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AP English Language and Composition Flashcards

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9966264860AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent and abstraction in addition to literal meaning.0
9966264861AntecedentWord, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.1
9966264862AntithesisOpposition or contrast of ideas through parallelism.2
9966264863AphorismTerse statement of unknown authorship which expresses a general truth or moral3
9966264864ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.4
9966264865Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.5
9966264866ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.6
9966264867EuphemismEuphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.7
9966264868HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.8
9966264869InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.9
9966264870Metonymya figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.10
9966264871AnaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.11
9966264872PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish12
9966264873Proseone of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms.13
9966264874SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.14
9966264875SyllogismFrom 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
9966264876SynecdocheA 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
9966264877SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another.17
9966264878AnnotationExplanatory or critical notes added to a text.18
9966264879EpigramA brief witty statement.19
9966264880DigressionThe use of material unrelated to the subject of a work.20
9966264881Ellipsisthe omission of a word or several words necessary for a complete construction that is still understandable.21
9966264882Ad HominemDirected to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.22
9966264883AnachronismA person, scene, event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.23
9966264884DidacticHaving an instructive purpose; intending to convey information to teach a lesson usually in a dry, pompous manner.24
9966264885FallacyAn incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.25
9966264886HubrisExcessive pride that often affects tone.26
9966264887Inductive ReasoningA method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.27
9966264888LitotesA form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.28
9966264889MotifA phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in an essay or other discourse.29
9966264890Non SequiturA statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.30
9966264891AnecdoteA short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.31
9966264892JargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.32
9966264893DiatribeA forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.33
9966264894DogmaticInclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.34
9966264895PerniciousHaving a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.35
9966264896BellicoseDemonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.36
9966264897VoraciousCraving or consuming large quantities of food.37
9966264898ZealousHaving or showing zeal.38
9966264899TacitUnderstood or implied without being stated.39
9966264900InnuendoAn allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.40
9966264901LanguidDisplaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.41
9966264902ConsecrateMake or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.42
9966264903DyspepticOf or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression.43
9966264904DoggerelComic verse composed in irregular rhythm.44
9966264905PetulantChildishly sulky or bad-tempered.45
9966264906InfidelA person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's own.46
9966264907ExhortStrongly encourage or urge someone to do something.47
9966264908CloisteredKept away from the outside world; sheltered.48
9966264909VexMake (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.49

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