n
Alternative form of A. N. Other [(British) A formulaic name that is substituted for that of a person whose name or identity is not known, or not relevant; typically used when exhibiting an example.]
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech employed when a speaker having begun to say a thing stops abruptly
n
(rhetoric) A forceful summarisation of previously made points
n
(rhetoric) inexact, inappropriate or improper use of a word
n
(rhetoric) An expression intended to be understood one way by part of the audience and in an opposing way by another part.
n
(rhetoric) paronomasia; wordplay
n
(rhetoric) A form of hyperbole that uses exaggeration so magnified as to express impossibility; an instance of such hyperbole.
n
(rhetoric) An exclamation made out of a sense of deep indignation.
n
(rhetoric) A paronomasia, or allusion of one word to another
n
An ungrammatical utterance.
n
A non-offensive word or phrase that serves as a replacement for a word deemed offensive or unacceptable, though not as a euphemism.
n
(rhetoric) Ambiguity of grammatical structure.
n
(rhetoric) Using an epithet of something or someone for effect, when that epithet is not truly applicable.
n
(rhetoric) A rhetorical device by which a speaker appeals to his/her hearers or opponents for their opinion on the point in debate.
n
(rhetoric) A non-reciprocal synonym; a word of meaning similar to a word but that cannot substitute for that word in all uses.
n
Alternative spelling of anacoluthon [(grammar) A sentence or clause that is grammatically inconsistent, especially with respect to the type of clausal or phrasal complement for the initial clause.]
n
(rhetoric) Intentional use of such a structure.
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech in which a word or phrase used at the end of a clause or expression is repeated near the beginning of the next clause or expression.
n
A form of flashback in which earlier parts of a narrative are related to others that have already been narrated
n
(philosophy) An instance of a thing represented in general by the analogon. For example, given the analogon "famous musician", the analogates might include Mozart and Liszt.
n
(rhetoric) The mention of the past; quotation of exemplary authors from memory to establish one's authority.
n
(rhetoric, uncommon) A rhetorical device in which a main clause is suggested by the introduction of a subordinate clause, but where the expression trails off.
n
(rhetoric) The repetition of a phrase at the beginning of phrases, sentences, or verses, used for emphasis.
n
(rhetoric) The rhetorical device in which a main clause is implied by a subordinate clause, without mention.
n
(rhetoric) Unusual word order, often involving an inversion of the usual pattern of the sentence.
n
A formula of words used to cast anathema upon heretics etc
n
(rhetoric) Addition of a sentence, clause or phrase that diminishes what preceded.
adj
Pertaining to annunciation; announcing.
adj
(obsolete) Anonymous [16th–17th c.]
n
(rhetoric) The repeated use of the same word or phrase, but with a different meaning each time; a kind of paronomasia.
n
(rhetoric) Offsetting a proposition with an opposing proposition in one's own speech or writing.
adj
(linguistics) Prior to the formation of a grammar
n
(rhetoric) The use of a word from one word class or part of speech as if it were from another, in English typically the use of a noun as if it were a verb.
n
(rhetoric) A device in which the author poses an opposing argument, then immediately refutes it.
n
(rhetoric) An abrupt descent (either deliberate or unintentional) from the dignity of the idea which the speaker or writer appeared to be aiming for.
n
(rhetoric) The technique of reversal, where accentuated by reversal of words, actions or grammatical structure.
n
The inversion of the parts of an antithesis, as in "A poem is a speaking picture; a picture, a mute poem" (Crabbe).
n
(rhetoric) Use of a word or phrase in a sense not in accord with its literal meaning, especially for ironic or humorous effect
n
(rhetoric) A discrediting or rejection of an authority.
n
(rhetoric) The repetition of a word in an opposing sense.
n
(rhetoric) The repetition of words in an inverse order.
n
(rhetoric) An argument retorted on an opponent.
n
(rhetoric) A device by which two contrasting ideas are juxtaposed in parallel form; a figure of speech arranged in this manner
n
(rhetoric) Use of a proper name to suggest its most obvious quality or aspect.
n
(rhetoric) An answer to a proposition.
n
A concise, terse, laconic, or memorable expression of a general truth or principle.
