auxesis

Auxesis is a rhetorical device that involves an arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in a sequence of increasing importance, often for emphasis. It is a form of amplification, where the writer or speaker builds momentum and intensity towards a climax. This can be achieved through the gradual escalation of ideas, emotions, or scale.

The effect of auxesis is to heighten the impact of the final element in the series, making it more memorable and powerful. It can be used in various contexts, from literature and poetry to speeches and everyday conversation. For example, a speaker might describe a problem as a "hiccup," then a "setback," and finally a "catastrophe" to convey its severity.

The opposite of auxesis is anticlimax, where the sequence moves from important to less important. Auxesis relies on the listener's or reader's expectation of a build-up, and then delivers a final, impactful point that fulfills or even surpasses that expectation. It is a common technique for persuasive writing and public speaking.