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AP Language Terms Flashcards

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7350415932Ad HominemAttacking an opponent's character rather than answering his argument.0
7350416935AllegoryAn underlying moral/lesson1
7754318132AllusionA brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance2
7754320370AlliterationCharacterized by a number of words, typically three or more, that have the same first consonant sound fall within the same sentence or phrase.3
7754320371ApostropheSpeaking to someone who isn't present4
7754322436AphorismA statement of truth or opinion expressed in a short sentence.5
7754322437AnalogyA comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it.6
7754324908AnaphoraThe first part of the sentence is repeated.7
7754324909AnecdoteA quote, a verse, or an event relevant to the topic.8
7754324910AntithesisTwo opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect9
7754328043AsyndetonLack of conjunctions while keeping grammatical correctness10
7754328044CacophonyThe use of words with sharp, harsh, hissing and unmelodious sounds primarily those of consonants11
7754328045ChiasmusWords, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, in the same or a modified form12
7754330810ColloquialismUse of informal words, phrases or even slang in a piece of writing13
7754330811ConceitTwo vastly different objects are likened together with the help of similes or metaphors14
7754332640Cumulative SentenceStarts with an independent clause or main clause, which is simple and straight, provides main idea, and then adds subordinate elements or modifiers15
7754332641DenotationLiteral or dictionary meanings of a word16
7754335620DidacticLiterary texts which are overloaded with informative or realistic matter and are marked by the omission of graceful and pleasing details17
7754335621EllipsisUsed in narratives to omit some parts of a sentence or event, which gives the reader a chance to fill the gaps while acting or reading it out. Denoted by ...18
7754335622EpiphanyA character achieves realization, awareness or a feeling of knowledge after which events are seen through the prism of this new light in the story.19
7754335623EthosAn appeal to ethics, and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader20
7754338244EuphemismPolite, indirect expressions which replace words and phrases considered harsh and impolite or which suggest something unpleasant21
7754338245GenreGenre means the type of art, literature or music characterized by a specific form, content and style. Four kinds are poetry, drama, fiction and non-fiction22
7754338246HomilyA religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction23
7754338247HyperboleExaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis24
7754340197InvectiveSpeech or writing that attacks, insults, or denounces a person, topic, or institution25
7754342503IronyWords are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words26

AP Language and Composition: The Language of Composition General Terms Flashcards