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech that questions whether a word is properly used, as in "How can you call yourself a man?".
n
(rhetoric, formal, rare) rescript; technical response
n
Alternative form of apodixis [(rhetoric) Supporting a proposition by reference to common knowledge.]
n
(uncountable, rare) Apodictic character, tendency, or pretension.
n
(rhetoric, obsolete) Emphatic rejection or dismissal of an opponent or an opposing proposition.
n
(rhetoric) Supporting a proposition by reference to common knowledge.
n
(rhetoric) A blending of two sentences through a common word which has two syntactic functions, one for each of the sentence. The word common to both sentences is often a predicate object in the first and a subject in the second.
n
(rhetoric) The use of fable to persuade the audience.
n
(rhetoric) An allusion to something by denying that it will be mentioned.
n
(rhetoric) An expression of deliberation with oneself regarding uncertainty or doubt as to how to proceed.
n
(rhetoric) An abrupt breaking-off in speech, often indicated in print using an ellipsis (…) or an em dash (—).
n
(rhetoric) A sudden exclamatory piece of dialogue addressed to someone or something, especially absent.
n
Rhetoric designed to dissuade.
n
(rhetoric) Addition of an element not syntactically required for purpose of description or explanation.
n
(by extension) Any surprising use or interpretation of language.
n
(rhetoric) In dialog, a retort based on a punning use of another speaker's word or metaphor.
n
(linguistics) An error in language production that incorrectly extends a feature from one word in a sentence to another, e.g. when a verb agrees with a noun other than its subject.
n
(rhetoric) The arousing of interest in something by mentioning it in a negative or dismissive way.
n
(rhetoric) Overstatement, hyperbole.
n
(rhetoric) Any of several forms of omission of words, including the omission of an understood part of a phrase, as, the omission of "good" from "(good) morning!"
n
(rhetoric) The poor placement of words.
n
(often, especially) Such a misuse involving some similarity of sound between the misused word and the appropriate word.
n
(linguistics, rhetoric) The use of a pronoun, or other linguistic unit, before the noun phrase to which it refers, sometimes used for rhetorical effect.
n
(rhetoric) A rhetorical device in which a threat of retribution (especially of divine punishment) is made in response to wrongdoing.
n
(rhetoric) The part of a speech that states the subject to be discussed.
n
(rhetoric) An inversion of the relationship between the elements of phrases.
n
(uncountable) Unnecessary use of extra words to express an idea, such as a pleonastic phrase (sometimes driven by an attempt at emphatic clarity) or a wordy substitution (the latter driven by euphemistic intent, pedagogic intent, or sometimes loquaciousness alone).
n
(rhetoric) The use of several synonyms to emphasize something.
n
(linguistics) A kind of comparative sentence that superficially seems acceptable but actually has no clear meaning. Example: "More people have been to Russia than I have."
adj
(grammar) of or pertaining to concord
n
The assumptions implied by analysis of a discourse.
n
A figure of speech in which multiple arguments are brought to bear on a single point
n
A zeugma where a single subject governs multiple verbs.
n
(idiomatic, rhetoric, logic, linguistics) A type of tautology in which an item is explained in terms of the item itself, only put in different (usually more abstract) words.
n
(idiomatic, rhetoric, logic, linguistics) A type of tautology in which an item is explained in terms of the item itself, only put in different (usually more abstract) words.
n
(rhetoric) A figure in which the orator treats things according to their events or consequences.
n
(rhetoric, rare) A digression, (especially) one in which a person is introduced speaking his or her own words.
n
(obsolete) An omission of words needed to fully express the sense of a phrase
n
(rhetoric) A rhetorical technique in which a speech is attributed to a deceased person, a phantom, an image or an idol.
adj
Serving to refute, refutative, especially as part of a systematic interrogation; pertaining to rhetorical elenchus or cross-examination.
n
The deliberate omission of something.
n
(grammar, rhetoric) The omission of a word or phrase that can be inferred from the context.
n
The property of containing omission.
v
(linguistics) To omit (from an utterance) by ellipsis.
n
(rhetoric) The substitution of one grammatical form for another that violates a grammatical rule.
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech by which what is to be understood affirmatively is stated negatively, and vice versa; affirmation by contraries.
n
Alternative form of enthymeme [A by and large statement, a maxim, an argument that is intended to be generally true and not apply to every case universally.]
