has already been questioned, challenged or disputed.

Example
I would answer any questions about this by saying: just look at the evidence. It is
overwhelming and indisputable.

This is the right way. There is no alternative.

Allegory

Description
An allegory is the sustained and extended use of a metaphor across a whole
sentence, paragraph or entire discourse or narrative.

Example
I feel like a dog today. I rolled out of my basket and munched on some biscuit-like
cereal. Scratching as I got on the train, I sniffed a passing female. Aruooo!! Down
boy! ...

Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is an allegorical work about society in general and Soviet
communism in particular.

Alleotheta

Description
Alleotheta involves substitution of one case, gender, mood, number, tense, or
person for another.

Example
When he wore a dress she looks delightfully female.

I could be dancing yesterday, under the hot, dark moon,

Living her down, strutting to their tune.

Every dog has their day.

Description
Allusion is an indirect reference to something.

Example
She's a very good friend of his...

What are you looking at?

It was a hot and steamy day. Jake shifted uneasily as Manny walked past, eyeing him
coldly.

Alliteration

Description
Use a sequence of words in which the initial letter is the same.

The words can be next to one another or spaced out.

Description
Amphilogy is talking around a subject to avoid being harmed.

Example
I know I don't talk much about football, but that doesn't mean it is meaningless to
me. In fact I can watch it for hours. ( = I don't like football, but saying this
would result in my being criticized and maybe ostracized).

Let's go somewhere else. That restaurant is so boring and I didn't really like the
food there last time. (= it is too expensive for me. I can't afford it).

Description
Ampliatio involves taking something that is identified in one place and extending
it elsewhere. In particular taking something in the present and extending it so it
reaches into the past and/or the future.

Example
Once a fool, always a fool.

We still call him Billy the Baker, even though he's now a plumber.

She said what? Well, she probably said it before anyway.

Description
Anacrusis is the lack of emphasis on the first few words of a sentence.

Example
In the town where I was born... (from Beatles song 'Yellow Submarine' - 'town'
receives the first emphasis; 'In the' is the unstressed anacrucis).

When I was young my father said, said 'Son I have something to say...

Are you ready to buy this now?

Description
Anacephalaeosis is a recapitulation or summary of the facts in a situation or
argument.

Example
So, to summarize: You will take David, I will take Jennifer and we'll meet at 7pm.
She is the best I have heard, she is consistent and I am sure she will win.

Description
Anacoenosis is asking the opinion of others in a way that demonstrates a common
interest.

Example
Do you not think we can do this now?

Now tell me, given the evidence before us, could you have decided any differently?

What do you think? Are we a bit weary? Shall we stay here for a while?

Anacoloutha

Description
Substitution of nonreciprocal words, where one word may be substituted for another,
but the second word could not be substituted back in the original context.

Example
1: She opened her thoughts to him.
2: She opened her heart to him.

Heart is used as a substitute for thoughts. You could not substitute thoughts for
heart, though.

Anadiplosis

Description
The repetition of a word sequence used at the end of a phrase or sentence at the
start of the next phrase or sentence.

Example
If you are going to play wolf, play wolf like the real thing.

I would but run away. Run away, perhaps today. Perhaps today I will. I will run
away.

Will you come with me? Come with me to a better place. A place where we can be
together forever, forever where we can do what we know must be done.

Description
Analogy is a figure where an item is compared with a similar other.

Example
Now you're acting like an idiot.

The atom is like a miniature solar system.

The train came out of the tunnel like a bullet from a gun.

Description
Anangeon is the admission of a charge, but then excusing it by stating its
necessity.

Example
Yes, I shot him, but it was kill or be killed.

Indeed I kissed her, but if I had turned away it would have embarrassed the poor
thing.

Sorry about the noise but I need to get to work.

Description
Anaphora is the repetition of words at the start of successive clauses, phrases or
sentences.

Example
Run, run, run little piggies!

Three blind mice! Three blind mice!

Now is the time for action. Now is the time to take up arms. Now is the time to
fight for your country.

Blessed are the good and blessed are the poor.

Description
Anapodoton is omission of clause for deliberate effect.

Example
Now that just goes to show!

Discussion
When something is omitted from a sentence, we have to guess what that something is.
This may be deliberate or unconscious.

Description
Anastrophe is a reversal of a normal word order, with words or phrases being
juxtaposed.

Example
Blessed are the meek. (vs. The meek are blessed.)

Good, it is. Strong in the force, you are. (Star Wars' Yoda speaks in anastrophe!)

Tripping the light fantastic.

Discussion
Anastrophe retains the meaning of a sentence whilst creating a little attention-
causing confusion as the listener spends a little more time than usual working out
what is being said.

Description
Anesis is the use of a concluding phrase or sentence that somehow diminishes what
has previously been said.

Example
He was one of the most admired men of his time, yet he had one terrible, fatal
flaw.
This is the best mixer money can buy, although it does not have a great reputation
for reliability.

I love you without question. I adore you, above all others. But I'm not sure I want
to go out with you.

Discussion
Anesis seems like a contradiction and it is, yet it is heard surprisingly often,
perhaps where a person says something, realizes they have said more than they
intent, and then tries to retract or reduce the effect.

Description
Antanaclasis is the repetition of a word, where the word has different meanings
each time.

Example
If we do not hang together, we will hang separately.

Those who are not fired with enthusiasm, will be fired, with enthusiasm.

Will you have your will, Will? Then perhaps you will write your will.

Discussion
The effect of anatanaclasis is an initial confusion as a word just used, and hence
with one meaning already in short-term memory, is repeated with a different
meaning. This causes the listener to pause and think, thus creating attention to
what is said.

Description
Anthimeria is the use of one part of speech instead of another part.

Example
I am not inhelpful. ('in-' instead of 'un-'.

Go safe. ('safe' instead of 'safely').

Be silence. Be peaced. Find the nature of the innocent fleeced.

