Glossary of Rhetoric Terms - O

O

• Occupatio. A rhetorical figure or trope that is used when the object to be described is beyond words or cannot be described in the language proper to it. Also: "A figure in which attention is drawn to something by professing to omit it; an instance of this."
• Oictos. To show pity or compassion.

• Ominatio. A prophecy of evil.

• Onomatopoeia. Words that imitate the sounds, objects, or actions they refer to. (ex. "buzz", "hullabaloo," "bling")

• Opening. First part of discourse. Should gain audiences' attention.

• Optatio. A wish exclaimed.

• Orcos. An oath.

• Oxymoron. A condensed paradox.