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AP Language Terms Flashcards

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4723780989Abstract(n.) An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research. (adj.) Dealing with or tending to deal with a subject apart from a particular pr specific instance.0
4723783491Ad hominemDirected to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.1
4723783810AdageA saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language. Example: "There is more than one way to skin a cat."2
4723784685AllegoryA story in which a second meaning to be read beneath the surface.3
4723787754AlliterationThe repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines in a poem.4
4723788753AllusionA reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea.5
4723789221AmbiguityA vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings or interpretations.6
4723790588AnachronismA person, scene, event, or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time era. Example: "Columbus sailing to the United States."7
4723791534AnalogyA comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things; a passage that points out several similarities between two unlike thing is called an extended analogy.8
4723792384AnecdoteA brief narrative often used to illustrate an idea to make a point.9
4723793447AnnotationA brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature.10
4723794236AntagonistA character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist, produces tension or conflict.11
4723795052AntecedentA word to which a pronoun refers.12
4723795266AntithesisA rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences, as in the following; "They promised freedom but provided slavery." "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."13
4723797725AphorismA short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment. Also see adage and maxim.14
4723798259ApollonianIn contrast to Dionysian, it refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior.15
4723798823ApostropheA location that addresses a person or personified thing, not present. Example: "Oh, you cruel streets of Manhattan, how I detest you!"16
4723799595ArchCharacterized by clever or sly humor, often saucy, playful and somewhat irreverent.17
4723800023ArchetypeAn abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form.18
4723800824AssonanceThe repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words in prose or poetry.19
4723804185BardA poet; in olden times, a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment.20
4723804407BathosInsincere or overdone sentimentality.21
4723805041Belle-LettersA French term for the world of books, criticism, and literature in general.22
4723805392BibliographyA list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a particular subject.23
4723805777BombastInflated, pretentious language.24
4723805999BurlesqueA work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation.25
4748885718CacophonyGrating, inharmonious sounds.26
4748886203CanonTh e works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied.27
4748886977CaricatureA grotesque or exaggerated likeness of striking qualities in persons and things.28
4748887719Carpe DiemLiterally "seize the day"; "enjoy life while you can," a common theme in life and literature.29
4748888363CircumlocutionLiterally "talking around" a subject; i.e., discourse that avoids direct reference to a subject.30
4748889391ClassicA highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time.31
4748890068Classical, classicismDeriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality, objectivity, simplicity, and restraint.32
4748891229ClauseA structural element of a sentence, consisting of a grammatical subject and a predicate. Independent clauses, sometimes called main clauses, may stand on their own as complete sentences; dependent clauses, which are used as nouns or modifiers, are incomplete sentences and cannot stand alone grammatically. Dependent clauses are sometimes called subordinate clauses. Dependent clauses that function as adjectives, nouns, or adverbs are known, respectively, as adjective, noun, and adverbial clauses.33
4748899789ClimaxThe high point, or turning point, of a story or play.34
4748900333Comparison and ContrastA mode of discourse in which two or more things are compared and contrasted. Comparison often refers to similarities, contrast to differences.35
4748902286ConceitA witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language.36
4748903184Concrete detailA highly specific, particular, often real, actual, or tangible detail; the opposite of abstract.37
4748904168ConnotationThe suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase. Contrast with denotation.38
4748905435ConsonanceThe repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a unit of speech or writing.39
4748906756CritiqueAn analysis or assessment of a thing or situation for the purpose of determining its nature, limitations, and conformity to set of standards.40
4748907778CynicOne who expects and observes nothing but the worst of human conduct.41
4748908129Deductive reasoningA method of reading by which specific definitions, conclusions, and theorems are drawn from general principles. Its opposite is inductive reasoning.42
4748910290DenotationThe dictionary definition of a word. Contrast with connotation43
4748911426DenouementThe resolution that occurs at the end of a narrative or drama, real or imagined.44
4748911799Descriptive detailGraphic, exact, and accurate presentation of the characteristics of a person, place or thing.45
4748913114Deus ex machinaIn literature, the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem.46
4748917470DictionThe choice of words in oral and written discourse.47
4748917760DidacticHaving an instructive purpose; intending to convey information or teach a lesson, usually in a dry, pompous manner.48
4748918941DigressionThat portion of discourse that wanders or departs from the main subject or topic.49
4748919503DionysianAs distinguished from Apollonian, the word refers to sensual, pleasure-seeking impulses.50
4748920092Dramatic ironyA circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character.51
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