Description
Antimetabole is the repetition of a clause, with reversed wording in the second
clause.

Example
We eat to live, not live to eat.

Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. --
J.F.Kennedy

It is not even the beginning of the end but is perhaps, the end of the beginning --
Winston Churchill

Description
Anthypophora is arguing with oneself, for example asking questions and then
answering them.

Example
Hmm. I could go to the party or stay in with you. What shall I do? I think I'll
stay here.

Is the Republican party the best? I think not. Why else were they beaten? Because
they are no longer in touch with the people.

Who are you? You are my friend. Why did you betray me? Because you are not my
friend.

Discussion
Anthypophora uses the principle of rhetorical questions to ask questions which the
speaker wishes to answer. Sometimes this happens when nobody else is asking the
questions and sometimes when nobody is answering questions posed. Often it is used
for deliberate effect.

Description
Antiphrasis is the use of words in a sense opposite to its real meaning.

Example
Oh, I am so beautiful! My long nose and pimple so attractive!

I am but a child of sixty years.

That is the worst performance I have seen. Oh, look at your face! -- actually I
loved it.

Discussion
When something does not make sense, it surprises people, making them stop and think
about what is really meant. A reversal is a very simple puzzle to solve, so people
will generally get the meaning quite quickly.

Antiptosis

Description
Antiptosis is translation of one case into another, using 'of' in the linkage.

Example
The folly of man (vs. the foolishness of man)

The depth of water (vs. the deep water)

In the fullness of time (vs. in full time)

Discussion
Antiptosis uses preposition 'of' more like a conjunction, joining things together,
rather than showing membership. The connection can be used to join and hence extend
or enhance meaning, in the manner of an analogy.

Description
Antirhesis is rejection of an argument because it is bad in some way.

Example
You may say that Jane does not agree, but she is not even on the team!

How can you suggest that? It would be very wrong to do that to her.

That's a nice argument. It's a shame that it is invalid.

Discussion
Common reasons for using antirhesis is because the argument being rejected has a
logical flaw, promotes something minor as being major, or is wicked or bad in some
way.

Description
Antistrophe is the repetition of words at the end of successive phrases or
sentences.

Example
I told you do to it, again. Like last time, I had to repeat myself again. Why do I
have to always have to say things again and again?

She is the object of my affection and love, just as I am the object of her
affection and love.

I know the best party. The Democrats are the best party. I will vote for the best
party.

Discussion
Repetition of a word of phrase creates a pattern and so draws attention to it.
Repetition is thus a powerful tool that is used in all kinds of persuasive speech
and action.

Description
Antithesis is the use of an opposite in order to highlight a point.

Example
It has been said we are good, but I say we are bad.

In many ways, the old are young.

She is very intelligent -- far from stupid.

Discussion
Antithesis uses the contrast principle to draw attention to something. When an
opposite to what might be expected is given, it is usually a surprise and hence
causes the listener to slow down and figure out the puzzle presented.

Description
Antonomasia is the naming of a person not with their given name but another name of
some form.

Example
Easy, tiger!

Hello, Bruce. (There is some mysteriously humorous about Australians and the name
Bruce)

Excuse me Tarzan, could you please come down from that tree.

Discussion
What is in a name? A great deal, actually. Every word is a little package of
meaning, and when we take a word and attach it to a person, then all the meaning of
the word is transferred to the person. In the manner of the metaphor, connection of
two things creates a powerful new meaning.

Description
Aphaeresis is the omission of letters from the start of a word, typically removing
a complete syllable.

Example
The king hath cause to plain.

Can I 'scape this dull place?

'tis a 'normous place!

Discussion
Removing letters at the start of a word and still keeping it pronounceable usually
means that a complete syllable must be removed. To remove more than one syllable
would make most aphaeresis incomprehensible, so the single syllable deletion is
most common.

Description
Aphorismus is questioning or challenging the meaning of a word.

Example
Call yourself a man? You're acting like a boy!

That's not a car, it's a lawn mower!

Is that 'music' is these days? How impoverished you must be.

Discussion
Words are little packets of meaning that have all kinds of connotations by which we
enrich and extend the language. For example, 'man' may also mean 'strong',
'independent', 'chivalrous', and so on.

Description
Apophasis is talking about something without directly mentioning it.

Example
I'm just going .. er.. to the .. um .. little room .. back soon. (going to the
toilet)

You know who is doing you know what with you know who else!

He's not going out with Jane, and not with Susan. But I'm not allowed to say who he
is going out with.

Discussion
There are times when it is impolite to mention something or using the word could
get you into trouble. Seeking not to embarrass ourselves or others, we thus talk
around the forbidden words or subjects.

Description
Aposiopesis is stopping a sentence before it has been grammatically completed.
Example
I wandered lonely as a...

If I gave you what you wanted, would you...

This is the best since...

If you touch her I'll, I'll...

Discussion
We all have a deep need for the comfort of certainty, which translates into
completion of activities and even sentences.

Description
Apposition is the use of two elements, where the second explains or modifies the
first.

Example
Eleri, oh light of my life, igniter of passion!

Look here at my brothers, my killers.

I looked up into the grim sky as the rain washed clean my weary face.

Discussion
Apposition may be used in developing a theme or idea, where the first part give
initial information and next part (or parts) develops further meaning.

Description
Archaism is the use of outdated language.

Example
Thou art a dolt!

Henceforth, you are banned from this place.

I'm having a really magic time!

Discussion
Language evolves, sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly. Words appear and words go
out of common usage. At some point they become considered 'old-fashioned' or
quaint.

Description
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds across words, particularly in stressed
syllables.

Example
How now, brown cow.

Newly cut the yew stuck, quivering, in the morning dew.

The pale, fat man would say that they can, but would they say that too?

Discussion
When a sound is repeated, it creates a pattern and hence the pleasure of
recognition. In rhyme, the final sounds of words are repeated in successive
sections.

