RRhetoric
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Address & Argument

Enthymeme

EN-thih-meem / ˈɛnθɪmiːm

An argument that leaves a premise unstated for the audience to supply. Identify that assumption to judge whether the conclusion follows.

"He's a politician, so check your wallet." (Suppressed: all politicians are venal.)

Don't confuse it with. A full syllogism states both premises; an enthymeme's power is exactly the one it doesn't state.

Drill its family — Address & Argument

Examples

She will keep the promise; she gave her word.
Practice example · written for this exercise

The argument leaves unstated the premise that someone who gives her word will keep it.

The rest of the family

Rhetorical Question Apostrophe Invocation Aphorism Correctio / Epanorthosis Parrhesia Metabasis Amplificatio Aporia Enargeia / Vivid Specificity