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech by which the same word is used both at the beginning and at the end of a sentence.
n
A pattern of speech in which a subject is first named and then expanded upon by iterating through its parts.
n
(rhetoric) The repetition of the same word or clause after intervening matter.
n
(rhetoric) The repetition of a sequence of words or phrases in reverse order.
n
(rhetoric) A rhetorical device or element in which a speaker or writer retracts a word that has been spoken and substitutes a stronger or more suitable word; often done for emphasis or sarcasm.
n
(rhetoric) An additional explanation or explanatory material.
n
The irregular recurrence of the same expression within a verse or successive verses of scripture. Essentially random repetition.
n
Alternative form of epichirema [(rhetoric, logic) A syllogism in which the proof of the major or minor premise, or both, is introduced with the premises themselves, and the conclusion is derived in the ordinary manner.]
n
(rhetoric) A quotation followed by a commentary.
n
(rhetoric) Persistent repetition of the same plea in much the same words.
n
(rhetoric) An exclamation or reflection used to summarise or round off an argument or discourse.
n
(rhetoric) A rhetorical device where a sequence of rhetorical questions is used to criticise or blame, or more generally, to elicit an emotional response.
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech by which one striking circumstance is added, in due gradation, to another; escalation to a climax.
n
(rhetoric) The repetition of the same word or words at the end of successive phrases, clauses or sentences.
n
(rhetoric) The addition of a concluding sentence that merely emphasizes what has already been stated.
n
(rhetoric) a hurried accumulation or enumeration of several points.
n
(rhetoric) The repetition of words in immediate succession for emphasis.
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech whereby a question is asked in confident expectation of a negative answer.
n
(countable) A word or phrase that is used to replace another in this way.
n
(rhetoric) Restatement, a form of parallelism where an idea is repeated and the only change is in the way it is stated.
n
(linguistics) A word without meaning added to fill a syntactic position.
n
(linguistics) Any word or phrase that expresses (that the speaker, writer, or signer has) a certain attitude toward or information about the referent.
n
(rhetoric) A metaphor that is continued over multiple sentences.
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech involving the stirring of the listeners or audience by employing a vehement feeling in order to elicit an emotional utterance in a forceful way.
n
A turn of phrase or rhetorical formula, especially one that ought not to be taken literally, but rather as employed for convenience of expression only.
n
A multiword figure of speech in which two or more different words are etymologically related.
n
(idiomatic) A word or phrase that departs from straightforward, literal language.
n
A style of indirect speech which imitates direct speech, converted to third-person.
n
(of language) The state or attribute of obeying the rules of grammar; grammatical correctness.
n
(pragmatics, composition) The use of intentionally ambiguous statements
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech used for emphasis, where two words joined by and are used to express a single complex idea.
n
A figure of speech or literary device in which three words are used to express one idea.
n
(rhetoric) A rhetorical figure in which the several parts of a sentence end with the same case, or inflection generally.
n
(rhetoric, grammar) A construction in which a modifier with meaning associated with one word appears grammatically applied to another, often used as a literary device.
n
(rhetoric) Adding a word or thought to a sentence that is already semantically complete, thus drawing emphasis to the addition.
n
The phenomenon of misinterpreting metaphors and figurative rhetoric as being literal.
n
(rhetoric) A rhetorical figure in which several things are mentioned that seem to make against the argument, or in favour of the opposing side, and then they are refuted one by one.
n
(countable, rhetoric) The word or phrase used in this way; an implied comparison.
n
(rhetoric) a figure of speech in which the speaker poses a question and then answers the question.
n
(rhetoric) The use of insertion or parenthesis.
n
(rhetoric) A vivid, picturesque description of scenes or events.
n
A zeugma where the word or words on which all of the phrases depend is placed last.
n
(rhetoric) An expression whose every clause has its own independent subject and predicate.