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9337791930rhetorical appealsRhetorical techniques used to persuade an audience by emphasizing what they find most important or compelling. The three major appeals are the ethos (character), logos (reason), and pathos (emotion).0
9337791931ethosGreek for "character." Speakers appeal to ethos to demonstrate that they are credible and trustworthy to speak on a given topic. Ethos is established by both who you are and what you say.1
9337791932counterargumentAn opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward. Rather than ignoring a counterargument, a strong writer will usually address it through the process of concession and refutation.2
9337791933concession (concede)An acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable. In a strong argument, a concession is usually accompanied by a refutation challenging the validity of the opposing argument.3
9337791934refutation (refute)A denial of the validity of an opposing argument. In order to sound reasonable, refutations often follow a concession that acknowledges that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.4
9337791935logosGreek for "embodied thought." Speakers appeal to logos or reason, by offering clear, rational ideas and using specific details, examples, facts, statistics, or expert testimony to back them up.5
9337791936connotationMeanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition, or denotation. Words carry cultural and emotional associations or meanings in addition to their literal meanings or denotations. Connotations are usually positive or negative, and they can greatly affect the author's tone.6
9337791937pathosGreek for "suffering" or "experience." Speakers appeal to pathos to emotionally motivate their audience. More specific appeals to pathos might play on the audience's values, desires, and hopes, on the one hand, or fears and prejudices, on the other.7
9337791938Rhetorical TriangleA diagram that illustrates the interrelationship among the speaker, audience, and the subject in determining a text.8
9337791939audienceThe listener, viewer, or reader of a text. Most texts are likely to have multiple audiences9
9337791940contextThe circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.10
9337791941occasionThe time and place a speech is given or a piece is written.11
9337791942personaGreek for "mask." The face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience.12
9337791944propagandaThe spread of ideas and information to further a cause. In its negative sense, propaganda is the use of rumors, lies, disinformation, and scare tactics in order to damage or promote a cause.13
9337791945purposeThe goal the speaker wants to achieve.14
9337791946rhetoricAs Aristotle defined the term, "The faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion." In other words, it is the art of finding ways to persuade an audience.15
9337791948speakerThe person or group who creates a text. This might be a politician who delivers a speech, a commentator who writes an article, an artist who draws a political cartoon, or even a company that commissions an advertisement.16
9337791949subjectThe topic of a text; what the text is about.17
9337791950textWhile this terms generally means the written word, in the humanities it has come to mean any cultural product that can be "read"-meaning not just consumed and comprehended, but investigated. This includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, political cartoons, fine art, photography, performances, fashion, cultural trends, and much more.18
9337791951dictionThe speaker's choice of words. Writers choose words to create and convey a typical mood, tone and atmosphere to their readers. Diction or choice of words separates good writing from bad writing. It depends on a number of factors. Firstly, the word has to be right and accurate. Secondly, words should be appropriate to the context in which they are used. Lastly, the choice of words should be such that the listener or readers understand easily. Besides, proper diction or proper choice of words is important to get the message across. On the contrary, the wrong choice of words can easily divert listeners or readers which results in misinterpretation of the message intended to be conveyed.19
9337791952syntaxHow the words are arranged20
9337791953toneThe speaker's attitude toward's the subject as revealed by his or her choice of language21
9337791954moodHow the work makes the reader feel.22
9337791955metaphorFigure of speech that compares two things without using like or as; says one thing IS another.23
9337791956similesFigure of speech that compares two things using like or as.24
9337791957personificationAttribution of a human quality to an inanimate object or idea.25
9337791958hyperboleExaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken seriously26
9337791959parallelismSimilarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.27
9337791960juxtapositionTwo or more ideas, places, characters, and their actions are placed side by side in a narrative or a poem, for the purpose of developing comparisons and contrasts. ie: Paradise lost28
9337791961antithesisOpposition, or contrast, of ideas or words in a parallel construction.29
9337791962compound sentenceA sentence with more than one subject or predicate30
9337791963complex sentenceA sentence containing a subordinate clause or clauses31
9337791964periodic sentenceSentence whose main clause is withheld until the end.32
9337791966imperative sentenceSentence used to command or enjoin.33
9337791967pacingHow fast a story unfolds. Does the author reveal details quickly or slowly? How does he or she build suspense?34
9337791968figures of speechA word or phrase used in a nonliteral sense to add rhetorical force to a spoken or written passage35
9337791970satireThe use of irony or sarcasm to criticize36
9337791972allusionBrief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) or to a work of art.37
9337791973archaic dictionOld-fashioned or outdated choice of words. You can use archaic language for many purposes, such as to sound more official, authoritative, or magical. Think Shakespeare, the Bible, classic literature, etc.38
9337791974asyndetonOmission of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.39
9337791976oxymoronParadoxical juxtaposition of words that seem to contradict one another. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective proceeded by a noun with contrasting meanings, such as "cruel kindness," or "living death". It is important to understand the difference between an oxymoron and a paradox. A paradox may consist of a sentence, or even a group of sentences. An oxymoron, on the other hand, is a combination of two contradictory or opposite words. A paradox seems contradictory to the general truth, but it does contain an implied truth. An oxymoron, however, may produce a dramatic effect, but does not make literal sense.40
9337791977rhetorical questionFigure of speech in form of a question posed for the rhetorical effect rather than for the purpose of getting an answer.41
9337791978synecdocheFigure of speech that uses a part to represent a whole. May also use larger groups to refer to smaller groups, or vice versa. It may also call a thing by the name of the material it is made of, or it may refer to a thing in a container or packaging by the name of that container or packing. Example: The word "bread" refers to food or money, as in "Writing is my bread and butter," or "He is the sole breadwinner." The phrase "gray beard" refers to an old man. The word "sails" refers to a whole ship. The word "suit" refers to a businessman. The word "boots" usually refers to soldiers. The term "coke" is a common synecdoche for all carbonated drinks. "wheels" and "ride" are synecdoches for car The word "glasses" refers to spectacles.42
9337791979imageryWhen a writer describes something using language that appeals to our five senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing)43
9337791980argumentA process of reasoned inquiry; a persuasive discourse resulting in a coherent and considered movement from claim to conclusion.44
9337791982claimAlso called an assertion or a proposition, a claim states the argument's main idea or position. A claim differs from a topic or subject in that a claim has to be arguable.45
9337791983claim of factA claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true.46
9337791984claim of valueA claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong.47
9337791985claim of policyA claim of policy proposes a change.48
9337791989logical fallacy (fallacy)Logical fallacies are potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses in an argument. They often arise from a failure to make a logical connection between the claim and the evidence used to support it.49
9337791992faulty analogyA fallacy that occurs when an analogy compares two things that are not comparable. For instance, to argue that because we put animals who are in irreversible pain out of their misery, we should do the same for people, asks the reader to ignore significant and profound differences between animals and people.50
9337791993straw manA fallacy that occurs when a speaker chooses a deliberately poor or oversimplified example in order to ridicule and refute an idea.51
9337791994either/or (false dilemma)A fallacy in which the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.52
9337791995hasty generalizationA fallacy in which conclusion is reached because of inadequate evidence.53
9337791996circular reasoningA fallacy in which the writer repeats the claim as a way to provide evidence.54
9337791997first-hand evidenceEvidence based on something that the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience, observations, or general knowledge of events.55
9337791998second-hand evidenceEvidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation. It includes factual and historical information, expert opinion, and quantitative data.56
9337792000appeal to false authorityThis fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise to speak on a issue is cited as an authority. A TV star, for instance, is not a medical expert, even though pharmaceutical advertisements often use celebrity endorsements.57
9337792001quantitative evidenceQuantitative evidence includes things that can be measured, cited, counted, or otherwise represented in numbers-for instance, statistics, surveys, polls, census information.58