Description
Asterismos is the use of a prefix word to draw attention to subsequent words.

Example
Behold, I come to show you the way.

Lo, they came upon the stable.

Listen, you are not helping!

Discussion
The prefix word effectively says 'look out, here's something important', thus
verbally grabbing attention. It is followed by a comma that creates a pause,
further creating a brief tension before launching into the main point.

Description
Asyndeton is a figure of speech where conjunctions are omitted from a series of
related clauses.

Example
I came, I saw, I conquered. (Julius Caesar)

...we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall
fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never
surrender... (Winston Churchill)

I will buy you a drink; you do not deserve it.

Description
Bomphiologia is bombastic, bragging speech.

Example
I am, quite simply, the greatest and most accomplished narrator you will find in
the Northern Hemisphere (I have no interest in the South).

You, sir! Come hither. Now look at this sorry chap. Does he not, in his common
garb, tell you how inferior his classes are and how superior we are?

I earn a great deal more than you, you know. No, don't ask me how much, because I
don't talk about it. But let's just say I bought another Ferrarri last week. It's
the new model, of course.

Discussion
Sometimes people have more money or power than sense and it goes to their head, but
in a way that can be either irritating or vaguely comic.

Description
Brevitas is the use of a concise statement to say a lot more.

Example
Shit happens.
�a va (French: 'It goes').

Looking good!

Really somethiing.

Big guy.

Discussion
Brevity is the soul of wit. Short and sweet. Saying something in few words may
leave quite a bit to the imagination, but then your imagination is smarter than
you. When the saying is well known, then not even the imagination is needed.

Description
Cacemphaton is the use either of crude words or otherwise words which sound bad.

Example
Far too smelly. (sounds like 'fart to smelly')

Thou crotch stitch.

I had preservative on toast (in many languages, 'preservative' means 'condom')

Discussion
Although cacemphaton can just be intentional vulgarity, it is often accidental.

Description
Cacophony is the use of unpleasant sounds for particular effect.

Example
Lick, crack, sick, hack. The beggar harried her open back.

Crash, bang, clang!!

We want no parlay with you and your grisly gang who work your wicked will. --
Winston Churchill

Discussion
The unpleasant sounds of cacophony can be used to deliberately indicate to invoke
negative emotions such as disgust, distress and fear.

Description
Catabasis is the steady decrease of emphasis or sense.

Example
And then I will come before you, and the wise will follow and others will be left
behind.

Man bites dog! Jeffrey Evans was in court yesterday for biting a dog in the park.
He was remanded in custody until a later date.

We shall destroy!! We shall, at least break something. Well, maybe we'll shout a
bit.

Discussion
This uses the principle of primacy, where things listed first have particular
impact and are more likely to be remembered.

Description
Catachresis is a the use of word or a figure of speech incorrectly, breaking the
rules of usage.

Example
Her laughing feet fell overboard with amazement.

He looked at the price and his pockets ran dry.

She grabbed the bull by the horns of the dilemma.

He was as happy as a corpse.

Discussion
When we listen to normal speech we do not think about how correct it is. However,
when something is said that breaks the rules of language it is immediately clear
and so grabs our attention.

Description
Cataphora occurs where a word used is not initially clear and is explained by a
subsequent word or words.

Example
If you like it, you can stroke the puppy.

This is John. He's the teacher you wanted to meet.

Discussion
Cataphora is a form of forward reference where vital information is initially
omitted, only to be added in subsequent text.

Categoria

Description
Categoria is the direct description of another person's faults.

Example
You are lazy, careless and unlikable. Why should I trust you?

Wrong again! Your arguments are always full of holes.

I accuse you, sir, of being a cad and a liar. A blackguard and bounder of the first
degree. A man who does not deserve the title of gentleman.

Description
Consonance is the repetition of a consonant across words, particularly at the word
ending.

Example
Take the book back.
Run for fun and everyone.

Seven virgins have moved there.

Discussion
Consonance is a subtle form of rhyme, creating a repetitive beat across a sequence
of words. The effect can be both poetic and also hypnotic, relaxing others and
perhaps drawing attention away from persuasive content.

Description
Crasis is the contraction of a word or words, often into a form that has two vowels
that combine to make a longer sound.

Example
Madam becomes Ma'am (pronounced 'marm') (and originally from the French 'Ma dame')

Discussion
Contraction of words is often culturally situated and the use thus indicates that
the speaker is from a particular cultural context.

Description
Diacope is the repetition of a word or phrase with only a few other intervening
words between the repetition and the original use.

Example
Fire, hot fire, burned across the town.

It will be done. By hook or by crook, it will be done.

'Why?' he asked, 'Why?' And well he might.

Discussion
Diacope can be done in a form where the repetition is done almost as a correction
to add more descriptive text. Another form is as a bracket, starting and ending a
section with the same words.

Description
Diallage is the consideration of arguments from different viewpoints to and then
turned to make a single point.

Example
John says we need to go South. Jane wants to go West. What is important is that we
can't stay here.

If we put up our prices, then revenue may increase but sales will drop. If we put
effort into marketing, then we may well more but margins will be thinner. Maybe we
can combine these, funding marketing through an increase in prices.

Discussion
In negotiation and other forms of argument and debate, it is common for people to
take sides and polarize their positions.

Description
Dysrhythmia is the breaking of a rhythmic pattern.

Example
I will come, I will conquer, I will rule, but I will not stay forever.

Cleaning the house, cleaning the car, dirt in the garden. Dirt can be good. Dirt
can grow plants. Your dirt needs tender care.

Running, jumping, thumping, bumping. Bashing, crashing.

Falling, failing.
Ending.

Discussion
Patterns are set up by repetition, with two or three instances used to create the
rhythm. The repetition may be through such as words, syllables or sounds. All it
takes is a small disturbance and the pattern, which may remain in some form, is
changed.