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech in which a phrase that should come last is put first; hysterology.
n
(rare neologism) A malaphor: an error in which two similar figures of speech are merged, producing a nonsensical result.
n
(linguistics) The aim of a speaker in making an utterance as opposed to the meaning of the terms used.
n
One of the five canons of classical rhetoric: the method used for the discovery of arguments.
n
(rhetoric) The quality of a statement that, when taken in context, may actually mean something different from, or the opposite of, what is written literally; the use of words expressing something other than their literal intention, often in a humorous context.
n
(uncountable, rhetoric) Extreme brevity in expression.
n
(rhetoric) An ironic figure of speech whereby something is stated by denying its opposite, particularly the negation of a negative quality to say something positive.
n
(rare) An idiom blend: an error in which two similar figures of speech are merged, producing an often nonsensical result.
n
(countable, rhetoric) A figure of speech whereby something is made to seem smaller or less important than it actually is.
n
(rhetoric) The repetition of terms within successive sentences
n
A zeugma where the governing word occurs in the middle of the sentence and governs clauses on either side.
n
(rhetoric) A change from one subject to another.
n
(rhetoric) A rhetorical device whereby one word is metonymically substituted for another word which is itself a metonym; more broadly, a metaphor consisting of a series of embedded metonyms or rhetorical substitutions.
n
(countable, rhetoric) A word or phrase used in such implied comparison.
n
(rhetoric) Denying adversaries' arguments and turning the arguments back on them.
n
(rhetoric) An obscure and subtle speech.
n
(linguistics) An implied (but omitted) anaphora.
n
(grammar) The shortening of a word or phrase, using an apostrophe ( ' ) to replace the missing letters, often used to approximate the sound of speech or a specific dialect.
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech in which two words or phrases with opposing meanings are used together intentionally for effect.
n
Alternative form of palilogy [(rhetoric) Emphatic repetition of a word or phrase.]
n
(rhetoric) Deliberate repetition of a word or a phrase for the sake of emphasis.
n
(rhetoric) Emphatic repetition of a word or phrase.
n
(historical, Ancient Greece) The part of an Ancient Greek comedy in which the actors leave the stage and the chorus addresses the audience directly.
n
(rhetoric) The explicit drawing of a parallel between two essentially dissimilar things, especially with a moral or didactic purpose. A parable.
n
(rhetoric) similitude; comparison
n
(rhetoric) A form of euphemism in which a positive synonym is substituted for a negative word.
n
(rhetoric) A warning of impending evil.
n
Alternative form of parenesis [(rhetoric) Exhortation]
n
(rhetoric, linguistics) Alternative form of paralipsis [(rhetoric, linguistics) A figure of speech in which one pretends to ignore or omit something by actually mentioning it.]
n
(rhetoric, linguistics) Alternative spelling of paraleipsis
n
An omission, especially one of a book, added later as a supplement.
n
(rhetoric, linguistics) A figure of speech in which one pretends to ignore or omit something by actually mentioning it.
n
(rare) someone who paraphrases
n
Figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently used in a humorous situation.
n
(literature) The juxtaposition of two images or fragments, usually starkly dissimilar, without a clear connection.
n
(rhetoric) A parenthetical notice, usually of matter to be afterward expanded.
n
(rhetoric) The juxtaposition of words that have the same roots; using cognate words together, such as "curvaceous curves", "my loving and beloved wife", or "he's a manly man".
n
(rhetoric) A kind of rhetorical parenthesis. The insertion of something relating to the subject in the middle of a period.
adj
Exhibiting parenesis; hortatory; persuasive.
n
(rhetoric) A digression; the use of such digressions.
n
The use of equivocal or ambiguous words.
n
(rhetoric) A concession to an adversary in order to strengthen one's own argument.
n
(rhetoric) A concession to an adversary in order to strengthen one's own argument.
n
(rhetoric) A pun or play on words.
n
(rhetoric) boldness or freedom in speech
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech by which the present tense is used instead of the past or the future, as in the animated narration of past events or the prediction of future ones.
n
Alternative spelling of paraenesis [Advice or exhortation, particularly of a moral or religious nature.]
n
(philosophy, linguistics) A sentence or other linguistic expression which, when expressed in an appropriate context, actually does or accomplishes something.
n
(rhetoric) A section of text forming a coherent thought, suitable for use in a speech.
n
(rhetoric) A sentence whose main clause appears at its end.
n
(rhetoric) The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution.
n
(rhetoric) The use of a proper name as a shorthand to stand for qualities associated with it.
n
A word that appears to mean one thing but actually means something else. Example: the English word noisome, which appears to be related to noise, but actually refers to something with an offensive smell.
n
(rhetoric) The expression of a friendly relationship between the speaker or writer and the addressee.
adj
Referring to, or used in the manner of, a phrase.
n
(countable) A phrase involving pleonasm; a phrase containing one or more words which are redundant because their meaning is expressed elsewhere in the phrase.
