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AP English Language and Composition Flashcards

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9816414897AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent and abstraction in addition to literal meaning.0
9816414898AntecedentWord, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.1
9816414899AntithesisOpposition or contrast of ideas through parallelism.2
9816414900AphorismTerse statement of unknown authorship which expresses a general truth or moral3
9816414901ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.4
9816414902Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.5
9816414903ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.6
9816414904EuphemismEuphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.7
9816414905HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.8
9816414906InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.9
9816414907Metonymya figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.10
9816414908AnaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.11
9816414909PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish12
9816414910Proseone of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms.13
9816414911SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.14
9816414912SyllogismFrom 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
9816414913SynecdocheA 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
9816414914SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another.17
9816414915AnnotationExplanatory or critical notes added to a text.18
9816414916EpigramA brief witty statement.19
9816414917DigressionThe use of material unrelated to the subject of a work.20
9816414918Ellipsisthe omission of a word or several words necessary for a complete construction that is still understandable.21
9816414919Ad HominemDirected to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.22
9816414920AnachronismA person, scene, event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.23
9816414921DidacticHaving an instructive purpose; intending to convey information to teach a lesson usually in a dry, pompous manner.24
9816414922FallacyAn incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.25
9816414923HubrisExcessive pride that often affects tone.26
9816414924Inductive ReasoningA method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.27
9816414925LitotesA form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.28
9816414926MotifA phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in an essay or other discourse.29
9816414927Non SequiturA statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.30
9816414928AnecdoteA short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.31
9816414929JargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.32
9816414930DiatribeA forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.33
9816414931DogmaticInclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.34
9816414932PerniciousHaving a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.35
9816414933BellicoseDemonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.36
9816414934VoraciousCraving or consuming large quantities of food.37
9816414935ZealousHaving or showing zeal.38
9816414936TacitUnderstood or implied without being stated.39
9816414937InnuendoAn allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.40
9816414938LanguidDisplaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.41
9816414939ConsecrateMake or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.42
9816414940DyspepticOf or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression.43
9816414941DoggerelComic verse composed in irregular rhythm.44
9816414942PetulantChildishly sulky or bad-tempered.45
9816414943InfidelA person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's own.46
9816414944ExhortStrongly encourage or urge someone to do something.47
9816414945CloisteredKept away from the outside world; sheltered.48
9816414946VexMake (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.49

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