Description
Ecphonesis is an exclamation that is used for emphasis and grabbing attention.

Example
Lo! The angels are with us.

Look out!! I'm going to be down your street tonight.

Stupid! Stupid! Are you going to associate with someone that stupid??

Discussion
Making a sudden sound is a simple way of grabbing attention, and such exclamation
is commonly used method in language and speech, where there are even special words
for this purpose.

Description
Ellipsis is omission of words from a sentence or phrase without losing the
essential meaning.

Example
John, that way; Jane, there. (vs. 'John go that way; Jane stay there.').

Good meeting. (vs. 'It was a good meeting)

When ready. (vs. 'You can start when you are ready')

Discussion
There is a lot of redundancy in language and it can be surprising how much can be
left out without losing much meaning, particularly when there are contextual clues
as to the real meaning.

Description
Enjambment is the breaking of a phrase or sentence at an unexpected point,
typically in verse.

Example
I would come to
you, with your weeping
hair and deep
and dismal eyes.

I want to know that...I am really...sorry.

Discussion
Breaking a line of verse or putting a pause into a sentence makes the other person
pause. In that pause, they will likely review what has just been said, reflecting
on what was said and rehearsing for what is to come.

Description
Epanalepsis is the repetition of a word or words at both the beginning and end of a
sentence or clause.

Example
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Buy this car and you'll be glad you decided to buy this today.

The king is dead; long live the king!

A question for which there is no answer is still a question, but an answer for
which there is no question is no answer.

Discussion
Repeated words do not have to be exactly at the start and end and a word or two
outside them still creates epanalepsis.

Description
Epanalepsis is the repetition of a word or words at both the beginning and end of a
sentence or clause.

Example
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Buy this car and you'll be glad you decided to buy this today.

The king is dead; long live the king!

A question for which there is no answer is still a question, but an answer for
which there is no question is no answer.

Discussion
Repeated words do not have to be exactly at the start and end and a word or two
outside them still creates epanalepsis.

Description
Epanados is the repetition of words from earlier in a phrase or sentence in the
reverse order.

Example
Love is right because there is only one right love.

A right is given, which gives you right.

Mad, bad and sad they say, but I'm just sad that such bad things are said by those
who can only be mad.

Discussion
Reversing something is to create a pattern. We are particularly good at spotting
patterns and epanados thus becomes a code, a puzzle, something to be spotted and
understood.

Description
Epistrophe is where a set of lines, phrases, clauses, or sentences end with same
word or words.

Example
Looking good, feeling good.

Are you hot? I am.

Are you raging? I am.
Are you ready? I am.

The time is now, the need is now, We must act, now!

Discussion
Repetition creates a pattern and hence the comfort of familiarity. It also causes
attention to the repeated words, which may be used to hammer home a point.

Description
Epitrope is the admission of wrong or concession of a point in order to gain
something else.

Example
Ok. You can drive there. I'll drive back.

I was wrong to ask for help when you should be volunteering.

You know, I guess I can't add up. But then I can afford not to mind.

Discussion
In arguments or presentations, it is common to provide some form of negotiation,
where giving in on something is done for the purpose of gaining something more
valued.

Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions are not really questions, but statements given in question
format.

Public speakers often use rhetorical questions in the middle of speeches. Of

course, the audience cannot all answer, but the intent is to engage them in
thinking and consider what answer they would give if they could.

In figures of speech, rhetorical questions are known as Erotema.

Gaining agreement
Rhetorical questions are often intended to make the listener agree with the speaker
as the answer is obviously yes. Even if the listener does not say the word, they
will think it. And once they start agreeing they are more likely to keep doing so.

Is the Pope a Catholic?

Is the sky blue?
Is this a great product?

Hedging
We use rhetorical questions sometimes when we want to make a statement but are not
confident enough to assert a point. The question format thus allows others to
disagree, but is not necessarily seeking agreement.

Isn't that wonderful? Is it a shade of blue?

Self-talk
Sometimes when you ask questions, you are really asking them of yourself rather
than the other person. this is particularly noticeable when you give the answer
soon after asking the question.

What is that? A bird, I'd say. What type? Maybe an eagle? I think so. What a lovely
flight path.

Multiple questions
When you ask multiple questions at once, you seldom expect them all to be answered,
and perhaps none of them.

They become particularly rhetorical when you do not give time for the other person
to answer.

Where have you been? What time do you think this is? Do you think you can come home
late like this and nobody notice?

Terminating statement
Another way that stopping the other person from answering is to put a statement of
some sort immediately after the question.

There is hence no space for the person to answer the question and they are directed
more by the final statement than the question.

Can you see? Look there!

Description
Euphemism is the substitution of a 'harmless' word for one that might offend.

Example
I'm going to the loo.
I'm going to the john.
I'm going for a tinkle.
I'm going for a pee.

He showed me his thing. Scary.

They did 'it'.

Discussion
In polite society there are words that are forbidden, typically around body
functions and sex though also covering religion and other areas where others may be
offended. Using such words can hence be embarrassing and risk censure.
Description
Eusystolism is the use of initial letters to avoid having to use embarrassing or
forbidden words.

Example
He's just a B.F. That's all I can say. An awful, horrible, B.F.

She was talking B.S., really, but I couldn't tell her.

I'd like to GTTT. You know! (go to the toilet)

Discussion
In the niceties of society, there are social rules that forbid the use of certain
words, such as swear words and mentioning certain parts of the body.

Description
Exemplum is the use of examples to support an argument.

Example
You should give me you full support, just like Simon here.

Many people have learned to do this. You can too.

Bugs Bunny eats carrots and I think they make him happy. Eat up!

How could we do it out here? The Greeks and Persians of old did not need great
machines but used their ingenuity. All we need is our minds and the resources
around us.

Discussion
An important way that a person can be persuaded is through the use of evidence.
Exemplum does this by quoting an example as proof of what is presented.

Description
Exergasia is restating a point in different words.

