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AP English Language and Composition Flashcards

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9426566229AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent and abstraction in addition to literal meaning.0
9426566230AntecedentWord, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.1
9426566231AntithesisOpposition or contrast of ideas through parallelism.2
9426566232AphorismTerse statement of unknown authorship which expresses a general truth or moral3
9426566233ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.4
9426566234Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.5
9426566235ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.6
9426566236EuphemismEuphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.7
9426566237HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.8
9426566238InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.9
9426566239Metonymya figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.10
9426566240AnaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.11
9426566241PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish12
9426566242Proseone of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms.13
9426566243SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.14
9426566244SyllogismFrom 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
9426566245SynecdocheA 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
9426566246SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another.17
9426566247AnnotationExplanatory or critical notes added to a text.18
9426566248EpigramA brief witty statement.19
9426566249DigressionThe use of material unrelated to the subject of a work.20
9426566250Ellipsisthe omission of a word or several words necessary for a complete construction that is still understandable.21
9426566251Ad HominemDirected to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.22
9426566252AnachronismA person, scene, event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.23
9426566253DidacticHaving an instructive purpose; intending to convey information to teach a lesson usually in a dry, pompous manner.24
9426566254FallacyAn incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.25
9426566255HubrisExcessive pride that often affects tone.26
9426566256Inductive ReasoningA method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.27
9426566257LitotesA form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.28
9426566258MotifA phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in an essay or other discourse.29
9426566259Non SequiturA statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.30
9426566260AnecdoteA short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.31
9426566261JargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.32
9426566262DiatribeA forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.33
9426566263DogmaticInclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.34
9426566264PerniciousHaving a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.35
9426566265BellicoseDemonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.36
9426566266VoraciousCraving or consuming large quantities of food.37
9426566267ZealousHaving or showing zeal.38
9426566268TacitUnderstood or implied without being stated.39
9426566269InnuendoAn allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.40
9426566270LanguidDisplaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.41
9426566271ConsecrateMake or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.42
9426566272DyspepticOf or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression.43
9426566273DoggerelComic verse composed in irregular rhythm.44
9426566274PetulantChildishly sulky or bad-tempered.45
9426566275InfidelA person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's own.46
9426566276ExhortStrongly encourage or urge someone to do something.47
9426566277CloisteredKept away from the outside world; sheltered.48
9426566278VexMake (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.49

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