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AP Lang Terms & Vocab (with visuals) Flashcards

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9188442377rhetoricthe art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially with the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques. (The very act of defending has itself been a central part of rhetoric).0
9188442378bombasticHigh sounding but with little meaning; inflated;grandiloquent.1
9188442379ethosAppeal based on the character of speaker. Meaning convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader (speaker).2
9188442380logosAn appeal to logic or reason. For example scholarly documents.3
9188442381pathosAppeal on emotion. The quality that evokes pity or sadness.4
9188442382capriciousImpulsive; unpredictable. Sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.5
9188442383toneWriter's attitude, mood or moral outlook toward the subject and/or the readers.6
9188442384appealthe power of arousing a sympathetic response, to arouse a sympathetic response.7
9188442385argumentDiscourse intended to persuade; process of reasoning; exchange of diverging/ opposite views.8
9188442386colloquialism (colloquial)a word or phrase that is not formal or literary. It is still used in literature to provide a sense of actual conversation and the use of pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary of everyday speech.9
9188442387connotationand idea or feeling that a word evokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning. Words imply or suggest qualities, attributes, and characteristics.10
9188442388apathylack of interest, enthusiasm or concern. No emotion11
9188442389dialectA variety of language confined to a region or group, manner or means of expressing oneself.12
9188442390understatementStatement which says less than is really meant. Opposite of hyperbole. Made smaller, worse, or less important than really is. Minimizing.13
9188442391hyperboleDeliberate and obvious exaggeration for effect.14
9188442392anecdotea short and amusing or interesting story about a real person or incident.15
9188442393condescendingHaving or feeling superior. patronizing or assuming superiority.16
9188442394voiceAn authors distinctive literary style, basic vision and general attitude toward the world. Revealed through the use of Syntax, Diction, Punctuation, Characterization, and Dialogue.17
9188442395syntaxSentence construction18
9188442396dictionAuthor's choice of words. Distinctive vocabulary.19
9188442397assertionA confident and forceful statement of fact or belief. A declaration that's made em pathetically in an argument as it to be understood as a statement of fact.20
9188442398cogent(of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing.21
9188442399coherent(of an argument, theory, or policy) logical and consistent22
9188442400cohesivecharacterized by or causing cohesion (act or state of being uniting, cohering, or sticking together).23
9188442401didacticintended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.24
9188442402Discoursewritten or spoken communication or debate. (verb) speak or write authoritatively about a topic.25
9188442403Eloquencefluent or persuasive speaking or writing.26
9188442404Fluidable to flow easily.27
9188442405implicationthe conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly stated.28
9188442406lucidexpressed clearly; easy to understand29
9188442407rhetora teacher of rhetoric30
9188442408Arbitera person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority in a matter31
9188442409Biasedunfairly prejudiced for or against something or someone.32
9188442410Exculpateshow or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing33
9188442411Impartialtreating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just.34
9188442412Incontrovertiblenot able to be denied or disputed.35
9188442413Integritythe quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.36
9188442414Objectivitythe quality of being objective; justice; neutrality37
9188442415Plausible(of an argument or statement) seeming reasonable or probable.38
9188442416Substantiatedprovide evidence to support or prove that truth of.39
9188442417vindicatedclear (something) of blame or suspicion.40
9188442418CondescendingHaving or feeling superior. patronizing or assuming superiority.41
9188442419Contemptuousshowing contempt; scornful42
9188442420Despoticof, relating to, or characteristics of a despot (ruler with total power; usually unfair)43
9188442421Dictatorialof or typical of a ruler with total control44
9188442422Disdainthe feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt.45
9188442423Haughtyarrogantly superior and disdainful.46
9188442424Imperiousassuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering.47
9188442425Patronizingtreat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.48
9188442426Listlesslacking energy or enthusiasm.49
9188442427Melancholya feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.50
9188442428Torpora state of physical or mental inactivity51
9188442429alliancea relationship based on an affinity in interests, nature, or qualities.52
9188442430disparitya great difference, imbalance.53
9188442431impingehave an affect or impact, especially a negative one. Influence.54
9188442432Paradoxa state or proposition that, despite reasoning, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, self-contradictory.55
9188442433allusionan expression to call something to mind without mentioning it exactly; an indirect or passing reference.56
9188442434parallelismthe act of being parallel or corresponding in some way.57
9188442435indolentwanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy.58
9188442436insipid.lacking flavor, vigor or interest.59
9188442437lamenta passionate expression or grief or sorrow.60
9188442438Sanctiona threatening penalty for disobeying a law or rule61
9188442439servilehaving or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others.62
9188442440suppressedforcibly to an end to.63
9188442441Embellishmake (something) more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features.64
9188442442floridhaving a red or flushed complexion65
9188442443opulentostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish66
9188442444ornatemade in an intricate shape or decorated with complex patterns.67
9188442445ostentatiouscharacterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice.68
9188442446poignantevoking a keen sense or sadness or regret.69
9188442447Ebulliencethe quality of being cheerful and full of energy; exuberance.70
9188442448effusiveexpressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.71
9188442449egregiousoutstandingly bad; shocking.72
9188442450freneticfast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way.73
9188442451gratuitousuncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted74
9188442452flagrant(of something considered wrong or immoral) conspicuously or obviously offensive75
9188442453superfluousunnecessary, especially through being more than enough.76
