Many figures name the ways that expression can exceed what is strictly necessary to get an idea across. (Indeed, all rhetorical figures can in some ways be considered superfluous, so long as one maintains the artificial separation of form from content). However, what is semantically unnecessary may in fact be rhetorically advantageous; that is, the form may communicate as much as the content. These figures name both purposeful excess for effect, as well as stylistic vices:

• periergia
• macrologia
• hyperbole
• bomphiologia

See Also

• Figures of Amplification
• Stylistic Vices
• Copia