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AP English Language and Composition Flashcards

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4261710945AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent and abstraction in addition to literal meaning.0
4261719177AntecedentWord, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.1
4261725422AntithesisOpposition or contrast of ideas through parallelism.2
4261728507AphorismTerse statement of unknown authorship which expresses a general truth or moral3
4261732351ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.4
4261738541Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.5
4261743788ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.6
4261749836EuphemismEuphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.7
4261773135HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.8
4261776953InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.9
4261779880Metonymya figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.10
4261786326AnaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.11
4261790663PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish12
4261794416Proseone of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms.13
4261798749SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.14
4261897568SyllogismFrom the Greek for "reckoning together," a syllogism is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion.15
4261907220SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole or, occasionally, the whole is used to represent a part.16
4261910250SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another.17
4263090451AnnotationExplanatory or critical notes added to a text.18
4263094148EpigramA brief witty statement.19
4263100265DigressionThe use of material unrelated to the subject of a work.20
4263105325Ellipsisthe omission of a word or several words necessary for a complete construction that is still understandable.21
4263114066Ad HominemDirected to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.22
4263119930AnachronismA person, scene, event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.23
4263128807DidacticHaving an instructive purpose; intending to convey information to teach a lesson usually in a dry, pompous manner.24
4263140547FallacyAn incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.25
4263151420HubrisExcessive pride that often affects tone.26
4263155965Inductive ReasoningA method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.27
4263161393LitotesA form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.28
4263165855MotifA phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in an essay or other discourse.29
4263170558Non SequiturA statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.30
4263190349AnecdoteA short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.31
4263195904JargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.32
4263199949DiatribeA forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.33
4263205039DogmaticInclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.34
4263210555PerniciousHaving a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.35
4263214685BellicoseDemonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.36
4263218094VoraciousCraving or consuming large quantities of food.37
4263224749ZealousHaving or showing zeal.38
4263231310TacitUnderstood or implied without being stated.39
4263234218InnuendoAn allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.40
4263237234LanguidDisplaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.41
4263239862ConsecrateMake or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.42
4263247269DyspepticOf or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression.43
4263250842DoggerelComic verse composed in irregular rhythm.44
4263256768PetulantChildishly sulky or bad-tempered.45
4263261209InfidelA person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's own.46
4263266419ExhortStrongly encourage or urge someone to do something.47
4263271261CloisteredKept away from the outside world; sheltered.48
4263281165VexMake (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.49

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