9188442454convolutedextremely complex and difficult to follow (especially or a story, sentence, or argument).77
9188442455cryptichaving a meaning that is mysterious or obscure78
9188442456Obscureuncertain; not discovered or know about.79
9188442457futileincapable of producing any useful result; pointless.80
9188442458impededelay or prevent by obstructing them; hinder.81
9188442459quandarya state of perplexity or uncertainty over what what to do in a difficult situation.82
9188442460alleviatemake (suffering or a problem) less severe.83
9188442461asylumthe protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee. ( or it can be a mental hospital).84
9188442462auspiciousconductive to success; favorable.85
9188442463benevolentwell meaning and kindly86
9188442464benigngentle, kindly.87
9188442465Mollifyappease the anger or anxiety of (someone)88
9188442466reclamationreclaiming; reformation, recovery. (or it can be land obtained from water)89
9188442467SanctionApproval or permission for an action90
9188442468DubiousNot to be relied upon; suspect (hesitating or doubting)91
9188442469Fabricatedinvent or concoct (something), typically with deceitful intent92
9188442470Hypocrisythe practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense93
9188442471Slandermake false and damaging statements about (someone).94
9188442472spuriousnot being what it purports to be; false or fake95
9188442473Astutehaving or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage96
9188442474clandestineoperation is an intelligence or millitary operation carried out in such a way that the operation goes unnoticed by the general population97
9188442475disingenuousnot candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does.98
9188442476rusean action intended to deceive someone; a trick99
9188442477stratagema plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end100
9188442478surreptitiouskept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.101
9188442479waryfeeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems102
9188442480wilyskilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully.103
9188442481inconsequentialnot important or significant104
9188442482superficialexisting or occurring at or on the surface. (appearing to be true or real only until examined more closely).105
9188442483tenuousvery weak or slight >( small in degree).106
9188442484trivialof little value or importance107
9188442485coupa sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.108
9188442486Ambiguous(of language) open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.109
9188442487ambivalenthaving mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.110
9188442488apatheticshowing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.111
9188442489Arbitrarybased on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.112
9188442490capriciousgiven to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior113
9188442491equivocateuse ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself.114
9188442492indifferenthaving no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.115
9188442493whimsicalplayfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way116
9188442494assiduousshowing great care and perseverance117
9188442495compellingevoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way118
9188442496diligenthaving or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties119
9188442497doggedhaving or showing tenacity and grim persistence.120
9188442498enduresuffer (something painful or difficult) patiently121
9188442499intrepidfearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect)122
9188442500maverickan unorthodox or independent-minded person123
9188442501obduratestubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action124
9188442502obstinatestubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so125
9188442503proliferateincrease rapidly in numbers; multiply126
9188442504tenacitythe quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly; grip.127
9188442505vitalitythe state of being strong and active; energy128
9188442506assimilationthe process by which a person or a group's language and/or culture come to resemble those of another group129
9188442507consensusgeneral agreement.130
9188442508contextthe set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation.131
9188442509derivedobtain something from (a specified source)132
9188442510incumbentnecessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility.133
9188442511inevitablecertain to happen; unavoidable134
9188442512malleableeasily influenced; pliable135
9188442513subdueovercome, quieten, or bring under control (a feeling or person)136
9188442514Inoculatemedical : to give (a person or animal) a weakened form of a disease in order to prevent infection by the disease137
9188442515Lurid: causing shock or disgust : involving sex or violence in a way that is meant to be shocking : shining or glowing with a bright and unpleasant color138
9188442516Putrefyingto be slowly destroyed by natural processes : to rot and become putrid139
9188442517Somnolent1 : of a kind likely to induce sleep 2 a : inclined to or heavy with sleep : drowsy140
9188442518Dourserious and unfriendly : silent and gloomy141
9188442519Errantserious and unfriendly : silent and gloomy142
9188442520Bewildered1 : to cause to lose one's bearings 2 : to perplex or confuse especially by a complexity, variety, or multitude of objects or considerations143
9188442521Astroturfed—used for an artificial surface that resembles grass144
9188442522GeriatricAn old person y145
9188442523Tromped1 : tramp 1 2 : to step hard : stamp 146
9188442524Connoisseur: a person who knows a lot about something (such as art, wine, food, etc.) : an expert in a particular subject147
9188442525Attestingto show, prove, or state that something is true or real148
9188442526Soporific: causing a person to become tired and ready to fall asleep149

AP Language Rhetorical Terms Flashcards

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8174405598abstractrefers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images (ideas and qualities rather than observable or specific things, people, or places). The opposite is concrete language0
8174405599ad hominemIn an argument, this is an attack on the person rather than on the opponent's ideas. It comes from the Latin meaning "against the man."1
8174405600allegoryan extended narrative in prose or verse in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract qualities and in which the writer intends a second meaning to be read beneath the surface of the story; the underlying meaning may be moral, religious, political, social, or satiric2
8174408327alliterationthe practice of beginning several consecutive or neighboring words with the same sound3
8174408328allusiona reference to mythological, literary, or historical person, place, or thing in order to develop a comparison4
8174410514analogyComparison of two similar but different things, usually to clarify an action or a relationship5
