Dangling Modifier - Dysphemism
A glossary of grammatical and rhetorical terms, from DANGLING MODIFIER to DYSPHEMISM. Click on a term for definitions, examples, word history, pronunciation guide, and links to related articles.
dangling modifier
A word or phrase (commonly a participle or a participial phrase) that modifies a word that does not appear in the sentence.
A word or phrase (commonly a participle or a participial phrase) that modifies a word that does not appear in the sentence.
dash
A mark of punctuation (--), technically known as an "em dash," used to set off a word or phrase after an independent clause or to set off words, phrases, or clauses that interrupt a sentence.
A mark of punctuation (--), technically known as an "em dash," used to set off a word or phrase after an independent clause or to set off words, phrases, or clauses that interrupt a sentence.
declarative sentence
A sentence that makes a statement.
A sentence that makes a statement.
deduction
A method of reasoning in which a conclusion follows necessarily from the stated premises.
A method of reasoning in which a conclusion follows necessarily from the stated premises.
definite article
The definite article "the" refers to particular nouns.
The definite article "the" refers to particular nouns.
definition
A statement of the meaning of a word or phrase. As a method of exposition, a definition may be brief or extended, part of an essay or an entire essay itself.
A statement of the meaning of a word or phrase. As a method of exposition, a definition may be brief or extended, part of an essay or an entire essay itself.
degree
One of the forms used in the comparison of adjectives and adverbs.
One of the forms used in the comparison of adjectives and adverbs.
dehortatio
Dissuasive advice given with authority.
Dissuasive advice given with authority.
deliberative
Speech or writing that attempts to persuade an audience to take (or not to take) some action.
Speech or writing that attempts to persuade an audience to take (or not to take) some action.
delivery
One of the five traditional parts or canons of rhetoric, concerned with control of voice and gestures.
One of the five traditional parts or canons of rhetoric, concerned with control of voice and gestures.
demonstrative
An adjective or pronoun that points to a particular noun or to the noun it replaces.
An adjective or pronoun that points to a particular noun or to the noun it replaces.
demonstrative adjective
See "demonstrative"
See "demonstrative"
demonstrative pronoun
See "demonstrative"
See "demonstrative"
demonstrative rhetoric
See epideictic: persuasion that deals with values that bring a group together; the rhetoric of ceremony, commemoration, declamation, demonstration, play, and display.
See epideictic: persuasion that deals with values that bring a group together; the rhetoric of ceremony, commemoration, declamation, demonstration, play, and display.
denotation
The direct or dictionary meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings.
The direct or dictionary meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings.
dependent clause
A group of words that begins with a relative pronoun or a subordinating conjunction.
A group of words that begins with a relative pronoun or a subordinating conjunction.
derivation
The process of creating a new word out of one or more old words, either by adding a prefix or suffix or by compounding.
The process of creating a new word out of one or more old words, either by adding a prefix or suffix or by compounding.
description
A rhetorical strategy using details perceivable by the senses to portray a person, place, or object.
A rhetorical strategy using details perceivable by the senses to portray a person, place, or object.
determiner
A word or a group of words that introduces a noun.
A word or a group of words that introduces a noun.
diacope
Repetition broken up by one or more intervening words.
Repetition broken up by one or more intervening words.
diatyposis
Recommending useful precepts or advice to someone else.
Recommending useful precepts or advice to someone else.
diction
(1) Choice and use of words in speech or writing. (2) A way of speaking, usually assessed in terms of prevailing standards of pronunciation and elocution.
(1) Choice and use of words in speech or writing. (2) A way of speaking, usually assessed in terms of prevailing standards of pronunciation and elocution.
direct object
A noun or pronoun in a sentence that receives the action of a transitive verb.
A noun or pronoun in a sentence that receives the action of a transitive verb.
direct question
A sentence that asks a question and ends with a question mark.
A sentence that asks a question and ends with a question mark.
discovery strategies
Techniques for generating and developing ideas.
Techniques for generating and developing ideas.
distinctio
Explicit references to various meanings of a word--usually for the purpose of removing ambiguities.
Explicit references to various meanings of a word--usually for the purpose of removing ambiguities.
double negative
(1) A nonstandard form using two negatives where only one is necessary. (2) A standard form using two negatives to express a positive.
(1) A nonstandard form using two negatives where only one is necessary. (2) A standard form using two negatives to express a positive.
doublespeak
Language intended to disguise, distort, or obscure its actual meaning.
Language intended to disguise, distort, or obscure its actual meaning.
dubitatio
See aporia.
See aporia.
dysphemism
Substitution of a more offensive or disparaging word or phrase for one considered less offensive.
Substitution of a more offensive or disparaging word or phrase for one considered less offensive.