Example
We must return. We need to go home now as it is the end of the holidays.

I think they should take time to analyze the situation and discover the many
variants that they may be discovered and so understand the possibilities and choose
the best way forward. In other words, they should explore all options.

Discussion
When we say something, we may not be sure that the other person has fully
understood what we said, so we repeat ourselves. Using different words has several
benefits:

It helps the other person save face (they would be embarrassed if we insinuated
they were unable to understand the first statement).
It avoids the embarrassment of us looking silly or insulting.
It gains the benefit of repetition, hammering home the point.
Description
Extraposition is the moving of a word or phrase to the end of the sentence, away
from its natural position.

Example
I gave it to the person who was sitting next to me, John Stone.

I was going to see my friend in London, sitting on the train.

Succeed in life, you can.

Discussion
A common reason why extraposition happens is that when we are speaking, we have to
decide what to say in 'real time', which often leads to errors.

Description
Fictio is the attribution of human traits and qualities to animals.

Example
"Who are you?" thought the dog, as he quizzically turned his head and wondered what
to do next.

The lion looked around and smiled at his wives. He was the luckiest lion in the
whole savannah, and he knew it.

"My poor sweet baboo!", cried the starlet, hugging her poodle. "Shall we go
shopping for boo-kins? What would you like today? Another nice coat?"

Discussion
We live and think as humans. Naturally, of course because we are human. In living
this way, it is impossible for us to know what it is to be an animal. It is also
even more impossible for animals to know what it is to be human.

Description
Glossolalia is fabricated, meaningless speech.

Example
Oh, glaffobalbaness! The fliggit is fanging in the frubor, you knowsta!

Rangliness is more famish that you might expact.

An old children's TV show in the UK, call 'Bill and Ben' had puppets saying things
like 'Flobbodop, little weeed!'

Discussion
Glossolalia is a very onomatopoeic word, sounding like words that are using
glossolalia. Using glossolalia means using words that sound important and
meaningful, yet are meaningless at the same time.

Description
Heterosis is a figure of speech where one form of verb is exchanged for another
form.

Example
I know the game has not yet started, but I know we have won.
Well, I says to him, I says. 'What are you doing?' Then he looks at me and I think,
'Duh!'

I throwed the ball over the fence.

Discussion
A classic form of heterosis is where what happened in the past is described using
the present tense. This is because the present tense is more immediate and sustains
greater attention.

Description
Homoioteleuton is the repetition of word endings.

Example
He's the maddest, baddest, and maybe saddest person I know.

Learning anything is better than willy-nilly foolishness.

I ran easily and quickly on the strangely firm surface.

Description
Hyperbaton is the rearrangement of a sentence or phrase, moving an item to a place
other than its correct syntactical position.

Example
I will you kiss.

Her hair let loose and sunny,

warmed the withering day.

On your set, get marks, go!

Discussion
Hyperbaton can be used for deliberate effect, rearranging a sentence to change the
meaning or to gain attention. The trick is to sustain the meaning whilst causing
momentary confusion whilst the audience works out what is being said.

Description
Hypotaxis uses subordination of clauses to show relationships.

Example
I had a drink because I was thirsty.

When I go out, I feel happy.

If you have passed the test you can drive by yourself.

Discussion
In constructing complex sentences, Hypotaxis is a very common principle. With
complexity, you make people think more about what you said. You can make your words
flow and give a smooth easiness to your sentences.

Description
Hypozeuxis is the use of parallel clauses, each with a subject and predicate.
Example
I came, I saw, I conquered.

Michael rode, Susan sewed, the family thrived whilst others just survived.

The good man smiles as the bad man scowls and the indifferent man passed by.

Discussion
Zeugma is the sharing of a subject (noun) or predicate verb between clauses (eg. 'I
came, saw and conquered'). Hypozeuxis is the opposite of this, as every clause has
its own separate subject-predicate (or noun-verb) pair.

Whilst much speech abbreviates, hypozeuxis is more precise, making it more

difficult for the listener to be confused. At the same time, a pattern is often
created, especially if the clauses are of the same size, so drawing attention.

Description
Illeism is referring to oneself in the third person.

Example
We are grateful for your gifts, good sir.

I am the king. He is displeased.

Discussion
Referring to yourself in the third person detaches yourself from that person. This
can make the speaker seem objective. It can also be used to highlight an exalted
position position, letting the speaker put themselves on a pedestal (and
figuratively stand below the pedestal in worship of him- or herself).

Description
Inclusio is the bracketing of a passage of text with the same set of words at the
start and end.

Example
Do not weep for me when I am gone. Weep for the lost people in the world. Weep for
the hungry children. Weep for the homeless people. But do not weep for me when I am
gone.

We will prevail. Though they will throw all their great might at us. Though we will
be hard pressed. We will prevail.

Discussion
This is a form of repetition that also makes use of primacy (words at the beginning
tend to be remembered) and recency (words at the end tend to remembered too). This
makes it a powerful device for speech-makers and it can be seen in many classic
political speeches.

Description
Innuendo is 'saying something without saying it', often implying something negative
or politically incorrect, through allusion or insinuation.

Example
She's got a great future in front of her!
Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?

Know what I mean? Nudge, nudge! Wink, wink!

Discussion
When you are prevented from saying something due to social norms, such as when
certain words are forbidden or even from politeness, then it is common to try and
get others to understand by using metaphor of some kind

Description
Isocolon occurs where parallel parts of a sentence are the same length.

Example
Veni, vidi, vici. (I came, I saw, I conquered)

I converse with God, I hear the Devil, I choose myself, I act alone.

Remember the past but look to the future.

Discussion
Repetition of any pattern of sounds gives a statement a beat, thus playing to the
mind's ability to recognize and pay attention to patterns and appreciate harmony.
Isocolon uses this aspect to give power to words.

Description
Kenning is the use of circumlocution instead of a simple noun.

