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AP Language Flashcards

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10511531909AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning.0
10511531910AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants in tow or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells). Although the term is not used frequently in the multiple-choice section, you can look for alliteration in any essay passage. The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.1
10511531911AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.2
10511531913AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.3
10511531915AnecdoteA short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person4
10511531917Antithesis (an-tih-theh-sis)Figure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure; a contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences. Creates a definite and systematic relationship between ideas.5
10511531918AphorismA terse statement of know authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.)6
10511531927Connotation- The nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. May involve ideas, emotions, or attitudes.7
10511531928DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion attitude, or color.8
10511531930DictionRelated to style, this refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.9
10511531931Didactic (dahy-dak-tik)From the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching." It's works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.10
10511531934Euphemism (yoo-fuh-miz-uhm)From the Greek for "good speech," these are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. May be sued to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor or ironic understatement.11
10511531942Hyperbole (hahy-pur-buh-lee)A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement.12
10511531947Irony/ironicThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant.13
10511531948Juxtaposition (juhk-stuh-puh-zish-uhn)When two words, phrases, images, ideas are placed close together or side by side for comparison or contrast.14
10511531951MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.15
10511531953MoodVerbal units and a speaker's attitude.16
10511531956OxymoronA figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Simple examples include "jumbo shrimp" and "cruel kindness."17
10511531957ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.18
10511531958Parallelismthe grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. This can involve, but is not limited to repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal phrase.19
10511531959ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.20
10511531960Pedantic (puh-dan-tik)An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.21
10511531963Polysyndeton (paulee-sin-dih-tawn)the deliberate and excessive use of conjunctions in successive words or clauses.22
10511531968Rhetoricdescribes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.23
10511531969Rhetorical modesThe variety, the conventions, and purposes of the major kinds of writing.24
10511531971Sarcasmbitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.25
10511531972SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.26
10511531973SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another27
10511531974StyleAn evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. or laconic, to name only a few examples.28
10511531979Synecdoche (si-nek-duh-kee)is a type of metaphor in which the part stands for the whole, the whole for a part, the genus for the species, the species for the genus, the material for the thing made, or in short29
10511531980SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences. similar to diction, but you can differentiate them by thinking of this as the groups of words, while diction refers to the individual words.30
10511531982ThesisIn expository writing, the this is the sentence or a group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position. Expository writing is usually judged by analyzing how accurately, effectively, and thoroughly a writer has proved the thesis.31
10511531983ToneSimilar to mood, this describes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.32
10511531984TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas.33
10511531985UnderstatementThe ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic.34
10511637136Active VoiceThe subject of the sentence performs the action35
10511657105ArgumentA statement put forth and supported by evidence36
10511664298Aristotle's appealsWays of persuasion: ethos (credibility or morals), pathos (emotional), logos (logical or reasoning)37
10511799842Concessiona thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a thing conceded.38
10513582000Defend, challenge, or qualifyrhetorical term defend = you agree with what is write and all the evidence you provide supports this view point challenge = you disagree with what is written and all the evidence you provide disproves the viewpoint of the prompt qualify = you agree with parts and disagree with parts of what is written; you must provide evidence that supports a portion of the prompt and evidence that disproves a portion of the prompt39
10513591617Discoursewritten or spoken communication or debate40
10513609680Ellipsisthree periods (...) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation41
10513613462Equivicationthe use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself; prevarication42
10513618175IdiomA common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.43
10513621924Malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar; humorous44
10513661557MotifA recurring theme, subject or idea45
10513666491Non sequiturA statement that does not follow logically from evidence46
10513677685Platitudestale; overused expression47
10513684187Polemica strong verbal or written attack on someone or something48
10513689572Puna joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings.49
10513697234Rhetorical devicestechniques writers use to enhance their arguments and communicate more effectively50