8174410515anaphorathe repetition of the same word of group of words at the beginning of successive clauses6
8174410516anecdotea short, simple narrative of an incident; often used for humorous effect or to make a point7
8174413476antithesisa direct juxtaposition of structurally parallel words, phrases, or clauses for the purpose of contrast8
8174413477aphorisma short, often witty statement of a principle or a truth about life9
8174416002apostrophea form of personification in which the absent or dead are spoken to as if present and the inanimate, as if animate10
8174416003assonancerepetition of accented vowel sounds between different consonants in a series of words11
8174423085asyndetona deliberate omission of conjunctions in a series of related clauses12
8186047158cacophonyharsh, awkward, or dissonant sounds used deliberately in poetry or prose13
8186047159caricaturedescriptive writing that greatly exaggerates specific features, most often of a person's appearance or a facet of personality14
8186047160chiasmusA sentence arrangement in which the arrangement of ideas in the second phrase or clause is a reversal of the first (using the different words).15
8186050399colloquialisma word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing16
8186050400conceitan extended metaphor; it is developed throughout a piece of writing17
8186053958concreterefers to language that describes specific, observable things, people, or places, rather than ideas or qualities18
8186053959concessionused in argument as the acknowledgement of a point made by one's opponent.19
8186053960connotationimplied or suggested meaning of a word because of its association in the reader's mind20
8186054022consonancerepetition of a consonant sound within a series of words for a harmonious effect21
8186056669counterargumenta response to a point of the opposition22
8186056670denotationliteral meaning of a word as defined23
8186056671diatribea bitter attack or criticism24
8186059554dictionword choice intended to convey a certain effect25
8186059555didactic writingwriting whose purpose is to instruct or to teach. This is usually formal and focuses on moral or ethical concerns26
8186062402dissonanceharsh or grating sounds that do not go together27
8186649990emotional appealWhen a writer appeals to readers' emotions (often through pathos) to excite and involve them in the argument28
8186649991epigraphthe use of a quotation at the beginning of a work that hints at its theme29
8186649992ethical appealWhen a writer tries to persuade the audience to respect and believe him or her based on his/her credibility/reliability, past experiences, level of education, etc30
8186649993euphemisma more acceptable and usually more pleasant way of saying something that might be inappropriate or uncomfortable31
8186653334euphonya succession of harmonious sounds used in poetry or prose32
8186653335exigenceThe situation (reason) that has prompted an author, speaker, etc. to produce a piece of rhetoric33
8186657179extended metaphoran extended, sustained comparison, often referred to as a conceit34
8186781197false analogyWhen two cases are not sufficiently parallel to lead readers to accept a claim of connection between them35
8186784143figurative languagelanguage that contains figures of speech, such as similes and metaphors, in order to create associations that are imaginative rather than literal36
8186784144foreshadowingthe use of hints or clues in a narrative to suggest future actions37
8186784145freight-trainSentence consisting of three or more very short independent clauses joined by conjunctions to make a long sequential statement38
8186806039generalizationWhen a writer bases a claim upon an isolated example or asserts that a claim is certain rather than probable39
8186806040genrea type of literary work40
8187893295homilya "sermon"; informally it can include serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice41
8187893296hyperboledeliberate, extravagant, and often outrageous exaggeration42
8187893297hypophorawhen a writer poses a question and immediately follows the question with an answer43
8187897286imagerywords or phrases a writer uses to represent persons, objects, actions, feelings, and ideas descriptively by appealing to the senses44
8187897287inferencea conclusion one can draw from the presented details45
8187897288interior monologuewriting that records the conversation that occurs inside a character's head46
8187907686invectivea verbally abusive attack47
8188355472verbal ironywhen a speaker or narrator says one thing while meaning the opposite48
8188355473situational ironywhen a situation turns out differently from what one would normally expect49
8188357897dramatic ironywhen a character or speaker says or does something that has different meanings from what he/she thinks it means, though the audience and other characters understand the full implications of the speech or actions50
8188357898jargonThe special language of a profession or group51
8188357899juxtapositionNormally unassociated words or phrases are placed next to one another, often creating an effect of surprise, dramatic enhancement, or wit52
8188357900logical fallacya mistake in reasoning53
8188360601loose sentenceSentence makes complete sense if brought to a close before the actual ending54
8196611671metaphora comparison of two unlike things not using "like" or "as"55
8196611672metonymya figure of speech that uses the name of an object, person, or idea to represent something with which it is associated56
8196611673modethe method or form of a literary work; the manner in which a work of literature is written57
8196611674moodsimilar to tone, this is the atmosphere or dominant emotion in a literary work58
8196613839motifmain theme or subject of a work that is elaborated on in the development of the piece; a repeated pattern or idea59
8196613840negative-positiveSentence that begins by stating what is NOT true, then ending by stating what is true60
8196616702non-sequiturLatin for "it does not follow." When one statement isn't logically connected to another61
8196686568objectivityan impersonal presentation of events and characters. It is a writer's attempt to remove himself or herself from any subjective, personal involvement in a story62
8196690619onomatopoeiaimitative harmony that is the use of words that mimic the sounds they describe in order to reflect on the overall mood in a work63
8196690620oversimplificationWhen a writer obscures or denies the complexity of the issues in an argument64
8196692102oxymorona form of paradox that combines a pair of opposite terms into a single, unusual expression65
8196692103parablea short tale that teaches a moral; similar to but shorter than an allegory66
8196692104paradoxwhen the elements of a statement contradict each other; although the statement may appear illogical, impossible, or absurd, it turns out to have coherent meaning that reveals a hidden truth67