9337792002bandwagon appealThis fallacy occurs when evidence boils down to "everybody's doing it, so it must be a good thing to do."59
9337792003introductionIntroduces the reader to the subject under discussion.60
9337792004narrationProvides factual information and background material on the subject at hand or establishes why the subject is a problem that needs addressing.61
9337792005confirmationUsually the major part of the text, the confirmation includes the proof needed to make the writer's case.62
9337792006refutationAddresses the counterargument. It is a bridge between the writer's proof and conclusion.63
9337792007conclusionBrings the essay to a satisfying close.64
9337792008syllogismA logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion.65
9337792009inductionFrom the Latin inducere, "to lead into"; a logical process whereby the writer reasons from particulars to universals, using specific cases in order to draw a conclusion, which is also called generalization.66
9337792010deductionDeduction is a logical process whereby one reaches a conclusion by starting with a general principal or universal truth (a major premise). The process of deduction usually demonstrated in the form of a syllogism.67
9337792018begging the questionA fallacy in which a claim is based on evidence or support that is in doubt. It "begs" a question whether the support itself is sound.68
9337792020syndetona sentence style in which words, phrases, or clauses are joined by conjunctions (usually and).69
9337792022bias1. a prejudiced view (either for or against); a preference. 2. a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation70
9337792023Validity (or logically valid)the fact that the truth of the premises logically guarantees the truth of the conclusion. Whenever the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.71
9337792024scare tacticsusing fear to sway people by exaggerating possible dangers well beyond their statistical likelihood72
9337792025slippery slopeSuggest dire consequences from relatively minor causes73
9337792026dogmatismshuts down discussion by asserting that the writer's beliefs are the only acceptable ones74
9337792027equivocationthe use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself; it is a half truth75
9337792028non sequitura statement that does not follow logically from evidence76
9337792031chiasmusa rhetorical device in which two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures in order to produce an artistic effect.77
9337792032antimetabolea literary term or device that involves repeating a phrase in reverse order. For example: "You like it; it likes you." "Fair is foul and foul is fair."78
9337792033anaphoraRepetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines. This device produces a strong emotional effect, especially in speech. It also establishes a marked change in rhythm. a. "We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island . . . we shall never surrender." (Winston Churchill, 1940) b. "Why should white people be running all the stores in our community? Why should white people be running the banks of our community? Why should the economy of our community be in the hands of the white man? Why?" (Malcolm X) c. "Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island." (Franklin Roosevelt, Pearl Harbor Address)79
9337792034epistropherepetition of the same word or group of words at the ends of successive phrases. Like anaphora, epistrophe produces a strong rhythm and emphasis. a. "But to all of those who would be tempted by weakness, let us leave no doubt that we will be as strong as we need to be for as long as we need to be." (Richard Nixon, First Inaugural Address) b. "...and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth." (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address) c. "As long as the white man sent you to Korea, you bled. He sent you to Germany, you bled. He sent you to the South Pacific to fight the Japanese, you bled." (Speech by Malcolm X) d. "In a cake, nothing tastes like real butter, nothing moistens like real butter, nothing enriches like real butter, nothing satisfies like real butter." (Caption from a Pillsbury ad)80
9337792035epanalepsis(eh-puh-nuh-LEAP-siss) — repetition of the same word or words at both beginning and ending of a phrase, clause, or sentence. Like other schemes of repetition, epanalepsis often produces or expresses strong emotion. a. Blood hath bought blood, and blows have answer'd blows:/ Strength match'd with strength, and power confronted power. (William Shakespeare, King John) b. "Nothing is worse than doing nothing." c. "A minimum wage that is not a livable wage can never be a minimum wage." (Ralph Nader)81
9337792036anadiplosis(an-uh-dih-PLO-sis) — repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the following clause. a. "The crime was common, common be the pain". (Alexander Pope, "Eloise to Abelard" b. "Aboard my ship, excellent performance is standard. Standard performance is sub-standard. Sub-standard performance is not permitted to exist." (Captain Queeg, Herman Wouk's The Caine Mutiny) c. "Somehow, with the benefit of little formal education, my grandparents recognized the inexorable downward spiral of conduct outside the guardrails: If you lie, you will cheat; if you cheat, you will steal; if you steal, you will kill." (Justice Clarence Thomas, 1993 Mercer Law School Address) d. "They call for you: The general who became a slave; the slave who became a gladiator; the gladiator who defied an Emperor. Striking story." (line delivered by Joaquin Phoenix, from the movie Gladiator)82
9337792038alliterationrepetition in which a number of words, having the same first consonant sound, occur close together in a series. Alliteration does not depend on letters but on sounds. So the phrase not knotty is alliterative, but cigarette chase is not. a. "The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, The furrow followed free" Samuel Taylor Coolridge b. "It was the meanest moment of eternity". (Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God) c. "His soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead." (James Joyce,The Dead) d. Names, logos, and ads are often alliterative because it helps you remember: Dunkin' Donuts PayPal; Best Buy;Coca-Cola; Lois Lane; Sammy Sosa; Ronald Reagan; Porky Pig; etc.83
9337792039assonancethe repetition of similar vowel sounds, preceded and followed by different consonants, in the stressed syllables of adjacent words. a. "Whales in the wake like capes and Alps/ Quaked the sick sea and snouted deep." (Dylan Thomas, "Ballad of the Long Legged Bait") b. "Refresh your zest for living." (advertisement for French Line Ships) c. "Strips of tinfoil winking like people." (Sylvia Plath) d. "The gloves didn't fit. If it doesn't fit, you must acquit." (Johnny Cochran, O.J.Simpson trial)84
9337792040consonanceThe use of a series of consonants in quick succession - used more in poetry than in prose. a. "The pitter patter of perpetual precipitation put me in a petulant mood". While there is alliteration in this sentence with the letter p being repeated in the beginning of words, the repeated p and t are consonant. b. "Rap rejects my tape deck, ejects projectile Whether Jew or gentile, I rank top percentile Many styles, more powerful than gamma rays My grammar pays, like Carlos Santana plays."85
9337792042ellipsisEllipsis is the omission of a word or series of words. There are two slightly different definitions of ellipsis which are pertinent to literature. The first definition of ellipsis is the commonly used series of three dots, which can be place at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a sentence or clause. But more importantly, for AP purposes, the second is: a linguistically appropriate omission of words that are mutually understood and thus unnecessary. This type of ellipsis is usually used where the words omitted would be redundant. example: Gapping: I ordered the linguine, and he [ordered] the lobster. Stripping: I ordered the linguine, [I did] not [order] lobster. Verb phrase ellipsis: I'll order the linguine and you can [order the linguine], too. Answer ellipsis: Who ordered the linguine? I did [order the linguine]. Sluicing: I'll get something to drink, but I'm not sure what [I'll get to drink]. Nominal ellipsis: I ordered two drinks, and Bill [ordered] one.86
9337792043metonymya type of metaphor where the substitution of the name of an attribute for that of the thing meant. Examples: The pen is mightier than the sword. -Edward Bulwer-Lytton This land belongs to the crown. Flight simulators are valuable because you can die in software and still be around to fly another day. You cannot fight city hall. The orders came directly from the White House. After four years of reading and writing, I got my bachelor's degree and left college. After four years of filling in the bubbles on machine-scored answer sheets, I got my bachelor's degree and left college.87
9337792044parenthesisa stylistic device that comes from the Greek word meaning "to place," or "alongside." Parenthesis is a qualifying or explanatory sentence, clause, or word that writers insert into a paragraph or passage. However, if they leave it out, even then it does not grammatically affect the text, which is correct without it. Parenthesis makes the statements more convincing, as it puts the readers in a right form from the very beginning where they read it as an explanation. However, its main function is to give more explanation and add emphasis, while its repeated use can cause focus and thus makes parenthetical insertions a dominant feature of a sentence. Parenthesis also offers readers an insight into true feelings and opinions of characters and narrators, while they might tend to evade parenthetical information as unimportant. Doing this, parenthesis could leave them clueless to the actual purpose of a sentence. In addition, it often creates humorous effect by using hyperbole and understatements.88
9337792045paradoxan apparently contradictory statement that actually contains some truth. examples: Less is more You can save money by spending it. I know one thing; that I know nothing. This is the beginning of the end. Deep down, you're really shallow. I'm a compulsive liar. "Men work together whether they work together or apart." - Robert Frost "What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young." - George Bernard Shaw "I can resist anything but temptation." - Oscar Wilde Here are the rules: Ignore all rules. The second sentence is false. The first sentence is true.89

