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- Ecphonesis. A sentence consisting of a single word or short phrase ending with an exclamation point.
- Ellipse. The suppression of ancillary words to render an expression more lively or more forceful.
- Elocutio. In the classical theory of the production of a speech (Pronuntiatio), elocution refers to the stage of elaborating the wording of a text, using correct grammar and diction.
- Enallage. The switching of grammatical forms for an expressive purpose.
- Energia. The latin word for 'energy' that was used by Aristotle in reference to the force or vigor of expression in writing or speech.
- Enthymeme. A type of argument that is grounded in assumed commonalities between a rhetor and the audience. (For example: Claim 1: Bob is a person. Therefore, Claim 3: Bob is mortal. The assumption (unstated Claim 2) is that People are mortal). In Aristotelian rhetoric, an enthymeme is known as a "rhetorical syllogism:" it mirrors the form of a syllogism, but it is based on opinion rather than fact (For example: Claim 1: These clothes are tacky. Claim 2: I am wearing these clothes. Claim 3: Therefore, I am unfashionable).
- Enumeratio. Making a point more forcibly by listing detailed causes or effects; to enumerate: count off or list one by one.
- Epanalepsis. A figure of speech in which the same word or phrase appears both at the beginning and at the end of a clause.
- Epanaphora. In rhetoric, repeating the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases for emphasis. For example (from Rhetorica ad Herennium), "'To you must go the credit for this, to you are thanks due, to you will this act of yours bring glory.'"
- Epideictic. Ceremonial rhetoric, such as might be found in a funeral or victory speech.
- Epiphora. The repetition of a phrase or word at the end of several sentences or clauses. Also see anaphora.
- Epistemology. Philosophical study directed at understanding how people gain knowledge.
- Epistrophe. A succession of clauses, phrases or sentences that all end with the same word or group of words.
- Epithet. A term used as a descriptive and qualifying substitute for the name of a person, place or thing.
- Epizeuxis. Emphasizing an idea using one word repetition.
- Eristic. Communicating with the aim of winning the argument regardless of truth. The idea is not necessarily to lie, but to present the communication so cleverly that the audience is persuaded by the power of the presentation.
- Erotema. The so-called 'Rhetorical Question', where a question is asked to which an answer is not expected.
- Ethos. A rhetorical appeal to an audience based on the speaker/writer's credibility.
- Ethopoeia. The act of putting oneself into the character of another to convey that persons feelings and thoughts more vividly.
- Euphemism. An innocuous, inoffensive or circumlocutory term or phrase for something unpleasant or obscene. E.g. :
- Evidence. In rhetoric, facts or testimony used to strengthen a claim.
- Exemplum. The citation of an example, either truthful or fictitious.
- Exigence. A rhetorical call to action; a situation that compels someone to speak out.
- Exordium. The introductory (Lat: exordium, beginning) portion of an oration
- Expression. applying the correct language to an argument.
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