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AP English Language and Composition - Terms Flashcards

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5032365386AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent and abstraction in addition to literal meaning.0
5032365387AntecedentWord, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.1
5032365388AntithesisOpposition or contrast of ideas through parallelism.2
5032365389AphorismTerse statement of unknown authorship which expresses a general truth or moral3
5032365390ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.4
5032365391Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.5
5032365392ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.6
5032365393EuphemismEuphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.7
5032365394HomilyThis term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.8
5032365395InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.9
5032365396Metonymya figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.10
5032365397AnaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.11
5032365398PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish12
5032365399Proseone of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms.13
5032365400SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.14
5032365401SyllogismFrom 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
5032365402SynecdocheA 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
5032365403SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus evokes the subjective experience of another.17
5032365404AnnotationExplanatory or critical notes added to a text.18
5032365405EpigramA brief witty statement.19
5032365406DigressionThe use of material unrelated to the subject of a work.20
5032365407Ellipsisthe omission of a word or several words necessary for a complete construction that is still understandable.21
5032365408Ad HominemDirected to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.22
5032365409AnachronismA person, scene, event or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.23
5032365410DidacticHaving an instructive purpose; intending to convey information to teach a lesson usually in a dry, pompous manner.24
5032365411FallacyAn incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.25
5032365412HubrisExcessive pride that often affects tone.26
5032365413Inductive ReasoningA method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.27
5032365414LitotesA form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity.28
5032365415MotifA phrase, idea, or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in an essay or other discourse.29
5032365416Non SequiturA statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before.30
5032365417AnecdoteA short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.31
5032365418JargonSpecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.32
5032365419DiatribeA forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.33
5032365420DogmaticInclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.34
5032365421PerniciousHaving a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.35
5032365422BellicoseDemonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.36
5032365423VoraciousCraving or consuming large quantities of food.37
5032365424ZealousHaving or showing zeal.38
5032365425TacitUnderstood or implied without being stated.39
5032365426InnuendoAn allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.40
5032365427LanguidDisplaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.41
5032365428ConsecrateMake or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.42
5032365429DyspepticOf or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression.43
5032365430DoggerelComic verse composed in irregular rhythm.44
5032365431PetulantChildishly sulky or bad-tempered.45
5032365432InfidelA person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's own.46
5032365433ExhortStrongly encourage or urge someone to do something.47
5032365434CloisteredKept away from the outside world; sheltered.48
5032365435VexMake (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.49

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