8196692105parallelisma similarity in the way parts of a sentence or sentences are put together; this allows the author to reveal that the ideas are of equal importance68
8196694657parodya work that ridicules the style of another work by imitating and exaggerating its elements69
8196694658pedantica term used to describe writing that borders on lecturing. It is scholarly and academic and often overly difficult and distant70
8196696431periodic sentencemakes sense fully only when the end of the sentence is reached71
8196696432personificationa kind of metaphor that gives inanimate objects or abstract ideas human characteristics72
8196698789first person narratora narrator, referred to as "I," who is a character in the story and relates the actions through his or her own perspective, also revealing his or her own thoughts73
8196698790point of viewthe perspective from which a narrative is told74
8196701499omniscient point of viewthird person narrator, referred to as "he," "she," or "they," who is able to see into each character's mind and understands all the action75
8196701500limited omniscient point of viewa third person narrator who reports the thoughts of only one character and generally only what that one character sees76
8196703323polysyndetonthe deliberate use of many conjunctions for special emphasis to highlight quantity of mass of detail or to create a flowing, continuous pattern77
8196703324protagonistthe central character of a drama, novel, short story, or narrative poem78
8196703325red herringWhen a writer raises an irrelevant issue to draw attention away from the real issue79
8196706160reductio ad absurdumthe Latin for "to reduce to the absurd." This is a technique useful in creating a comic effect and is also an argumentative technique. It is considered a rhetorical fallacy because it reduces an argument to an either/or choice80
8196706161repetitiona device in which words, sounds, and ideas are used more than once to enhance rhythm and to create emphasis81
8196706162rhetoricthe art of effective communication, especially persuasive discourse; this focuses on what is said and how it is crafted together82
8196707728rhetorical fragmenta sentence fragment used deliberately for a persuasive purpose or to create a desired effect83
8196709203rhetorical questiona question that requires no answer because the answer is implied. It is used to pose an idea to be considered by the speaker or audience84
8196799654sarcasmthe use of verbal irony in which a person appears to be praising something but is actually insulting it85
8196799655satireA work that reveals a critical attitude toward some element of human behavior by portraying it in an extreme way86
8196799656similea comparison of two different things or ideas through the use of the words "like" or "as"87
8196801427speakerthe voice of a work; an author may speak as himself or herself or as a fictitious persona88
8196801428stereotypea character who represents a trait that is usually attributed to a particular social or racial group and who lacks individuality; a conventional patter, expression or idea89
8196801429straw manWhen a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak. Setting this up diverts attention from the real issues90
8196803417stream of consciousnessa perspective in which the reader in placed inside the character's head, making the reader privy to the continuous, chaotic flow of disconnected, half-formed thoughts and impressions in the character's mind91
8196803418stylea writer's characteristic manner of crafting language - his or her diction, syntax, imagery, structure, and content all contribute to this92
8196803440subjectivitya personal presentation of evens and characters, influenced by the author's feelings and opinions93
8196807079syllogismA form of reasoning in which two statements are made and a conclusion is drawn from them. The format of a formal argument that consists of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion94
8196807080symbolany object, person, place, or action that has both a meaning in itself and that stands for something larger than itself, such as a quality, attitude, belief, or value95
8196809147synecdochea form of metaphor; a part of something is used to signify the whole96
8196809148syntactic fluencyAbility to create a variety of sentence structures, appropriately complex and/or simple and varied in length97
8196811113syntaxthe arrangement of words and the order of grammatical elements in a sentence98
8196811114telegraphic sentenceshort dramatic sentences, usually used in succession99
8196811115themethe central idea or "message" or a literary work100
8196813087tonethe writer's or speaker's attitude toward a subject, character, or audience, and it is conveyed through the author's choice of words and detail101
8196815808understatementthe opposite of exaggeration/hyperbole. It is a kind of irony that deliberately represents something as being much less than it really is102

AP Language Terms You Should Know Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6708132929RhetoricThe art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques0
6708132930ArgumentA reason or set of reasons given with the purpose of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.1
6708132931AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning2
6708132932AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells") The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply musical sound, and or echo the sense of the passage.3
6708132933AllusionA direct reference to something which is presumably common known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. this can be historical, literary religious, topical or mythical. Ex: "Plan ahead: It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark"4
6708132934MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one or the other, suggesting some similarity. This language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought provoking, and meaningful5
6708132935DictationRelated to style, this refers to the writer's choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness EX: We will do it, I tell you; we will do it.6
6708132936DidacticMeans "teaching". It works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.7
6708132937AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.8
6708132938EnumeratioFigure of amplification in which a subject is divided into constituent parts or details, and may include a listing of causes, effects, problems, solutions, conditions, and consequences; the listing or detailing of the parts of something.9
6708132939NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.10
6708132940OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. EX- "buzz, hiss, crack, whinny, and murmur".11
6708132941ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of the truth or validity.12
6708132942ToneSimilar to mood, tone describes the authors attitude toward his material, the audience, or both. Tone is easier to determine in spoken language than in written language. Some words describing tone are playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, ornate, sardonic, and somber,13
