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AP English Language and Composition Flashcards

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9929372558AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent and abstraction in addition to literal meaning.0
9929372559AntecedentWord, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.1
9929372560AntithesisOpposition or contrast of ideas through parallelism.2
9929372561AphorismTerse statement of unknown authorship which expresses a general truth or moral3
9929372562ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.4
9929372563Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.5
9929372564ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.6
9929372565EuphemismEuphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.7
9929372566HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.8
9929372567InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.9
9929372568Metonymya figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.10
9929372569AnaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.11
9929372570PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish12
9929372571Proseone of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms.13
9929372572SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.14
9929372573SyllogismFrom 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
9929372574SynecdocheA 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
9929372575SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another.17
9929372576AnnotationExplanatory or critical notes added to a text.18
9929372577EpigramA brief witty statement.19
9929372578DigressionThe use of material unrelated to the subject of a work.20
9929372579Ellipsisthe omission of a word or several words necessary for a complete construction that is still understandable.21
9929372580Ad HominemDirected to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.22
9929372581AnachronismA person, scene, event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.23
9929372582DidacticHaving an instructive purpose; intending to convey information to teach a lesson usually in a dry, pompous manner.24
9929372583FallacyAn incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.25
9929372584HubrisExcessive pride that often affects tone.26
9929372585Inductive ReasoningA method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.27
9929372586LitotesA form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.28
9929372587MotifA phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in an essay or other discourse.29
9929372588Non SequiturA statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.30
9929372589AnecdoteA short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.31
9929372590JargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.32
9929372591DiatribeA forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.33
9929372592DogmaticInclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.34
9929372593PerniciousHaving a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.35
9929372594BellicoseDemonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.36
9929372595VoraciousCraving or consuming large quantities of food.37
9929372596ZealousHaving or showing zeal.38
9929372597TacitUnderstood or implied without being stated.39
9929372598InnuendoAn allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.40
9929372599LanguidDisplaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.41
9929372600ConsecrateMake or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.42
9929372601DyspepticOf or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression.43
9929372602DoggerelComic verse composed in irregular rhythm.44
9929372603PetulantChildishly sulky or bad-tempered.45
9929372604InfidelA person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's own.46
9929372605ExhortStrongly encourage or urge someone to do something.47
9929372606CloisteredKept away from the outside world; sheltered.48
9929372607VexMake (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.49

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