AP English Language - Hit Parade Flashcards

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5960313485assertiona declaration or statement0
5960313486clarityclearness in thought or expression1
5960313487cogentconvincing; reasonable2
5960313488coherentlogically connected3
5960313489cohesivecondition of sticking together4
5960313490didacticintended to instruct5
5960313491discourseverbal expression or exchange; conversation6
5960313492eloquencethe ability to speak vividly or persuasively7
5960313493emphasizeto give special attention to something, to stress8
5960313494fluideasily flowing9
5960313495implicationthe act of suggesting or hinting10
5960313496lucideasily understood; clear11
5960313497rhetoricthe art of using language effectively and persuasively12
5960313498arbitera judge who decides a disputed issue13
5960313499biasedprejudiced14
5960313500exculpateto free from guilt or blame15
5960313501impartialnot in favor of one side or the other, unbiased16
5960313502incontrovertiblenot able to be denied or disputed17
5960313503integritytrustworthiness; completeness18
5960313504objectivitytreating facts without influence from personal feelings or prejudices19
5960313505penitentexpressing remorse for one's misdeeds20
5960313506plausibleseemingly valid or acceptable; credible21
5960313507substantiatedsupported with proof or evidence; verified22
5960313508vindicatedfreed from blame23
5960313509condescendingtreating people as weak or inferior24
5960313510contemptuousfeeling hatred; scornful25
5960313511despoticexercising absolute power; tyrannical26
5960313512dictatorialdomineering; oppressively overbearing27
5960313513disdaincontempt, scorn28
5960313515haughtyarrogant; vainly proud29
5960313516imperiousarrogantly domineering or overbearing30
5960313517patronizingtreating in a condescending manner31
5960313518convolutedintricate; complex32
5960313519crypticdifficult to comprehend33
5960313520futilehaving no useful purpose; pointless34
5960313521impedeto slow the progress of35
5960313522obscurerelatively unknown36
5960313524quandarya state of uncertainty or perplexity37
5960313525indolentlazy38
5960313526insipiduninteresting; unchallenging39
5960313527listlesslacking energy40
5960313528torporlaziness; inactivity; dullness41
5960313529alienatedremoved or disassociated from (friends, family, or homeland)42
5960313530alliancea union of two or more groups43
5960313531disparityinequality in age, rank, or degree; difference44
5960313532servilesubmissive; like a servant45
5960313533suppressedsubdued; kept from being circulated46
5960313534embellishto make beautiful by ornamenting; to decorate47
5960313535floriddescribing flowery or elaborate speech48
5960313536opulentexhibiting a display of great wealth49
5960313537ornateelaborately decorated50
5960313538ostentatiousdescribing a showy or pretentious display51
5960313539poignantprofoundly moving; touching52
5960313540ebullienceintense enthusiasm53
5960313541effusiveemotionally unrestrained; gushy54
5960313542egregiousconspicuously bad or offensive55
5960313543flagrantextremely or deliberately shocking or noticeable56
5960313544freneticwildly excited or active57
5960313545gratuitousgiven freely; unearned; unwarranted58
5960313546superfluousextra; unnecessary59
5960313547alleviateto ease a pain or burden60
5960313548asyluma place of retreat or security61
5960313549auspiciousfavorable; promising62
5960313550benevolentwell-meaning; generous63
5960313551benignkind and gentle64
5960313552mollifyto calm or soothe65
5960313553reclamationthe act of making something useful again66
5960313554sanctionto give official authorization or approval67
5960313555dubiousdoubtful; of unlikely authenticity68
5960313556fabricatedmade; concocted to deceive69
5960313557hypocrisythe practice of pretending to be something one is not; insincerity70
5960313558slanderfalse charges and malicious oral statements about someone71
5960313559spuriousnot genuine72
5960313560astuteshrewd; clever73
5960313561clandestinesecretive74
5960313562coupa brilliantly executed plan75
5960313563disingenuousnot straightforward; crafty76
5960313564rusea crafty trick77
5960313565stratagema clever trick used to deceive or outwit78
5960313566surreptitiouslydone by secretive means79
5960313567waryon guard80
5960313568wilycunning81
5960313569ambiguousopen to more than one interpretation82
5960313570ambivalentsimultaneously having opposing feelings; uncertain83
5960313571apatheticfeeling or showing little emotion84
5960313572arbitrarydetermined by impulse rather than reason85
5960313573capriciousimpulsive and unpredictable86
5960313574equivocateto avoid making a definite statement87
5960313575indifferentnot caring one way or the other88
5960313576spontaneousunplanned; naturally occurring89
5960313577whimsicalsubject to erratic behavior; unpredictable90
5960313578inconsequentialunimportant91
5960313579superficialconcerned only with what is on the surface or obvious; shallow92
5960313580tenuoushaving little substance or strength; shaky; unsure, weak93
5960313581trivialof little importance or significance94
5960313582assiduoushard-working95
5960313583compellingforceful; urgently demanding attention96
5960313584diligentmarked by painstaking effort; hard-working97
5960313585doggedstubbornly persevering98
5960313586endureto put up with; to survive a hardship99
5960313587intrepidcourageous; fearless100
5960313588maverickone who is independent and resists adherence to a group101
5960313589obduratestubborn; inflexible102
5960313590obstinatestubbornly adhering to an opinion or a course of action103
5960313591proliferateto grow or increase rapidly104
5960313592tenacitypersistence105
5960313593vitalityenergy; power to survive106
5960313594assimilationto absorb; to make similar107
5960313595consensusgeneral agreement108
5960313596contextcircumstances of a situation; environment109
5960313597derivedcopied or adapted from a source110
5960313598incumbentimposed as a duty; obligatory111
5960313599inevitablecertain to happen, unavoidable112
5960313600malleableeasily shaped or formed; easily influenced113
5960313601subdueto restrain; to hold back114
5960313602acquireddeveloped or learned; not naturally occurring115
5960313603conceptionthe ability to form or understand an idea116
5960313604convictiona fixed or strong belief117
5960313605dogmaticstubbornly adhering to unproved beliefs118
5960313606enlighteninginformative; contributing to one's awareness119
5960313607impressiona feeling or understanding resulting from an experience120
5960313608intuitionthe power of knowing things without thinking; sharp insight121
5960313609misconceptionan incorrect understanding or interpretation122
5960313610perceptionawareness; insight123
5960313611perspectivepoint of view124
5960313612profoundhaving great depth or seriousness125
5960313613inherentinborn; built-in126
5960313614innatepossessed from birth; inborn127
5960313615inveteratelong established; deep-rooted; habitual128
5960313616omnipotentall-powerful129
5960313617proximitycloseness130
5960313618elusivedifficult to capture, as in something actually fleeting131
5960313619emigrateto leave one country or region and settle in another132
5960313620transientpassing away with time; passing from one place to another133
5960313621transitoryshort-lived or temporary134