6708132943ParallelismAlso referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this term comes from Greek roots meaning "beside one another." It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphing to give structural similarity. This can involve, but not limited to repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal phrase. The effects of parallelism are numerous, but frequently they act as an organizing force to attract the reader's attention.14
6708132944ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life. Usually theme is unstated in fictional works, but in nonfiction, the theme may be directly stated, especially in expository or argumentative writing.15
6708132945ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. As comedy, parody distorts or exaggerated distinctive features of the original. As it ridicule, it mimics the work by repeating and borrowing words, and borrowing words, phrases, or characteristics in order to illuminate weaknesses in the original. Well-written parody offers enlightenment about the original, but poorly written parody offers ineffectual imitation.16
6708132946GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama. However, genre is a flexible term; within these broad boundaries exist many subdivisions that are often called genres themselves. For example, prose can be divided into fiction (novels and short stories) or nonfiction (essays, biographies, autobiographies, etc.). Poetry can be divided into lyric, dramatic, narrative, epic, etc. Drama can be divided into tragedy, comedy, melodrama, farce, etc.17
6708132947PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.18
6708132948Periodic SentenceA sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. The independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone.19
6708132949SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences. Syntax is similar to diction, but you can differentiate them by thinking of syntax as the groups of words, while diction refers to the individual words. In the multiple choice section, expect to be asked some questions about how an author manipulates syntax. In the essay section, you will need to analyze how syntax produces effects.20
6708132950SynecdocheIsa 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 short, any portion, section, or main quality for the whole or the thing itself.21
6708132951Rhetorical ModesThis flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the purpose of the major kinds of writing. The four most common of these include exposition to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, argumentation is to prove the validity of the idea or point of view22
6708132952Point of ViewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told. There are two general divisions of point of view, and many subdivisions within those. The first person narrator tells the story with the first person pronoun,"I", and is a character in a story. 2) the third person narrator relates the event with the third person pronouns, "he, she, and it". There are two main subdivisions to be aware of: omniscient and limited omniscient. In the "third person omniscient" point of view, the narrator with godlike knowledge, present the thoughts and actions of any or all characters. This is all-knowing narrator can reveal what each character feels and thinks at any given moment. the "third person limited omniscient" point of view, as its names implies, presents the feeling and thoughts of only one character, presenting only the actions of all remaining characters.23
6708132953Predicate AdjectiveOne type of subject complement is an adjective, group of adjectives, or adjective clause that follows a linking verb. it is the predicate of the sentence, and modifies, or describes, the subject24
6708132954ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and non-fiction, including all its forms. In prose the printer determines the length of the line, in poetry, the poet determines the length of the line25
6708132955RepetitionThe duplication, either exact of approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern26
6708132956JuxtapositionWhen two words, phrases, images, ideas are placed close together or side by side for comparison or contrast27
6708132957Predicate NominativeA second type of subject complement- a noun, group of nouns, or noun clause that names the subject. It, like the predicate adjective, follows a linking verb and is located in the predicate of the sentence28
6708132958PersonificationA figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with humans attributes or emotions. Personification is used to make these abstractions, animal, or objective appear more vivid to the reader.29
6708132959Inference/InferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. When a multiple-choice question asks for an inference to be drawn from a passage, the most direct, most reasonable inference is the safest answer choice.30
6708132960InvectiveAn emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attach using strong, abusive language.31
6708132961Irony/IronicThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what it really meant. The difference between what appears to be ans what actually is true. 1)Verbal Irony- the words literally state the opposite of the writer's (speaker's) true meaning 2)Situational Irony- events turn out the opposite of what was expected 3)Dramatic Irony- facts or events are unknown to a character in a play or piece of fiction, but are known to the reader/audience32
6708132962ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent more gustatory, or olfactory imagery. On a broader and deeper level, however, one image can represent more than one thing.33
6708132963PolysyndetonFigure of addition and emphasis which intentionally employs a series of conjunctions not normally found in successive words, phrases or clauses; the deliberate and excessive use of conjunction is successive words or clauses. The effect is a feeling of multiplicity, energetic enumeration, and building up- a persistence or intensity.34
6708132964HypophoraFigure of reasoning in which one or more questions is/are asked and then answered, often at length, by one and the same speaker; raising and responding to one's own question (s). A common usage is to ask the question at the beginning of a paragraph to answer it. You can use hypophora to raise questions which you think the reader obviously has on his/her mind and would like to see formulated and answered.35
6708132965OxymoronFrom the Greek meaning for "pointedly foolish," an oxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. EX-"jumbo shrimp" and "cruel kindness."36
6708132966ExpletiveFigure of emphasis in which a single word or short phrase, usually interrupting normal speech, is used to lend emphasis to the words on either side of it.37
