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AP English Language and Composition Flashcards

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13987384043AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent and abstraction in addition to literal meaning.0
13987384044AntecedentWord, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.1
13987384045AntithesisOpposition or contrast of ideas through parallelism.2
13987384046AphorismTerse statement of unknown authorship which expresses a general truth or moral3
13987384047ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.4
13987384048Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.5
13987384049ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.6
13987384050EuphemismEuphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.7
13987384051HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.8
13987384052InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.9
13987384053Metonymya figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.10
13987384054AnaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.11
13987384055PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish12
13987384056Proseone of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms.13
13987384057SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.14
13987384058SyllogismFrom 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
13987384059SynecdocheA 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
13987384060SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another.17
13987384061AnnotationExplanatory or critical notes added to a text.18
13987384062EpigramA brief witty statement.19
13987384063DigressionThe use of material unrelated to the subject of a work.20
13987384064Ellipsisthe omission of a word or several words necessary for a complete construction that is still understandable.21
13987384065Ad HominemDirected to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.22
13987384066AnachronismA person, scene, event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.23
13987384067DidacticHaving an instructive purpose; intending to convey information to teach a lesson usually in a dry, pompous manner.24
13987384068FallacyAn incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.25
13987384069HubrisExcessive pride that often affects tone.26
13987384070Inductive ReasoningA method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.27
13987384071LitotesA form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.28
13987384072MotifA phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in an essay or other discourse.29
13987384073Non SequiturA statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.30
13987384074AnecdoteA short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.31
13987384075JargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.32
13987384076DiatribeA forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.33
13987384077DogmaticInclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.34
13987384078PerniciousHaving a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.35
13987384079BellicoseDemonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.36
13987384080VoraciousCraving or consuming large quantities of food.37
13987384081ZealousHaving or showing zeal.38
13987384082TacitUnderstood or implied without being stated.39
13987384083InnuendoAn allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.40
13987384084LanguidDisplaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.41
13987384085ConsecrateMake or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.42
13987384086DyspepticOf or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression.43
13987384087DoggerelComic verse composed in irregular rhythm.44
13987384088PetulantChildishly sulky or bad-tempered.45
13987384089InfidelA person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's own.46
13987384090ExhortStrongly encourage or urge someone to do something.47
13987384091CloisteredKept away from the outside world; sheltered.48
13987384092VexMake (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.49

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