5960313622affableeasy-going; friendly135
5960313623amenableresponsive; agreeable136
5960313624camaraderiegood will between friends137
5960313625cordialfriendly; sincere138
5960313626facetiousplayfully humorous139
5960313627impingehinder; interfere with140
5960313628lamentexpress grief for; mourn141
5960313629melancholysadness; depression142
5960313630sanctionan economic or military measure put in place to punish another country143
5960313631truncatedshortened; cut off144
5960313632aesthetichaving to do with the appreciation of beauty145
5960313633anthologya collection of literary pieces146
5960313634contemporarycurrent, modern; from the same time147
5960313635dilettanteone with an amateurish or superficial understanding of a field of knowledge148
5960313636eclecticmade up of a variety of sources or styles149
5960313637excerpta selected part of a passage or scene150
5960313638genredescribing a category or artistic endeavor151
5960313639medleyan assortment or a mixture, especially of musical pieces152
5960313640murala large painting applied directly to a wall or ceiling surface153
5960313641narrativecharacterized by the telling of a story154
5960313643parodyan artistic work that imitates the style of another work for comic effect155
5960313644realismartistic representation that aims for visual accuracy156
5960313645virtuosoa tremendously skilled artist157
5960313646decorousproper; marked by good taste158
5960313647equanimitythe quality of being calm and even-tempered; composure159
5960313648modestquiet or humble in manner or appearance160
5960313649proprietyappropriateness of behavior161
5960313650prudentexercising good judgment or common sense162
5960313651serenecalm163
5960313652staidunemotional; serious164
5960313653stoicindifferent to pleasure or pain; impassive165
5960313654condemnto express strong disapproval of; denounce166
5960313655discreditto cause to be doubted167
5960313656disparageto speak of in a slighting way or negatively; to belittle168
5960313657pejorativedescribing words or phrases that belittle or speak negatively of someone169
5960313658plagiarismthe act of passing off the ideas or writing of another as one's own170
5960313659vilifyto make vicious statements about171
5960313660brusquerudely abrupt172
5960313661causticbitingly sarcastic or witty173
5960313662fractiousquarrelsome; unruly174
5960313663incorrigibleunable to be reformed175
5960313664ingratean ungrateful person176
5960313665insolentinsulting in manner or speech177
5960313666notoriousknown widely and usually unfavorably; infamous178
5960313667pugnaciouscombative; belligerent179
5960313668reprehensibleworthy of blame180
5960313669brittleeasily broken when subjected to pressure181
5960313670deleterioushaving a harmful effect; injurious182
5960313671enmitymutual hatred or ill-will183
5960313672heinoushatefully evil; abominable184
5960313673malfeasancewrongdoing, misconduct185
5960313674maliceextreme ill-will or spite186
5960313675putridrotten187
5960313676rancoroushateful; marked by deep-seated ill-will188
5960313677toxicpoisonous189
5960313678archaiccharacteristic of an earlier period; old-fashioned190
5960313679hackneyedworn out through overuse; trite191
5960313680medievalreferring to the Middle Ages; old-fashioned192
5960313681obsoleteno longer in use; old-fashioned193
5960313682austerewithout decoration; strict194
5960313683mediocritythe state or quality of being average; of moderate to low quality195
5960313684mundanecommonplace; ordinary196
5960313685ponderousextremely dull197
5960313686prosaicunimaginative; dull198
5960313687sedentarynot migratory; settled199
5960313688apprehensionanxiety or fear about the future200
5960313689harbingersomething that indicates what is to come; a forerunner201
5960313690ominousmenacing; threatening202
5960313691premonitiona feeling about the future203
5960313692timoroustimid; fearful about the future204
5960313693trepidationuncertainty; apprehension205
5960313694innovativeintroducing something new206
5960313695naivelacking sophistication207
5960313696nascentcoming into existence; emerging208
5960313697novelstrikingly new or unusual209
5960313698novicea beginner210
5960313699candorsincerity; openness211
5960313700frankopen and sincere in expression; straightforward212
5960313701ariddescribing a dry, rainless climate213
5960313702conflagrationa widespread fire214
5960313703nocturnalof or occurring in the night215
5960313704sonorousproducing a deep or full sound216
5960313705ampledescribing a large amount of something217
5960313706comprehensivelarge in scope or content218
5960313707copiousplentiful; having a large quantity219
5960313708permeatedspread or flowing throughout220
5960313709pervasivedispersed throughout221
5960313710prodigiousenormous222
5960313711repleteabundantly supplied: filled to capacity223
5960313712exemplarycommendable; worthy of imitation224
5960313713idealizeto consider perfect225
5960313714laudatorygiving praise226
5960313715paramountof chief concern or importance227
5960313716veneratedhighly respected228
5960313717catalogto make an itemized list of229
5960313718faciledone or achieved with little effort; easy230
5960313719fastidiouspossessing careful attention to detail; difficult to please231
5960313720hierarchya group organized by rank232
5960313721meticulousextremely careful and precise233
5960313722pragmaticpractical234
5960313723solventable to pay one's debts235
5960313724abstractnot applied to actual objects236
5960313725anachronismsomething out of place in time or sequence237
5960313726anthropomorphismthe attribution of humanlike characteristics to inanimate objects, animals, or forces of nature238
5960313727apologydefense of an idea239
5960313728apparatusequipment; a group of machines240
5960313729appositiona grammar construction in which a noun (or noun phrase) is placed with another as an explanation241
5960313730archetypea perfect example; an original pattern or model242
5960313731chiasmusan inversion in the second of two parallel phrases243
5960313732gesticulatingmaking gestures while speaking244
5960313733hypotheticalexisting only as an assumption or speculation245
5960313734lexicona word book describing language with definitions; a dictionary246
5960313735metonymya type of figurative language in which one term is substituted for another term with which it is closely associated247
5960313736oxymoronan apparent contradiction of terms248
5960313737panegyricstatement of high praise249
5960313738paradigman example or model250
5960313739parallelisma grammar construction in which two identical syntactic constructions are used251
5960313740periodlong, complex, grammatically correct sentence252
5960313741perniciouscausing great harm253
5960313742phenomenonan unusual, observable event254
5960313743propitiouspresenting favorable circumstances; auspicious255
5960313744rationallogical; motivated by reason rather than feeling256
5960313745sardonicdisdainfully or ironically humorous; harsh, bitter, or caustic257
5960313746syllogisma form of deductive reasoning; a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion258
5960313747synecdochea form of metonymy that's restricted to cases where a part is used to signify the whole259
5960313748theoreticallacking application or practical application260