Example
He is the feeder of the bloody battle axe (= he is a warrior).

The clashing ring-feast of the darken day (midwinter festival).

Discussion
Circumlocution is talking around a subject rather than just naming it. Not naming
something creates mystery and the confusion of uncertainty, thus encouraging others
to pay attention in order to better understand.

Description
Kolakeia is the use of flattery to distract the listener from something.

Example
That's a wise thought. Can we explore that more? The other stuff can wait.

Yes I know it's not all there. You're very perceptive, you know. Do you get that
from your parents?

I say, you do look good today. Can we talk about this thing here?

Discussion
There is little more interesting to most people than themselves, and to be told
they are wonderful gives a welcome boost to their sense of identity. It is no
surprise that attention to the person makes that person pay more attention to
themselves and, consequently, less to other things.

Method
If you want to affirm something as true in an understated, quiet way, you can do
this by taking the opposite of what you want to say and then turning it back into a
positive by negating it.

Example
Oh well, that is not an unimportant thing.

That's not bad.

Discussion
Litotes is a fancy name for a common twist of the language where a person expresses
an affirmative by negating its contrary. In effect, this is a double negative.

Description
Meiosis is an understatement, making less of something that it actually it.

Example
What they called a 'riot' was really high spirits, just people having fun.

Don't worry, I'm fine. It's only a scratch.

Discussion
Making something smaller reduces chance of people being distracted by it or
focusing on it. If you want others to pay attention to something then you may well
want them not be distracted.

Description
Merismos is where something is described or referenced in its entirety.

Example
Past, present and future.

I am everyone I have ever been. I am a little boy, lost on the beach. I am a

confused teenager, raging at the world. I am an adult, trudging my path.

I want to thank everyone who helped with this production, including the door staff,
the make-up artists, the costumiers, the lighting engineer, ...

Discussion
By taking time to describe something in more detail than might normally be
expected, merismos acts as a form of emphasis, indicating importance and asking the
audience to reflect on the subject.

Description
Metalepsis is the description of something through the use of a weakly-related
item.

Example
Angels' feathers on the mountainside. (Angels have white feathers, snow is white,
patches of snow are like feathers).

He forced a silence with a leaden hand. ('heavy handed' approach combined with
'lead is heavy').

Through mists of time the old train belched forth. (Old steam train creates
'mist').

Discussion
By making the meaning of something less clear, you cause confusion and thus force
the listener to pause and think about what you really mean. Metalepsis is thus an
attentional device.

Description
Metaplasmus is the deliberate misspelling of a word.

Example
Elizabeth can be spelled as Liz, Eliza, Lizzie, Beth, Bet, etc.

Oh frigging heck!

I'm feeling hippy. I feel like wild six.

Discussion
Words can misspelled because the writer has literacy problem. They may also be
deliberately misspelled for a reason, such as:

Creating a diminutive of a person's forename.

Euphemism, where forbidden words are hidden in misspelling.
Puns, where humor is created through the double-meaning of the original word and
the misspelled word.

Description
Metonymy is the use of one item's name to represent another item. In particular the
representing item usually has a close association with the represented item.

Example
Henry invaded France. (Henry represents Britain)

The pen is mightier than the sword. (Pen represents words. Sword represents
military power).

I'll just Google it. (using Google instead of search).

Discussion
Metonymy is quite close to metaphor, but with a more specific use. Metonymy uses
names, whilst metaphor can indicate any representation.

Description
Narratio is the presentation of essential facts.

Example
I was about 20 yards away. I saw the man hit the woman in the head once. She fell
down, then he kicked her in the midriff twice and walked off.

You have asked me for this seven times before. I have said no each time. I do not
agree and will not agree.

It has full ABS and traction control. With 170 bhp at your disposal, you are
unlikely to need more power. The roadholding has been reported as excellent in this
article. And I have never had any customer come back with any complaints.
Discussion
Sometimes simple facts are the most persuasive way of speaking. They provide
incontrovertible evidence and play to needs for certainty. They also present the
speaker as honest and trustworthy, such that the listener is less likely to
question something which the speaker later asserts.

Description
Nosism is referring to oneself in the plural.

Example
We are not amused. (Queen Victoria)

We will now retire to one's repose.

Discussion
Nosism

The most famous use of nosism is by the English monarch, where the 'royal we' is
quite common. Because of this tradition, it is considered very bad form for anyone
else to use it as it seeks puts one on a par with the monarch. Prime Minister
Margaret Thatcher was known on occasion to use the term and was criticized in the
press for doing so.

Description
Optatio is making an exclamation in the form of a wish.

Example
I wish you'd shut up! I need quiet to read.

O, begone! Wouldst thou not leave thy brother in peace?

Rain! We need rain! I pray for rain!

Discussion
An exclamation is often a mark of frustration, where our goals are not met and we
are left wanting. It is but a small step to include in the exclamation either a
full statement of what is wanted or perhaps just a hint of the wish.

Description
Oxymoron is where adjacent and connected words appear to form a contradiction.

Example
There was a deafening silence.

The cold fire of her stare nailed him to the wall.

Such foolish wisdom! Such wise folly! Where did I ever see such juxtaposition?

Discussion
Oxymorons are often surprising in that the contradiction illustrates some wisdom or
unexpected truth. This may be done deliberately to put over a message or create
some other dramatic effect.
Description
Parachesis is the repetition of a similar sound across multiple words.

Example
The man began to understand.

It was roughly the stuff of a simple kerfuffle.

I see the sky and cannot deny.

Discussion
Parachesis is a general term for repetition of sounds across words and so includes
other forms of sonic repetition such as alliteration, consonance and assonance.
Parchesis is, however, looser than other methods and can be used in more
generalized ways.

Description
Paradeigma is the listing of examples in order to generalize.

Example
You didn't call last week or the week before or the week before that. You never
call me!

