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AP English Language and Composition Flashcards

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9767548314AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent and abstraction in addition to literal meaning.0
9767548315AntecedentWord, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.1
9767548316AntithesisOpposition or contrast of ideas through parallelism.2
9767548317AphorismTerse statement of unknown authorship which expresses a general truth or moral3
9767548318ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.4
9767548319Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.5
9767548320ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.6
9767548321EuphemismA more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.7
9767548322HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.8
9767548323InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.9
9767548324Metonymya figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.10
9767548325AnaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.11
9767548326PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish12
9767548327Proseone of the major divisions of genre; refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms.13
9767548328SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.14
9767548329SyllogismFrom the Greek for "reckoning together," this term is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion.15
9767548330SynecdocheA 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
9767548331SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another.17
9767548332AnnotationExplanatory or critical notes added to a text.18
9767548333EpigramA brief witty statement.19
9767548334DigressionThe use of material unrelated to the subject of a work.20
9767548335Ellipsisthe omission of a word or several words necessary for a complete construction that is still understandable.21
9767548336Ad HominemDirected to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.22
9767548337AnachronismA person, scene, event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.23
9767548338DidacticHaving an instructive purpose; intending to convey information to teach a lesson usually in a dry, pompous manner.24
9767548339FallacyAn incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.25
9767548340HubrisExcessive pride that often affects tone.26
9767548341Inductive ReasoningA method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.27
9767548342LitotesA form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.28
9767548343MotifA phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in an essay or other discourse.29
9767548344Non SequiturA statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.30
9767548345AnecdoteA short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.31
9767548346JargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.32
9767548347DiatribeA forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.33
9767548348DogmaticInclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.34
9767548349PerniciousHaving a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.35
9767548350BellicoseDemonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.36
9767548351VoraciousCraving or consuming large quantities of food.37
9767548352ZealousHaving or showing zeal.38
9767548353TacitUnderstood or implied without being stated.39
9767548354InnuendoAn allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.40
9767548355LanguidDisplaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.41
9767548356ConsecrateMake or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.42
9767548357DyspepticOf or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression.43
9767548358DoggerelComic verse composed in irregular rhythm.44
9767548359PetulantChildishly sulky or bad-tempered.45
9767548360InfidelA person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's own.46
9767548361ExhortStrongly encourage or urge someone to do something.47
9767548362CloisteredKept away from the outside world; sheltered.48
9767548363VexMake (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.49

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