Figures of Testimony

1. Apodixis [a-po-dix'-is]
Gk. "a showing forth, exposition"
Proving a statement by referring to common knowledge or general
experience.
2. Martyria [mar-tir'-i-a]
From Gk. marturion testimony"; Lt. Testatio
Confirming something by referring to one's own experience.
3. Paroemia [pa-ri'-mi-a]
From Gk. para, "by" and oimos, "way" ("by word")
Also, Adage, Proverb, and
4. Gnome [nome or no'-mee]
From Gk. gnonai to know
Apothegm [a'-po-theem]
Gk. "something clearly spoken"
Several terms describing short, pithy sayings.
Figures depending on inartificial argument from authority:
5. Diatyposis [di-a-ti-po'-sis]
A rhetorical term for recommending useful precepts or advice to
someone else.
6. Apomnemonysis

[a-pom-nem-o-ni'-sis]

Quoting a recognized authority on a subject.

7. Epicrisis [e-pi-cri'-sis]
From Gk. epi- upon and krisis decision, judgment; Lt.
Adjudicatio
When a speaker quotes a certain passage and makes comment upon
it.
8. Creia [kray'-a]
Gk. "useful"
Employing an anecdote which relates a saying or deed of someone
well known.
Oaths, vows, and pledges:
9. Orcos [or'-kos]
Alt. of Gk. horkos, oath
Swearing that a statement is true.
10. Euche [yoo'-kay]
Gk. "prayer, vow"; Lt. promissio
A vow to keep a promise.
11. Eustathia [yoos-tay'-thi-a]
Gk. "stability, vigor"
Promising constancy in purpose and affection.
12. Asphalia [as-fay'-li-a]
Gk. "assurance, security"
Offering oneself as a guarantee, usually for another.
Figures which prognosticate future events:
13. Euphemismus [eu-phe-mis'-mus]
From Gk. euphemizein, "to speak fair"
A prognostication of good.

14. Paraenesis [pa-rain'-e-sis]

Gk. parainesis exhortation, recommendation; Lt. admonitio
A warning of impending evil.
15. Ominatio [o-mi-na'-ti-o]
L. foretelling, foreboding
A prophecy of evil (not necessarily of a supernatural nature).