The train is late again. The buses have also been late. And the roads are a
nightmare. Clearly the government is incapable of managing its transport policy and
we should elect a different party.

That's the third rude child from that school I've met. It must be a very bad
school. We certainly mustn't send our children there.

Discussion
Something is not proven as happening always just because it happens once or even a
hundred times, although we often and easily create generalizations in this way.

Description
Paradiastole is the conversion of a vice into a virtue, typically using a
euphemism.

Example
I am not so much arrogant as you say as confident, which perhaps you are not.

You call her ugly because you do not see her beauty.

Yes, I know it does not work all the time, but that is what makes it interesting.

Discussion
To be accused of vice is to be accused to of transgressing social values and so
risk being ostracized. People thus accused may well seek to reframe what is being
called a vice into a virtue, effectively doing a reversal.

Description
A paradox is a statement (or set of statements) where a seemingly impossible
contradiction is presented.

Example
I always lie. (If the person is a liar, then this is true, which makes them not a
liar).

Death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die. (how can death die?)

Youth is wasted on the young. (but how can young people know the value of youth
without not having it?)

Discussion
On being presented a paradox, most people pause and try to work out what it means.
In this way it uses the principle of confusion to distract them and so gives
opportunity for persuasion.

Description
Paralipsis involves suggesting, by deliberately concise treatment, that much of
significance is omitted.

Example
I will speak only about his good side.

This is not really about how much it will cost.

Not to mention her family, of course.

Discussion
When we say little about something that obviously deserves more, we leave the
unsaid things hanging in the air for all to know. In this way we can avoid
embarrassing or difficult discussion in we might be challenged.

Description
Parallelism is the use of repeated patterns in separate parts of a sentence.

Example
The good that I hear does not match the bad that I see.

He loves to live; I live to love.

I know you lie, I accuse you of lying, I will show you are a liar.

Discussion
Repetition of a pattern creates emphasis, multiplying attention to each part
referenced and thus the power of sentence.

Description
Paregmenon is the repetition of words which have the same root.

Example
Verily, you are very well verified.

Happily, happiness makes others happy too.

Society is the socialisation of the unsociable.

Discussion
Repetition is a simple way of grabbing attention, much as a hammer hitting a nail.
This can be make more subtle in many ways and paragmenon is one way of doing this.

Using Parentheses

Method
Use parentheses () to add further information to a sentence that is clearly
separated from the rest of the sentence. This creates a 'sentence within a
sentence'.

Parenthesized text can include multiple sentences, but should not run on for too
long.

Aside
Use parentheses to indicate 'asides', comments which may have a secretive element
to them, which are thus spoken at a lower volume (and perhaps with a conspiratorial
hand to the side of the mouth).

Example
She is going with John (you know, the handsome one) to the conference. (aside)

Description
Parison is corresponding structure in a series of clauses.

Example
I have lived and loved across a long life
And I still live for love and long for more life.

He that has saved will be safe.

He that has failed will be a failure.
He that has loved will be loved.

Discussion
Parison can be found across sentences and clauses, where the same word may be found
in different forms or nouns, adjectives, verbs and so on may match one another.

Description
Parisosis is where two or more clauses have the same number of syllables.

Example
I came, I saw, I won.

My cup runneth over, but never tomorrow.

Elephants and mice; they're terribly nice.

Discussion
Many patterning methods that use repetition do it by sound, such as consonance or
parachesis. This stands out and it is easy to detect, which is not always what you
want.
Description
Paroemion is the excessive use of alliteration.

Example
The big, bad boy bent backwards by blindly bumping Brian.

Six shrouded saints sailed serenely by.

Now, now, you naughty noodle! I've never known new boys not be nice!

Discussion
Alliteration is the repetition of the initial letter in a sequence of words and is
a very common method of setting up a pattern of repetition. It is very easy for
the less experienced writer or speaker to latch onto this and, quite simply, over-
do it.

Description
Paromoiosis is the creation of similar sounds across two clauses of similar size.

Example
Dancing and play, prancing all day.

So you can buy one or two and have fun.

Good for you, could be true!

Discussion
Paromoiosis can a relatively subtle method of creating repetition or it can be very
obvious and appear forced. In persuasion as in prose, subtly generally is a better
idea.

Personification

Description
Personification is the attribution of human characteristics to inanimate objects,
events or abstract ideas.

Example
The wire tripped me up.

This is a happy house.

Democracy is taking its revenge upon Communism.

Discussion
We all have a need to explain what happens around us, giving meaning and sustaining
our sense of control. As we naturally understand the world from a human
perspective, with human thought and emotions, we often apply these in our
explanations as we describe events and thoughts.

Description
Ploce is moving between specific and general meanings of a word.

Example
He is more English than the English.
That is a very dog-like dog.

It was a sheep amongst sheep, a follower the follower.

Discussion
Some words are used both as a singular and plural and so can be used in this
initially confusing form -- which is of course the reason for using it. When the
reader encounters two words the same but with apparently different meanings, they
pause and pay more attention.

Description
Polyptoton is the repetition of the same word with the same meaning, but in a
different way, varying such as case, mood, tense, person, degree, number and
gender.

Example
I love, loved, will always love you.

She hated him, despised him, utterly detested him.

Fight the good fight.

Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.

Discussion
Repetition emphasises, though simple repetition can be a little boring and obvious.
Polyptoton adds interest and perhaps some concealment by repeating something in
different forms.

Description
Praeteritio is mentioning something whilst saying it cannot be discussed.

Example
Not to mention your salary, but I do think you can afford this.

He is clearly guilty, to say nothing of his previous record.

I'm not allowed to talk about whether you did know her already, so let's discuss
how she reacted to you.

Discussion
Sometimes social or other substantive rules prevent the speaker from explicitly
making a point. Praeteritio is a tricky device that lets them say something whilst
pretending that they are not. Praeteritio is, in this way, popular with lawyers who
slip in inadmissible evidence whilst effectively recognizing that it is not
allowed.