6708132967EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech", they are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. It may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor or ironic understatement.38
6708132968HomilyThis term literally means "sermon", but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.39
6708132969HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. Hyperboles often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often, hyperbole produces irony.40
6708132970Asyndetonconsists of omitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses. This can give the effect of unpremeditated multiplicity, of an extemporaneous rather than a labored account. Ex: On his return he received medals, honors, treasures, titles, fame41
6708132971Atmospherethe emotional mood created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting and partly by the author's choice of objects that are described.42
6708132972CoherenceA principle demanding that the parts of any composition be arranged so that the meaning of the whole may be immediately clear and intelligible.43
6708132973ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Provide ideas emotions or attitudes44
6708132974DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, definition of a word, devoid of any emotion attitude, or color.45
6708132975ConceitA fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects46
6708132976Colloquial/ColloquialismThe of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Not generally acceptable for formal writing.47
6708132977Chiasuma figure of speech in which two successive phrases or clauses are parallel in syntax, but reverse the order of the analogous words.48
6708132978Clausea grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb49
6708132979apostrophea figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot answer.50
6708132980ExpositionIn essays, one of the four chief types of composition, the others being argumentation, description, and narration. The purpose of exposition is to explain something. In drama, the exposition is the introductory material, which creates the tone, gives the setting, and introduces the characters and conflict.51
6708132981Generic ConventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre; for examples they differentiate an essay and journalistic writing or an autobiography and political writing. On the AP language exam, try to distinguish the unique features of a writer's work from the dictated by convention.52
6708132982ThesisIn expository writing, the thesis statement is the sentence or a group of sentences that directly expresses the authors opinion, purpose, meaning, or position. Expository writing is usually judged by analyzing how accurately, effectively, thoroughly a writer has proved the thesis53
6708132983aphorisma 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)54
6708132984Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout the work.55
6708132985Figure of SpeechA device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things. Figures of speech include apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, metonymy, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, synecdoche, and understatement.56
6708132986MetonymyA term from Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name". Metonymy is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. a news release that claims "the White House declared" rather that "the President declared" is using metonymy. the substituted term generally carries a more potent emotional response.57
6708132987MoodThis term has two distinct technical meanings in English writing. the first meaning is grammatical and eals with verbal units and a speaker's attitude. The indicative mood is used only for factual sentences. for example, "Joe eats too quickly." The subjective mood is used to express conditions contrary to fact. for example, "If I were you, I'd get another job." The imperative mood is used for commands. For example, "Shut the door!" The second meaning of mood is literary, meaning the prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work. Setting, tone, and events can affect the mood. In this usage, mood is similar to tone and atmosphere.58
6708132988AnaphoraOne of the devices of repetition, in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences.59
6708132989AntecedentThe word, phrase or clause referred to by a pronoun.60
6708132990AntithesisFigure 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. It creates a definite and systematic relationship between ideas.61
6708132991AnecdoteA short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or events. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person62
6708132992TransitionA word or phase that links different ideas. Used especially although not exclusively, in expository and argumentative writing, transitions effectively signal a shift from one idea to another. A few commonly used words or phrases are furthermore, consequently, nevertheless, for example, in addition, likewise, similarly and on the contrary.63
6708132993Analogya similarity or comparing between two different things or the relationship between them. It can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar.64
6708132994Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid.65
6708132995UnderstatementThe ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic. Understatement is the opposite of hyperbole66
6708132996WitIn modern usage , intellectually amazing language that surprises and delights. A witty statement in humorous, while suggesting the speakers verbal power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. Wit usually uses terse language that makes a pointed statement. Historically, wit originally meant basic understanding. Its meaning evolved to include speed of understanding and finally (in the early 17th century) it grew to mean quick perception including creative fancy and a quick tongue to articulate an answer that demanded the same quick perception67
6708132997UndertoneAn attitude that may lie under the ostensible tone of the piece. Under a cheery surface, for example, a work may have threatening undertones. William Blake's " The Chimney Sweeper" from the songs of Innocence has a grim undertone68
6708132998Subject ComplementThe word or clauses that follows a linking verb and complements.....69
6708132999Loose SentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by independent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses. If a period were placed at the end of the independent clause, the clause would be a complete sentence. a work containing many loose sentences often seem informal, relaxed, and conversational. Generally loose sentences create loose style.70
6708133000DiacopeRepetition of a word or phrase after an intervening word or phrase: word/phrase X,..., word/phrase X.71
6708133001StyleThe consideration of style has 2 purposes 1) an evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. 2) classification of authors to a group and comparison of an author to similar authors.72