10513703714SimileA comparison using "like" or "as"51
10513705897VoiceThe real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker.52
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AP Language Vocabulary Flashcards

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10490209652AnalogyA comparison of two different things that are similar in some way Example: Her hair is as dark as the night0
10490213581anthimeriaone part of speech, usually a verb, substitutes for another, usually a noun Example: I could use a good sleep.1
10490216917Hyperboleexaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. Example: She had pin legs.2
10490219325LitotesUnderstatement for effect, often used for irony Example: This weather isn't the best. (During a tornado)3
10490223096Rhetorical questiona question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer. Example: Why me?4
10490226335ironythe use of words to express the opposite of their literal meaning Example: A wig maker is bald5
10490229033metonymyA figure of speech in which something is referred to by using the name of something that is associated with it Example: The pen is mightier than the sword,6
10490234711synecdochea figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa Example: Writing is my bread and butter,7
10490236353PersonificationA figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes Example: The tree danced in the wind.8
10490242628periphrasissubstitution of a descriptive word or phrase for a proper name or of a proper name for a quality associated with the name Example: the mother of my father9
10490244392punA play on words Example: I'll go peaNUTS for her10
10490245985oxymoronA figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase. Example: Cruel Kindness11
10490248907apostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. Example: O cunning Love! with tears thou keep'st me blind, Lest eyes well-seeing thy foul faults should find.12
10490253007ParadoxA statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth. Example: This statement is false13
10490255462parallelismsimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses Example: He likes baseball and running.14
10490256575zeugmause of two different words in a grammatically similar way that produces different, often incongruous, meanings Example: She broke his car and his heart.15
10490258066antithesisDirect opposite Example: Man proposes, God disposes.16
10490259222antimetaboleRepetition of words in reverse order17
10490260250inversionturning inward Example:Down the street lived the man and his wife without anyone suspecting that they were really spies for a foreign power.18
10490263568anaphorathe repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses Example: She dropped the glass and it broke into pieces. (the glass)19
10490266399parenthesisinsertion of some verbal unit in a position that interrupts the normal syntactical flow of the sentence Example: He finally answered (after taking five minutes to think) that he did not understand the question.20
10490268032appositiveA word or phrase that renames a nearby noun or pronoun. Example: My childhood home, a yellow and blue house, is just down the road.21
10490269377ellipsisthree periods (...) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation Example: He waited in silence...22
10490270980asyndetonomission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words Example: I came. I saw.23
10490273426alliterationRepetition of initial consonant sounds Example: Popcorn pops properly24
10490275888assonanceRepetition of vowel sounds Example: Hear the mellow wedding bells25
10490278179epistrophethe repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences Example:I want pizza, he wants pizza, we all want pizza!26
10490280694ClimaxMost exciting moment of the story; turning point Example: Holes, when they discover the treasure27
10490284178anadiplosisrepetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the following clause Example: Our doubt is our passion, and our passion is our task.28
10490288132allegorya story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. Example: the tortoise and the hare29
10490289086allusionA reference to another work of literature, person, or event Example: You look like Marilyn Monroe30
10490290722ambiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage. Example: Sarah gave a bath to her dog wearing a pink t-shirt.31
10490292208aphorismA brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life. Example: A bad penny always turns up.32
10490293048colloquialisminformal words or expressions not usually acceptable in formal writing Example: Old as the hills. ..33
10490294455connotationan idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning. example: childlike and youthful34
10490296430Denotationthe literal meaning of a word Example: Bear - Teaches people to fish and pick berries.35
10490298267dialectA regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation. Example: How y'all doing folks!36
10490299580didacticintended to instruct Example: Children's literature37
10490300017genrea major category or type of literature Example: Horror38
10490301281homily(n.) a sermon stressing moral principles; a tedious moralizing lecture or discourse Example: a speech or sermon given by a priest in a Roman Catholic Church after a scripture has been read.39
10490301282imageryDescription that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) Example: The hot air tasted like hot dogs on a summer day.40
10490303519jargonspecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand. Example: I need a nurse to room 12 stat.41
10490308530moodFeeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader Example: joyous mood42
10490308531parodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. Example: The Starving Games43
10490309613pedantictending to show off one's learning Example: Sheldon from the big bang theory44
10490310061periodic sentencesA sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. Example: In spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.45