AP Spanish Language and Culture Vocabulary Prep Flashcards

A list of vocabulary which is often found or can be useful on the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam

Terms : Hide Images
6713559695a pesar dein spite of0
6713559696a través de los añosthroughout the years1
6713559697actualmentecurrently2
6713559698afirma questates that3
6713559699afirmacionesstatements4
6713559700agradablepleasing5
6713559701agradecerto express thanks6
6713559702Al otro ladoOn the other hand7
6713559703alcanzar una metato reach a goal8
6713559704alejado defar away from9
6713559705alojamientohousing10
6713559706ambasboth11
6713559707apoyosupport12
6713559708aprecio porappreciation for13
6713559709aprovecharto take advantage14
6713559710asegurarto claim, to assure15
6713559711Atentamente,Sincerely,16
6713559712aumentarto increase/augment17
6713559713aunquealthough18
6713559714becasscholarships19
6713559715cederto cede / give something up20
6713559716cifrafigure, number21
6713559717como usted sabeas you (formal) know22
6713559718conseguirto obtain23
6713559719contar conto count on / have24
6713559720crecerto grow25
6713559721cumplir con los objetivosto meet the objectives26
6713559722dar un discursoto give a speech27
6713559723datosdata, piece of information28
6713559724debe sershould be29
6713559725dejar de funcionarto stop working/functioning30
6713559726desarrollodevelopment31
6713559727desde hace siglosfor centuries32
6713559728despídetesay good-bye33
6713559729destacarto stand out / to point-out34
6713559730desventajadisadvantage35
6713559731detenidamenteslowly36
6713559732disfrutar del baileto enjoy the dance37
6713559733disminuirto diminish/go down38
6713559734disponer deto have (something) available39
6713559735durarto last40
6713559736eficazeffective41
6713559737El índice dethe index of42
6713559738el ingresoincome, revenue43
6713559739el numero promediothe average number44
6713559740el presupuestobudget45
6713559741el valor dethe value of46
6713559742elegirto elect47
6713559743empeñarse en hacerstrive to make48
6713559744en realidadactually49
6713559745enigmaenigma50
6713559746enterarse deto find out from51
6713559747equivocadomistaken, wrong52
6713559748escasez de recursosscarcity of resources53
6713559749Espero que se encuentre bien.I hope that you find yourself well54
6713559750estadísticasstatistics55
6713559751Este artículo trata deThis article is about56
6713559752Estimado/estimada ___,Esteemed...57
6713559753evitarto avoid58
6713559754exigirto demand59
6713559755exponeexhibits, displays60
6713559756fechadate61
6713559757fijarse ento focus on/pay attention to62
6713559758firmarto sign63
6713559759fiscalfiscal64
6713559760gráficochart65
6713559761hacer una propuestato make a proposal66
6713559762hallazgofinding, discovery67
6713559763hay queone must68
6713559764hemos acordadowe have agreed69
6713559765hipótesishypothesis70
6713559766ilustraillustrates71
6713559767incentivarto encourage72
6713559768incrementarto increase73
6713559769invertirto invest74
6713559770la actualidadthe present75
6713559771la ausenciaabsence76
6713559772la falta dethe lack of77
6713559773la inversióninvestment78
6713559774la medida presentada por la senadorathe bill presented by the senator79
6713559775la tablathe table (of data)80
6713559776la tasa dethe rate of81
6713559777llevar a caboto carry out82
6713559778lograr el éxitoto achieve success83
6713559779los datosdata84
6713559780Para asegurarme deto make sure of85
6713559781parecidosimilar, like86
6713559782perdurarto last87
6713559783permanecer estableto remain stable88
6713559784pertenecer ato pertain to89
6713559785prolongar hasta muy tardeprolong until very late90
6713559786promedioaverage91
6713559787promoverto promote92
6713559788proporcionarto provide93
6713559789propósitopurpose94
6713559790propuestaproposal95
6713559791Quisiera plantear una pregunta:I would like to pose a question96
6713559792realizarto fulfill, realize97
6713559793recalcaemphasizes, stresses98
6713559794recaudar fondosto raise funds99
6713559795rechazarejects100
6713559796redactarto write101
6713559797reemplazarto replace, substitute102
6713559798refutarefutes103
6713559799repartirto divide104
6713559800resaltahighlights105
6713559801respaldarto support, back106
6713559802resumensummary107
6713559803resumirto summarize108
6713559804salúdalagreet her109
6713559805se debe celebrarone should celebrate110
6713559806se suele abrirone tends to open111
6713559807segúnaccording to112
6713559808sencillasimple, modest113
6713559809sin embargoHowever, nevertheless114
6713559810solicitarto request115
6713559811subrayaunderlines116
6713559812sucederto happen117
6713559813superar las expectativasto exceed expectations118
6713559814tiene lugartakes place119
6713559815un lugar propicio paraa favorable place for120
6713559816una fuentea source121
6713559817una media dean average of122
6713559818ventajaadvantage123
6713567573despampananteextraordinarily beautiful124
6713582810polémicocontroversial125
6713586541gestiónadministration126
6713588439porvenirfuture127
6713593623misóginomisogynist, hateful of women128
6713595810homogéneohomogeneous129
6713601613sin rumbowithout direction130
6713609793añoraryearn for131
6713612223cotidianohabitual, daily132
6713612224ocioleisure time133
6713616617dado quegiven that..134
6713618470trasladarmudarse135
6713624271la equidadequality136
6713626339desprecioundervalue137
6713630929AsimismoLikewise138
6713633165debilidadweakness139
6713633166habilidadability140
6713635349capacidadcapability/ capacity141
6713639347regocijohappiness142
6713641284metagoal/ objective143
6713647261ganar la vidamake a living144
6713651647averiguarverify/ ask145
6713711077caducoold-fashioned146
6713713407consejoadvice147
6713713408saciarsatisfy/ quench/ satiate148
6713715808dirigirdirect towards149
6713721297desempeñarcarry out/ perform150
6713722839netamenteclearly/ distictly151
6713724158huellastraces/ footprints152
6713724159agua potabledrinkable water153
6713725528componerform/ make up154
6713727675moscasflies (the bug)155
6713729286promulgarto publish156
6713731694masificarmake universal157
9680525362acontecimientoevent158
9680584294muchedumbrecrowd/ mass of people159
9680588604demostracióndemonstration/ protest160
9680603865ahogarseto choke/ drown161
9680616152desafíochallenge162
9680616153escasezshortage/ scarcity163
9680638645excesoexcess/ surplus164
9686481253bullicioruido165
9686488448medicina holísticahollistic (natural) medicine166
9686495280los ensayosrehearsals167
9686499700animarencourage168
9686505889regatearbargain169
9686523376modos de comunicaciónmeans of communication170
9686534974acceso a la tecnologíaaccess to technology171
9686544899la entrevistathe interview172
9715983027candorosoinocente173
9716962568concluirconclude174
9716965502dirigir (a)directed towards175
9716965503resaltaremphasize, stand out176
9716975715la imprentaprint/ printing177
9716983575rumbodirection178
9716990223insondableunfathomable179
9716995911delatargive away, betray180
9716998657planteamientoapproach181
9717005152fanatismo deportivosport fanatics182
9717008291vida sedentariasedentary life183
9717008292bienestar socialsocial well-being184
9717011788recursosresources185
9717011789fuentessources186
9717015620estándaresstandards187
9717015621proporcionaprovides/ supplies188
9717019611suministrarprovide/ supply189
9717023702detallesdetails190
9717030054gamberradasmischief191
9717030055pillarto catch192
9717035714procedentesoriginating from193
9717042619ámbitoscope/ range194
9717044878tallerworkshop195
9717044880asperezasbrusqueness/ roughness196
9717049201soportartake/ put up with197
9717055065subvencióngrant/ subsidy198

Tools of the Trade BFA AP Language Flashcards

Tools of the Trade vocabulary terms for Mrs. Hebert's AP Language and Composition classes.

Terms : Hide Images
8788964636AllegoryA fictional work in which the characters represent ideas or concepts.0
8788964637AlliterationThe repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables.1
8788964638AllusionA passing reference to a familiar person, place, or thing drawn from history, the Bible, mythology, or literature.2
8788964639AnaphoraRepetition of a word or words at the beginning of two or more successive verses, clauses, or sentences.3
8788964640AnecdoteA brief narrative of an entertaining and presumably true incident.4
8788964641AphorismA concise statement of a principle; a terse formulation of truth or sentiment.5
8788964642BombastLanguage that is overly rhetorical (pompous); especially when considered in context.6
8788964643ChiasmusA form of antithesis in which the second half of the statement inverts the word order of the first half.7
8788964644CircumlocutionA roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea.8
8788964645Concrete LanguageLanguage that describes specific, observable things, people, or places, rather than ideas or qualities.9
8788964646ConnotationThe associations, images, or impressions carried by a word, as opposed to the word's literal meaning.10
8788964647DenotationThe dictionary meaning of a word, the literal meaning.11
8788964648DictionChoice of words especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.12
8788964649EllipsisA rhetorical device in which words are consciously omitted, perhaps because their meaning can be inferred.13
8788964650EpigraphA quotation or motto at the beginning of a book or chapter.14
8788964651EuphemismThe substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.15
8788964652Extended MetaphorA metaphor, or implied comparison, that is sustained for several lines or that becomes the controlling image of an entire poem.16
8788964653Figurative LanguageA term for all uses of language that imply imaginative comparison.17
8788964654HyperboleObvious, extravagant exaggeration or overstatement, not intended to be taken literally, but used figuratively to create humor or emphasis.18
8788964655ImageryThe making of "pictures in words"; appeals to the senses of taste, smell, hearing, and touch, and to internal feelings, as well as to the sense of sight.19
8788964656Inverted SentenceA sentence in which the subject follows the verb.20
8788964657MalapropismThe comic substitution of one word for another similar in sound but quite different in meaning.21
8788964658MetaphorA figure of speech; an implied analogy in which one thing is imaginatively compared to or identified with another, dissimilar thing.22
8788964659MetonymyA figure of speech in which something is referred to by using the name of something that is associated with it.23
8788964660MoodThe climate of feeling in a literary work.24
8788964661OnomatopoeiaThe use of words whose sound imitates the sound of the thing being named.25
8788964662OxymoronA figure of speech in which two contradictory words or phrases are combined in a single expression, giving the effect of a condensed paradox.26
8788964663ParadoxA statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true.27
8788964664ParallelismThe technique of showing that words, phrases, clauses, or larger structures are comparable in content and importance by placing them side by side and making them similar in form.28
8788964665PersonificationA figure of speech in which human characteristics and sensibilities are attributed to animals, plants, inanimate objects, natural forces or abstract ideas.29
8788964666Point of ViewThe particular perspective from which a story is told.30
8788964667PunA form of wit, not necessarily funny, involving a play on a word with two or more meanings.31
8788964668RhetoricThe art of speaking or writing effectively; the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion.32
8788964669Rhetorical QuestionA question whose answer is obvious.33
8788964670SatireA term used to describe any form of literature that blends ironic humor and wit with criticism for the purpose of ridiculing folly, vice, stupidity - the whole range of human foibles and frailties - in individuals and institutions.34
8788964671SimileA figure of speech that uses like, as, or as if to compare two essentially different objects, actions, or attributes that share some aspect of similarity.35
8788964672Situational IronyRefers to the contrast between what is intended or expected and what actually occurs.36
8788964673StyleA writer's characteristic way of saying things.37
8788964674SyllogismAn argument that utilizes deductive reasoning and consists of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.38
8788964675SymbolAnything that signifies, or stands for, something else.39
8788964676SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part of something stands for the whole thing.40
8788964677SyntaxThe way words are arranged in a sentence.41
8788964678ThemeThe central idea of a piece of work.42
8788964679ToneThe reflection in a work of the author's attitude toward his or her subject, characters, and readers.43
8788964680UnderstatementA type of verbal irony in which something is purposely represented as being far less important than it actually is.44
8788964681Verbal IronyA figure of speech in which there is contrast between what is said ans what is actually meant.45