6708133002SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotation, and their relation to one another73

AP English Language: Style Vocab Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7168504853simple sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and no dependent clause.0
7168506475compound sentenceA sentence with two or more independent clauses.1
7168507155complex sentenceA sentence with one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.2
7168508905compound-complex sentenceA sentence with two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.3
7168510312loose sentenceA sentence that adds modifying elements after the subject, verb, and complement.4
7168511519periodic sentenceA sentence with modifying elements included before the verb and/or complement.5
7168513136synecdocheA part of something used to refer to the whole—for example, "50 heads of cattle" referring to 50 complete animals.6
7168517920metonymyAn entity referred to by one of its attributes or associations—for example, "The admissions office claims applications have risen."7
7168519857parallelismA set of similarly structured words, phrases, or clauses that appears in a sentence or paragraph.8
7168521832dictionWord choice, which is viewed on scales of formality/informality, concreteness/abstraction, Latinate derivation/Anglo-Saxon derivation, and denotative value/connotative value.9
7168573844Latinate dictionVocabulary characterized by the choice of elaborate, often complicated words derived from Latin roots.10
7168575205Anglo-Saxon dictionWord choice characterized by simple, often one- or two-syllable nouns, adjectives, and adverbs.11
7168526383slangInformal language, often considered inappropriate for formal occasions and text.12
7168530244dialectThe describable patterns of language—grammar and vocabulary—used by a particular cultural or ethnic population.13
7168531273personificationThe giving of human characteristics to inanimate objects.14
7168532515periphrasisThe substitution of an attributive word or phrase for a proper name, or the use of a proper name to suggest a personality characteristic. For example, "Pete Rose—better known as 'Charlie Hustle'—admitted his gambling problem" or "That young pop singer thinks she's a real Madonna, doesn't she?"15
7168545721denotationThe dictionary definition of a word, in contrast to its connotation, or implied meaning.16
7168548353connotationThe implied meaning of a word, in contrast to its directly expressed "dictionary meaning."17
7168551173schemeAn artful variation from typical formation and arrangement of words or sentences.18
7168553638tropeAn artful variation from expressed modes of expression of thoughts and ideas.19
7168557075parallelism of wordsA set of similarly structured words that appears in a sentence or paragraph.20
7168557681parallelism of phrasesA set of similarly structured phrases that appears in a sentence or paragraph.21
7168557996punA play on words.22
7168566921anthimeriaOne part of speech—for example, a noun—substituting for another—for example, a verb.23
7168577167parallelism of clausesA set of similarly structured clauses that appears in a sentence or paragraph.24
7168600320antithesisThe juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas, often in parallel structure—for example, "Place your virtues on a pedestal; put your vices under a rock."25
7168602379antithesis of wordsA juxtaposition of contrasting words, often in parallel structure.26
7168603147antithesis of phrasesA juxtaposition of contrasting phrases, often in parallel structure.27
7168603429antithesis of clausesA juxtaposition of contrasting clauses, often in parallel structure.28
7168604412antimetaboleThe repetition of words in successive clauses in reverse grammatical order.29
7168608820onomatopoeiaA literary device in which the sound of a word is related to its meaning—for example, "buzz" and "moan".30
7168610819hyperbolean exaggeration for effect.31
7168611548parenthesisAn insertion of material that interrupts the typical flow of a sentence.32
7168613437appositiveA noun or noun phrase that follows another noun immediately and defines or amplifies its meaning.33
7168614863ellipsisThe omission of words, the meaning of which is provided by the overall context of the passage.34
7168616512asyndetonThe omission of conjunctions between related clauses—for example, "I came, I saw, I conquered."35
7168619598alliterationThe repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning or in the middle of two or more adjacent words.36
7168621034assonanceThe repetition of vowel sounds in the stressed syllables of two or more adjacent words.37
7168622821litotesUnderstatement—for example, "Her performance ran the gamut from A to B."38
7168624753IronyWriting or speaking that implies the opposite the contrary of what is actually written or spoken.39
7168626577anaphoraThe repetition of a group of words at the beginning of successive clauses.40
7168627981epistropheThe repetition of a group of words at the end of successive clauses—for example, "They saw no evil, they spoke no evil, and they heard no evil."41
7168630556anadiplosisThe repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the following clause.42
7168631604climaxThe arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in order of increasing number or importance.43
7168632528simileA type of comparison that uses the words like or as.44
7168634707metaphorAn implied comparison that does not use the words like or as—for example, "His voice was a cascade of emotion"; the most important of the tropes.45
7168636747oxymoronJuxtaposed words with seemingly contradictory meanings—for example, "jumbo shrimp."46
7168638026rhetorical questionA question posed by a speaker or writer not to seek an answer but instead to affirm or deny a point simply by asking a question about it.47

AP English Language and Composition Tone Words by Definition Flashcards

Set contains a generous selection of adjectives describing "tone."

Terms : Hide Images
7243825415eulogisticinvolving formal praise in speech or writing, usually for the dead0
7243825416gravesomething serious or solemn1
7243825417pensivedreamily thoughtful2
7243825418piousdisplaying a reverence for God3
7243825419venerativeregarding with reverence4
7243825420ferventwarmth; intensity of spirit5
7243825421giddyfrivolous; lighthearted6
7243825422laudatorycontaining and expressing praise7
7243825423elegiacof, relating to, or involving mourning or expressing sorrow8
7243825424lugubriousmournful, dismal, gloomy, especially to a ludicrous degree9
7243825425banteringgood-humored, playful in conversation10
7243825426cynicaltendency to believe human behavior is selfish and opportunistic11
7243825427derisiveridiculing, mocking12
7243825428facetiouslightly amusing; unserious; frivolous, especially at the wrong time13
7243825429farcicalcomedic with high exaggeration14
7243825430flippantlacking in seriousness; disrespectfully casual; uncaring15