Description
Procatalepsis is raising an objection to one's own argument and then answering it.

Example
This is a stupid question. Or is it? If we look closer we can find some important
points here.
So who needs ice removal in a warm climate? Well the night can get very cold. And
of course when it's hot every day, you may want to head for the cooler hills!

Of course you know this already, so why am I pointing it out? Well recent research
has added new detail...

Discussion
When you are presenting an argument or seeking to persuade people, they may easily
disagree and so seek to challenge you. They may also have unanswered questions that
you may want to answer for them.

Description
Prolepsis is anticipatory referral to a future event.

Example
Say that again and you're fired!

When we make our first million, we'll celebrate in style.

I believe you will succeed.

Discussion
Much of how we think is in anticipation of the future -- in fact neural scan
studies have shown that if our brains have nothing to do, then that is what it does
(the rest of us call it daydreaming). Anticipation is thus very natural and it
appears often in speech.

Description
Prosthesis is the addition of letter at the start of a word to create a new word.

Example
I shall beweep thy reprisoning.

He is enclouding the issue; I cannot understand.

I am un-enchanted and ex-chained.

Discussion
When we read or listen to others speak, our common lexicon makes it easy to
understand what they are saying. However, when a new word is presented, we have to
pause and pick it apart to try and work out what it means. This makes prosthesis an
excellent device for focusing attention.

Description
A proverb is a short statement that contains a wisdom or truth of some kind.

Example
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Time is the greatest healer.

You do not change minds; you facilitate the process whereby people do it
themselves.

Discussion
Proverbs are often used to explain or point the way towards an effective action.
Traditional proverbs contain old wisdoms and folk truths that have been honed to
teach enduring lessons.

Description
Psittacism is parrot-like repetition.

Example
Who's a clever person? Who's a clever person? You!

That's right, that's right, I'm sad and blue.

(other person says 'I want to go out') You want to go out. Good to hear. Let's go.

(other person says 'I'll be there in time') In time, you'll get whatever you want.

Discussion
Parrots do two forms of repetition: repeating the same sentence, and copying what
the other person says, word for word.

Description
Repetitio is the simple repetition of a single word.

Example
It's a mad, mad, mad world.

Vanity of vanities: you are vain, he is vain, all is vanity.

Description
Scesis onamaton is the omission of the only verb in a phrase or sentence.

Example
Later, alligator! (Instead of 'see you later, alligator')

Not here. Not now. (Not do what here and now?)

Car. Now. (instead of 'Get into the car now).

Discussion
Scesis onamaton is a typical form in colloquial and casual speech and is used by
authors to portray informal situations and relationships.

Description
Sententia is the quoting of apparent wisdom to imply truth.

Example
You know what they say, 'Life is for living.' So let's get back to my place and do
some real living!

My father always told me that the wise man works smarter, not harder, which is why
I think I need a break.

80% of knowledge is tacit, so no matter what I write, I cannot pass on all I know.

Discussion
A sententious person regularly quotes aphorisms, which are pithy sayings that
appear to embed wisdom. Aphorisms include traditional sayings that are handed down
'from your grandmother', such as 'early to bed, early to rise, makes a person
healthy, wealthy and wise.'

Description
A simile is a comparison of two two things, where attributes of one is transferred
to the other.

Example
As deep as the ocean.

He look like a fish out of water.

You seem as happy as a duck in a deluge.

Discussion
When trying to describe something, it is often difficult to convey the idea, so
stealing attributes of something else where the idea is clear is a way of
communicating your idea.

Description
Spoonerism is the exchange of letters or sounds between two words, often with comic
effect.

Example
Search every crook and nanny! ('Search every nook and cranny')

Bum on caby, fight my liar. (v'Come on baby, light my fire').

Gets low, folks. ('Let's go, folks').

Discussion
A common form of Spoonerism is the transposition of initial letters, although other
letters and even sounds may be exchanged.

Description
Symploce is using the same words at the start and the same words at the end of
successive sentences.

Example
If the argue, we well resist. If they fight, we will resist. If they invade, we
will resist.

I cannot begin to love you. I cannot recommend anyone else to love you.

Discussion
Symploce is a combination of anaphora (repeating words at the start of a sentence)
and epistrophe (repeating words at the end of the sentence). The effect is a
powerful repetition that hammers home an important point.

This is an interesting example of how figures of speech can be combined into an

even more effective form.
Description
Synaloepha is the contraction of two words by the elimination of a vowel.

Example
Don't! I won't!

Take't; 'tis yours. What is't?

Would you betray's?

Discussion
A lot of the shape and sound of a word is in its consonants. This means that vowels
can be more easily removed, including from short words.

Synecdoche

Description
This is the use of an associated item to represent something. Thus:

A part of something may stand for the whole.

A single item may represent a whole group.
A concept may represent a connected concept.
Example
Let me see thy righteous spirit!

We're out here, looking for the big cats.

For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

Discussion
By representing one thing as another thing, the listener has to pause and think
hard about the association, especially when it is tenuous and conceptual, as
synecdoche may be.

Description
Synesis is the unification of words and ideas.

Example
We, the people.

The cogs are the clock.

Let's buy these.

Discussion
Synesis is the pulling together of things. It makes separate items into one item or
at least joins them in some way so they are thought of together.

Description
Tmesis is the insertion of one word into another.

Example
Abso-bloody-lutely stupid!

Any-old-where you find it.

Be you ware of the dangers.

Discussion
The breaking up of the word in tmesis draws attention to it by adding emphasis.

Description

Zeugma is the joining of two or more parts of a sentence with a common word,
usually a verb.

Description
Tricolon is the use of three successive sentence parts of equal length and
increasing power.

Example
I came, I saw, I conquered. (veni, vidi, vici - Julius Caesar)

We will fight! We will kill!! We will destroy!!

I like her, love her, need her forever.