227143286 | simile | a figure of speech that expresses a resemblance between things of different kinds (usually formed with 'like' or 'as') | |
227143287 | metaphor | a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity | |
227143288 | colloquial | characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation | |
227143289 | personification | representing an abstract quality or idea as a person or creature | |
227143290 | understatement | a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said | |
227143291 | overstatement | making to seem more important than it really is | |
227143292 | paradox | (logic) a self-contradiction | |
227143293 | syllogism | deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises | |
227143294 | parallel construction | successive sentences or phrases follow the same pattern of wording in order to emphasize and idea | |
227143295 | rhetorical purpose | the objective governing the choice of the various rhetorical features of a piece of writing; why the writer chose this word or that metaphor, etc. | |
227143296 | hyperbole | extravagant exaggeration | |
227143297 | inference | the reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion or making a logical judgment on the basis of circumstantial evidence and prior conclusions rather than on the basis of direct observation | |
227143298 | allusion | a reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that the author assumes the reader will recognize | |
227143299 | ad-hominem | In an argument, this is an attack on the person rather than on the opponent's ideas. It comes from the Latin meaning "against the man." | |
227143300 | irony | incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs | |
227143301 | anecdote | short account of an incident (especially a biographical one) | |
227143302 | analogy | drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect | |
227143303 | allegory | an expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances | |
227143304 | aphorism | A brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life. | |
227143305 | oxymoron | a figure of speech consisting of two apparently contradictory terms | |
227143306 | innuendo | a hint, indirect suggestion, or reference (often in a derogatory sense) | |
227143307 | rhetorical question | a statement that is formulated as a question but that is not supposed to be answered | |
227143308 | euphemism | a mild, indirect, or vague term substituting for a harsh, blunt, or offensive term | |
227143309 | satire | form of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and ridicule are employed to attack human vice and folly | |
227143310 | antithesis | the direct opposite, a sharp contrast |
AP Lit Terms
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