AP Language & Composition Tone Words (Acerbic - Sympathetic) Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5392906793Acerbicacidic; bitter; sharp0
5392906794Benevolentkindly1
5392906795Bittersweetshowing a mixture of pain and pleasure2
5392906796Clinicalhighly objective;rigorously scientific; analytical3
5392906797Colloquialusing a conversational style; informal conversation4
5392906798Condescendingan air of superiority5
5392906799Contemptuousexpressing contempt, a lack of respect, or hate6
5392906800Cryptichidden; mysterious; unknown7
5392906801Cynicalan attitude of distrust of people and human nature8
5392906802Despondentshowing extreme discouragement or depression9
5392906803Didacticin a tone intended to preach a sermon or teach a lesson about life10
5392906804disdainfulexpressing contempt, dislike, or hate11
5392906805Elegiacmournful; expressing sorrow12
5392906806Enigmaticpuzzling; riddle-like13
5392906807Euphoricfeeling of elation or great joy14
5392906808Facetiousplayfully humorous15
5392906809Flippantlacking proper respect16
5392906810Frivolouslacking in seriousness17
5392906811Grandiosecharacterized by feigned grandeur; pompous18
5392906812Hostileextremely angry19
5392906813Iconoclasticattacking traditional or popular ideas or institutions20
5392906814Impartialattitude of being unbiased21
5392906815Indignantattitude of being angry because of injustice or unworthiness22
5392906816Insipidlacking flavor or zest, flat, unstimulating; vapid23
5392906817Irreverentlacking proper respect or seriousness24
5392906818Laconicterse; concise; succinct25
5392906819Laudatorypertaining to or expressing praise26
5392906820Maternal/paternallike a mother or father; parental27
5392906821Moralisticcharacterized by a narrow and conventional moral attitude28
5392906822Nostalgica sentimental yearning for a return to some past period of time29
5392906823Obsequiousfawning; full of servile compliance30
5392906824Ostentatiousshowy; pretentious31
5392906825Patronizingan air of treating someone well because of a feeling of superiority32
5392906826Pedanticunimaginative33
5392906827Pithyprecisely meaningful; cogent and terse34
5392906828Poignantaffecting the emotions strongly35
5392906829Precociousprematurely developed36
5392906830Pretentiousattitude of extreme show to the point of being fake37
5392906831Prosaicnot poetic; matter of fact; dull; ordinary38
5392906832Ribaldhumor that is vulgar or lewd39
5392906833Ruefulinspiring pity or compassion; causing or expressing sorrow or regret40
5392906834Saccharinecloyingly sweet41
5392906835Sarcasticridicule by saying the opposite of what the speaker means42
5392906836Somberconveying a gloomy, dismal, or depressing character or mood43
5392906837Sophomoricimmature and over confident44
5392906838Superciliousimmature and over confident; behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others.45
5392906839Suspensefulpleasant excitement as to the uncertainty of events46
5392906840Tranquilfree from disturbance or turmoil47
5392906841Vociferouscharacterized by loudness and vehemence48
5392906842Whimsicalerratic or unpredictable49
5392906843Sympathetica sensitivity to others' emotions50