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech in which a word is repeated so as not only to signify the individual thing denoted by it, but also its peculiar attribute or quality.
n
(rhetoric) A stylistic scheme in which words from the same root are used together, or a word is repeated in a different inflection or case.
n
(linguistics) A phrase that is linguistically correct, but of no realistically practical use.
adj
(grammar) Chiefly in Semitic languages: of a letter, syllable, etc.: attached to the beginning of a word as a formative element.
n
(rhetoric) Synonym of paralipsis
n
(rhetoric) A rhetorical exercise in which the speaker raises an objection to his own argument and then immediately answers it, in an attempt to strengthen the argument by dealing with possible counter-arguments.
n
(obsolete, theology) The production or emission of the logos or divine word.
n
(grammar, rhetoric) A construction that consists of placing an element in a syntactic unit before that to which it would logically correspond.
n
A form of paragoge; the addition of an extra sound at the end of a word.
n
(grammar) Ellipsis of the beginning of a grammatical construction, common in informal speech and spontaneous written electronic communication, frequently occurring in stock phrases and interjections.
n
(rhetoric) The pretence of passing over a subject while at the same time describing it fully.
n
(rhetoric) An allusion to the similarity of sound of several names or words.
n
Alternative form of prosopopoeia [(rhetoric) An act of personifying a person or object when communicating to an audience; a figure of speech involving this.]
n
obsolete typography of prosopopoeia [(rhetoric) An act of personifying a person or object when communicating to an audience; a figure of speech involving this.]
n
A zeugma where the word or words on which all of the phrases depend is placed first.
n
A grammatically-correct sentence that has no inherent meaning
n
(in some languages) A noun or other part of speech that functions as a verb
adj
in teleosemantics, being a representation with both indicative and imperative content.
n
(rhetoric) The asking of a series of questions requiring complex answers.
n
(countable, uncountable, rhetoric, obsolete) Synonym of aposiopesis (“an abrupt breaking-off in speech”)
n
(linguistics) An aorist stem of an Old Latin verb which has been formed by adding an s to the end of the present stem; the ancestor of the Classical s-perfect.
n
(rhetoric) The use of a sentence constructed only of nouns and adjectives, without a verb.
n
(rhetoric) A form of prosopopoeia in which one answers one's own question.
n
(linguistics) A kind of ellipsis, introduced by an interrogative, where (usually) everything except the interrogative is elided from the clause, as in "I like him, but I don't know why".
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech in which one word simultaneously modifies two or more other words such that the modification must be understood differently with respect to each modified word; often causing humorous incongruity.
n
(rhetoric) The repetition of one word or phrase at the beginning and another word or phrase at the end of successive phrases or clauses.
n
(rhetoric) Piling up of terms, especially adjectives, often as invective.
n
(rhetoric) A concession made for the purpose of retorting with greater force.
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech in which opposite things or persons are compared.
n
(rhetoric) The use of two or more synonyms together to amplify or explain a given subject or term. A kind of repetition that adds force.
n
(rhetoric) A figure of speech whereby something is given less importance by the name given it than it merits.
n
(grammar) A phrase or sentence that repeats an idea in the same words.
adv
(linguistics) Used to indicate the etymon at which a given etymological derivation terminates.
n
(grammar) Initialism of verbal noun. [(grammar) A noun that is morphologically related to a verb and similar to it in meaning; in English, it contrasts with the gerund and the deverbal noun.]
n
(linguistics) A word or utterance, especially with reference to its form rather than its meaning.
adj
Alternative form of wordinitial [(linguistics) Occurring at the beginning of a word.]
Note: Concept clusters like the one above are an experimental OneLook
feature. We've grouped words and phrases into thousands of clusters
based on a statistical analysis of how they are used in writing. Some
of the words and concepts may be vulgar or offensive. The names of the
clusters were written automatically and may not precisely describe
every word within the cluster; furthermore, the clusters may be
missing some entries that you'd normally associate with their
names. Click on a word to look it up on OneLook.
Our daily word games Threepeat and Compound Your Joy are going strong. Bookmark and enjoy!
Today's secret word is 7 letters and means "No longer existing; died out." Can you find it?