10490312090point of viewthe perspective from which a story is told Example: First person ; I ate cereal46
10490312723sarcasmthe use of irony to mock or convey contempt Example: You don't say47
10490312727satireA literary work that criticizes human misconduct and ridicules vices, stupidities, and follies. Example: Parodies48
10490313516semanticsthe set of rules by which we derive meaning from morphemes, words, and sentences in a given language; also, the study of meaning Example: Destination and last stop49
10490314620stylethe choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work Example: Intelligent style50
10490315268syollogismreasoning that used principles to reach a conclusion Example: All mammals are warm blooded51
10490315828symbolA thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. Example: Smile is a symbol of friendship52
10490315829SyntaxSentence structure Example:Dialog in romeo and juliet53
10490316146themeCentral idea of a work of literature Example: Freedom54
10490316147thesisa statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. Example: Americans should add exercise to their daily morning routine because it not only keeps their bodies at a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of high blood pressure.55
10490316148toneAttitude a writer takes toward the audience, a subject, or a character Example: Happy56
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AP Language Vocabulary 6 Flashcards

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10957913793censorTo remove offensive material from0
10957931360enigmaa puzzle; a mystery1
10957949068vulnerable(adj.) open to attack; capable of being wounded or damaged; unprotected2
10957953105abstractexisting in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.3
10957953106subtledelicate, elusive, not obvious4
10957956864inevitablecertain to happen; unavoidable5
10957959895disdain(v.) to look upon with scorn; to refuse scornfully; (n.) a feeling of contempt6
10957962011validWell-founded on evidence and corresponds accurately to the real world.7
10957963870eccentricunconventional and slightly strange8
10957974547hypocriticalpretending to be virtuous; deceiving9
10957982005Black and White FallacyA fallacy that occurs when the audience is only given two choices.10
10957987238bandwagon fallacyerror of assuming that a claim is correct just because many people believe it11
10958008468appeal to traditiona fallacy which assumes that something old is automatically better than something new12
10958011703Hasty GeneralizationA fallacy in which a faulty conclusion is reached because of inadequate evidence.13
10958019415ad hominem fallacywhen speakers attack the person making the argument and not the argument itself14
10958019416Slippery SlopeA fallacy that assumes that taking a first step will lead to subsequent steps that cannot be prevented15
10958034647Strawman FallacyA fallacy that occurs when the actual argument appears to be refuted, but in reality a related point is addressed.16
10958042522Strawman FallacySenator Smith says that the nation should not add to the defense budget. Senator Jones says that he cannot believe that Senator Smith wants to leave the nation defenseless.17
10958135079appeal to traditionDave: For five generations, the men in our family went to Stanford and became doctors, while the women got married and raised children. Therefore, it is my duty to become a doctor. Kaitlin: Do you want to become a doctor? Dave: It doesn't matter -- it is our family tradition. Who am I to break it?18
10958155553slippery slopeWe cannot unlock our child from the closet because if we do, she will want to roam the house. If we let her roam the house, she will want to roam the neighborhood. If she roams the neighborhood, she will get picked up by a stranger in a van, who will sell her in a sex slavery ring in some other country. Therefore, we should keep her locked up in the closet.19
10958170587ad hominem fallacyTony wants us to believe that the origin of life was an "accident". Tony is a godless SOB who has spent more time in jail than in church, so the only information we should consider from him is the best way to make license plates.20
10958179319Black and White FallacyYou are either with God or against him.21
10958197080Hasty GeneralizationMy father smoked four packs of cigarettes a day since age fourteen and lived until age sixty-nine. Therefore, smoking really can't be that bad for you.22
10958209061vulnerableChildren are the most ______________________ members of society23
10958209062inevitableHeart gets cold and love gets tired, it's _______________________________when you experience love.24
10958211789enigmaThe ___________________________ of the stones draws druids to perform their weird rituals.25
10958211790disdainShe turned her head away in ______________.26
10958213862censorThe __________ demanded that the scene be written out.27
10958213863validYour credit card is no longer ______________.28
10958215982abstractI like dogs in the _________________, but I can't bear this one.29
10958217621eccentricHe is an ______________ character who likes wearing a beret and dark glasses.30
10958217622subtleShe's been dropping __________________hints about what she'd like as a present.31
10958219289hypocriticalIt would be _____________________ of me to have a church wedding when I don't believe in God.32
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AP Lang: Figurative Language Examples Flashcards

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10484230105paradoxI must be cruel to be kind.0
10484231122symbolA red rose, or the color red, stands for love or romance1
10484232945analogyJust as a sword is the weapon of a warrior, a pen is the weapon of a writer.2
10484234397allusionThe rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora's box of crimes3
10484236426consonanceAll's well that ends well.4
10484237549synesthesiaBack to the region where the SUN is SILENT. (sense)5
10484239508extended metaphorTheir heart is icy, blood frosty, its ventricles rich with icicles; and their words have turned into ice cubes that can chill iced tea.6
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