Nies 2017 AP Human Geography: Language Chapter 5 Practice Flashcards

Language

Terms : Hide Images
8169394442DialectA particular form of a language that is particular to a specific region or social group.0
8169394444Extinct LanguageAn extinct language is a language that no longer has any speakers, or that is no longer in current use.1
8169394445IdeogramA written character symbolizing the idea of a thing without indicating the sounds used to say it. An Example: 6 (six)2
8169394446IsoglossA geographic boundary line delimiting the area in which a given linguistic feature occurs.3
8169394447Isolated Languagea natural language with no demonstrable genealogical (or "genetic") relationship with other languages; that is, one that has not been demonstrated to descend from an ancestor common with any other language. i.e A language family with only one language (Korean).4
8169394448Language BranchA Subsection of a Language Family. i.e The Romance "-------" of the Indo-European language family.5
8169394449LanguageThe method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.6
8169394450Language GroupA Collection of languages within a branch that share a common origin in the relatively recent past and display relatively few differences in grammar and vocabulary.7
8169394451Language FamilyA collection of languages related to each other through a common ancestor long before recorded history8
8169394452Indo European language familyLargest language family that includes English and most other languages in the Western Hemisphere. Also used in South and Southwest Asia.9
8169394453Sino-Tibetan Language Family2nd largest language family. Includes Madarin, Thai, Cantonese and Burmese10
8169394454Lingua FrancaA Language mutually understood and commonly used in trade by people who have different native languages11
8169394456MonolingualThe condition of being able to speak only a single language12
8169394457BilingualThe ability to speak two languages13
8169394458MultilingualThe ability to speak multiple languages14
8169394459Official LanguageIn multilingual countries the language selected, often by the educated and politically powerful elite, to promote internal cohesion; usually the language of the courts and government.15
8169394461Pidgin LanguageA Form of speech that adopts a simplified grammar and limited vocabulary of a lingua franca, used for communications among speakers of two different languages.16
8169394462Standard LanguageThe variant of a language that a country's political and intellectual elite seek to promote as the norm for use in schools, government, the media, and other aspects of public life17
8169394463Toponyma place name or a word derived from the name of a place18
8169394465VernacularUsing a language or dialect native to a region or country rather than a literary, cultured, or foreign language. It is usually the language of the common people.19
8169394466CreoleA language that began as a pidgin language but was later adopted as the mother tongue by a people in place of the mother tongue; more standardized and official uses of grammar and vocabulary are found20
8169394470Spanglisha hybrid language combining words and idioms from both Spanish and English, especially Spanish speech that uses many English words and expressions.21
8280100874Agricultural Theory of Indo-European (Renfrew Hypothesis)with increased food supply and increased population, speakers from the hearth of Indo-European languages migrated into Europe22
8280126098Warrior Theory of Indo-Europeanthe first proto indo-european speakers were the Kurgans near the border between Russia and Kazakhstan and were spread via conflict/war/invasion23
8280149144Language convergenceThe collapsing of two languages into one resulting from the consistent spatial interaction of peoples with different languages; the opposite of language divergence24
8280152654Language divergenceThe opposite of language convergence; a process suggested by German linguist August Schleicher whereby new languages are formed when a language breaks into dialects due to a lack of spatial interaction among speakers of the language and continued isolation eventually causes the division of the language into discrete new languages25
8280172464Mutual intelligibilityThe ability of two people to understand each other when speaking, often despite speaking different dialects26
8280242180English belongs to this language familyIndo-European27
8280242181Arabic belongs to this language familyAfro-Asiatic28
8280252415Italian belongs on this family and branchIndo-European --> Romance29
8280258939English belongs on this family, branch, and groupIndo-European-->Germanic ---> West Germanic30
8280264847Hindi belongs to this language familyIndo-European31
8280267405Hindi belongs to this language branchIndo-Iranian32

AP Language Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5463667514ad hominem argumentan argument that appeals to emotion rather than logic0
5463668381allegorythe device of using character and/or story elements sybolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning1
5463670284alliterationthe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words2
5463671766allusiona direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art3
5463673660ambiguitythe multiple meanings of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage4
5463674812analogya similtarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them5
5463677185antecedentthe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun6
5463678603aphorisma terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle7
5463680191apostrophea figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction8
5463681777atmospherethe emotional mood created by the entirety of a literary work9
5463682758clausea grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb10
5463685610colloquial/colloquialismthe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing11
5463686561conceita fanciful expression12
5463687376connotationthe non literal, associative meaning of a word13
5463688566denotationthe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color14
5463690321dictionthe writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness15
5463695055didacticliterally means "teaching." Didactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially of moral or ethical principles16
5463697694euphemismfrom the greek work for "good speech." A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts17
5463700336extended metaphora metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work18
5463704271figurative languagewriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid19
5567639853figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things.20
5567649754generic conventionstraditions for each genre; differentiate between an essay and journalistic writing21
5567658666genrethe major category into which a literary work fits22
5567663439homily"sermon;" any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice23
5567670683hyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement24
5567680909imagerythe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions25
5567693574inference/inferto draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented26
5567704325invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language27
5567707502irony/ironicthe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant; the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true. Three types: verbal, situational, and dramatic.28
5567721946loose sentencea type of sentence in which the main idea comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses29
5940662963metaphora figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity30
5940734175metonymya term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name." A figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.31
5940754309moodtwo meanings: 1. grammatical; deals with verbal units and a speaker's attitude 2. literary; the prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work32
5940770596narrativethe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events33
5940780948onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words34
5940784980oxymorona figureof speech where the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox35
5940851655paradoxa statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense, but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity36
5940869999parallelismterm comes from Greek roots meaning "beside one another." It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity37
5940938619parodya work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule38
5940985308pedantican adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish39
5940998584periodic sentencea sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end40
5941058851personificationa figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions41
5941076275point of viewthe perspective from which the story is told; the author's attitude42
5941081444predicate adjectivesan adjective, group of adjectives, or adjective clause that modifies or describes the subject and appears in the predicate of the sentence43
5941200615predicate nominativea noun, group of nouns, or noun clause that renames the subject44
5941215452prosefictio and nonfiction, including all its forms, becuase they are written in ordinary language and most closely resemble ordinary speech45
5941233031repetitionthe duplication of any element of language, suchas sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.46
5941291766rhetoricfro the greek for "orator," this term describes the principle governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively47
5941442268rhetorical modesthe variety, the conventions, and the purposes of the major kinds of writing; exposition, argumentation, description, and narration48
5941510130rhetorical questiona question that is asked merely for effect and does not expect a reply49
5941524063sarcasmfrom the greek meaning "to tear flesh," it involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something50
5941535772satirea work tht targets human vices and follies, or social institutions and conventions, for reform or ridicule.51
5941544827similean explicit comparison, normally using like, as, or if52
5941554964stylean evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.53
5941573300subject complementthe word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements the subject of the sentence by either renaming it or describing it.54
5941582147subordinate clausethe clause that cannot stand alone and does not express a complete thought55
5941592853syllogismfrom the Greek for "reckoning together," it is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises - the first one called "major" and the second "minor" - the inevitably lead to a sound conclusion56
5941612431symbol/symbolismanything that represents or stands for something else57
5941618656conventional symbolssymbols that have been invested with meaning by a group; includes religious symbols and group symbols58
5941625399literary symbolssymbols found in a variety of works and are generally recognized; can be conventional59
5941664275syntaxthe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences60
5941672849themethe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life61
5941702809thesisthe sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or proposition62
5941683338tonethe author's attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both63
5941687291transitiona word or phrase that links different ideas64
5941692215understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact, it presents something as less significant than it is65
5941699056witintellectually amusing language that surprises and delights66
5955706921AttitudeA writer's intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing67
5955706922Concrete detailStrictly defined, it refers to nouns that name physical objects.68
5955706923Descriptive detailThe writers sensory description.69
5955706924DevicesThe figures of speech, syntax, fiction, and other stylistic elements that collectively produce a particular artistic effect70
5955706925LanguageHow the elements of language combine to form a whole. How diction, syntax, figurative language, and sentence structure create a cumulative effect.71
5955706926Narrative devicesThe tools of the storyteller.72
5955706927Narrative techniqueThe style of telling the "story" even if the passage is nonfiction73
5955706928Persuasive devicesThe words in the passage that have strong connotations-words that intensify the emotional effect74
5955706929Persuasive essayA coherent argument in which the evidence builds to a logical and relevant conclusion75
5955711292Resources of languageAll the devices of composition available to a writer76
5955711293Rhetorical featuresHow a passage is constructed77
5955711294Sentence structureThe types of sentences the writer uses. Can be simple, compound, and/or complex78
5955711295Stylistic devicesAll the elements of the language that contribute to style79

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