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AP English Language and Composition Flashcards

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14006092203AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent and abstraction in addition to literal meaning.0
14006092204AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences.1
14006092205AntithesisOpposition or contrast of ideas through parallelism.2
14006092206AphorismTerse statement of unknown authorship which expresses a general truth or moral3
14006092207ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.4
14006092208Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.5
14006092209ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.6
14006092210EuphemismEuphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.7
14006092211HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.8
14006092212InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.9
14006092213Metonymya figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.10
14006092214AnaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.11
14006092215PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish12
14006092216Proseone of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms.13
14006092217SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.14
14006092218SyllogismFrom 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
14006092219SynecdocheA 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
14006092220SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another.17
14006092221AnnotationExplanatory or critical notes added to a text.18
14006092222EpigramA brief witty statement.19
14006092223DigressionThe use of material unrelated to the subject of a work.20
14006092224Ellipsisthe omission of a word or several words necessary for a complete construction that is still understandable.21
14006092225Ad HominemDirected to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.22
14006092226AnachronismA person, scene, event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.23
14006092227DidacticHaving an instructive purpose; intending to convey information to teach a lesson usually in a dry, pompous manner.24
14006092228FallacyAn incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.25
14006092229HubrisExcessive pride that often affects tone.26
14006092230Inductive ReasoningA method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.27
14006092231LitotesA form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.28
14006092232MotifA phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in an essay or other discourse.29
14006092233Non SequiturA statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.30
14006092234AnecdoteA short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.31
14006092235JargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.32
14006092236DiatribeA forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.33
14006092237DogmaticInclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.34
14006092238PerniciousHaving a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.35
14006092239BellicoseDemonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.36
14006092240VoraciousCraving or consuming large quantities of food.37
14006092241ZealousHaving or showing zeal.38
14006092242TacitUnderstood or implied without being stated.39
14006092243InnuendoAn allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.40
14006092244LanguidDisplaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.41
14006092245ConsecrateMake or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.42
14006092246DyspepticOf or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression.43
14006092247DoggerelComic verse composed in irregular rhythm.44
14006092248PetulantChildishly sulky or bad-tempered.45
14006092249InfidelA person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's own.46
14006092250ExhortStrongly encourage or urge someone to do something.47
14006092251CloisteredKept away from the outside world; sheltered.48
14006092252VexMake (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.49

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