7243825431ludicrousridiculous; laughable; outlandish; silly16
7243825432mock-heroicsatiric imitation of heroic traits17
7243825433sardonicscornfully or cynically mocking; sarcastic18
7243825434satiriccharacterized by satire19
7243825435wrysatiric; bitter20
7243825436cholericeasily angered21
7243825437indignantmarked by anger; aroused by justice22
7243825438inflammatorylikely to stir up anger or trouble23
7243825439vexedannoyed; irritated; distressed24
7243825440blithejoyous, merry, glad25
7243825441euphoricbeyond earthly happiness26
7243825442jocundcheery, joyful, and happy27
7243825443whimsicalplayful; humorous or fanciful; unpredictable28
7243825444bemusedpreoccupied; deep in thought29
7243825445expectanthaving expectations30
7243825446antagonistichostile, unfriendly31
7243825447belligerentaggressively hostile; warlike32
7243825448vitriolicscathing or bitter33
7243825449apprehensiveuneasy about the future34
7243825450diffidenttimid; reserved in manner35
7243825451fatalisticin the belief that everything is predetermined and out of our hands36
7243825452forebodingto have inward conviction of37
7243825453starkplain; harsh; bleak or grim38
7243825454timoroustimid39
7243825455effusiveunrestrained and excessive in emotional expression40
7243825456picturesquestrikingly expressive or vivid41
7243825457sentimentalcolored by emotion rather than realism42
7243825458convolutedvery complicated or involved43
7243825459abstracttheoretical; without reference to specifics44
7243825460allusivecharacterized by indirect references45
7243825461classicalformal; standard; traditional46
7243825462cogentconvincing; reasonable47
7243825463culturedhigh degree or taste48
7243825464epistolaryinvolving letters49
7243825465eruditelearned; scholarly50
7243825466idiomaticpeculiar to a particular language51
7243825467urbanesophisticated52
7243825468acerbicsharp or sour53
7243825469bombasticpretentious and pompous54
7243825470brusqueblunt55
7243825471callousemotionally hardened56
7243825472condescendingin a patronizing, degrading manner57
7243825473contemptuousscornful, expressing in disgrace58
7243825474contentiousinvolving or likely to cause contention59
7243825475disdainfulscornful60
7243825476evasivetending or intending to evade61
7243825477haughtyproud and vain to the point of arrogance62
7243825478iconoclasticinclined to attack cherished beliefs and emotions63
7243825479imperiousarrogantly domineering; overbearing64
7243825480insolentrude; not showing proper respect; arrogant65
7243825481irreverentshowing disrespect for things that are normally respected66
7243825482patronizingto treat in a condescending manner67
7243825483petulanteasily irritated or annoyed68
7243825484pretentiousexaggerated show of dignity or importance69
7243825485provocativetending to provoke70
7243825486stridentloud, harsh, and unpleasantly noisy71
7243825487aloofindifferent, disinterested72
7243825488banalpointless and uninteresting73
7243825489detacheddisinterested; unbiased74
7243825490objectiveuninfluenced by emotions75
7243825491restrainedheld back; deprived76
7243825492stolidhaving or revealing little emotion77
7243825493turgidpompous; excessively ornate or complex in style or language78
7243825494ambiguousdoubtful, uncertain from obscurity or indistinctiveness79
7243825495incredulousunbelieving80
7243825496skepticalshowing doubt81
7243825497tentativein an unsure state of mind82
7243825498ambivalentmixture of opposite feelings83
7243825499obscurenot clearly expressed; ambiguous or vague84
7243825500pedanticconcerned with unimportant details85
7243825501austerestern; strict; frugal86
7243825502didacticinclined to teach or moralize (often excessively)87
7243825503moralisticconcerned with principles of morality88
7243825504puritanicalstrict or severe in matters of morality89
7243825505candidopen and sincere; straightforward; honest90
7243825506colloquialordinary and informal (usually refers to conversation)91
7243825507homespunsimple and homely92
7243825508insipidvapid; bland93
7243825509lucideasily understood; clear94
7243825510mundaneordinary; common; everyday95
7243825511terseeffectively concise; brief96
7243825512audaciousfearless; recklessly daring; unrestrained; insolent97
7243825513baroqueelaborate; ornamental98
7243825514cinematichaving the qualities of a motion picture99
7243825515conciliatoryagreeable; characterized by appeasement100
7243825516crepuscularhaving to do with shadowy areas (usually has to do with humanity)101
7243825517decadentmarked by a decay in morals and values; indulgent102
7243825518discursivemoving pointlessly from one subject to another; rambling103
7243825519evocativehaving the ability to call forth memories or other responses104
7243825520lethargicslow; sluggish105
7243825521pettylesser; minor106
7243825522provinciallimited in perspective; self-centered107
7243825523prurientpreoccupied with lewd and lustful thoughts108
7243825524self-concerningaware of oneself as an individual; not confident109
7243825525sepulchralpertaining to burial110
7243825526transitoryshort-lived; temporary111
7243825527tritestale; worn out; overused112
7243825528zealoushighly motivated; fervent113

Vocabulary List 7 AP Language Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8199371793Headstrongstubborn (Adj)0
8200278052Lacklusterdull (Adj)1
8200278053Objectiveunbiased (Adj)2
8200283839Pliableflexible (Adj)3
8200283840Rescindto retract (V)4
8200286392Temperto moderate (V)5
8200289415Abstrusedifficult to understand (Adj)6
8200295980Blunderbussancient weapon (N)7
8200300630Cringerecoil/flinch (V)8
8200295981Envenomto cause bitterness (V)9

AP Language Vocab List #7 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6062313592amenable(adjective) open and responsive to suggestion0
6062375904averse(adjective) having a strong dislike of or opposition to something1
6199134436candor(noun) the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.2
6062389597deleterious(adjective) causing harm or damage3
6062390690ebullient(adjective) cheerful and full of energy4
6062390923flagrant(adjective) conspicuously or obviously offensive (of something considered wrong or immoral)5
6062392144hackneyed(adjective) lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and trite (of a phrase or idea)6
6062395336inclement(adjective) unpleasantly cold or wet (of the weather)7
6062396470languid(adjective) having or showing a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed (of a person, manner or gesture)8
6062397622miasma(noun) a highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapor9
6062399250pallid(adjective) pale, typically because of poor health (of a person's face)10
6062399846puerile(adjective) childishly silly and trivial11
6062401796salubrious(adjective) health-giving; healthy12
6062403315tenacious(adjective) tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely13
6062404633vestige(noun) a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists14

AP Language and Composition Vocabulary Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
9653790334Expletivenoun, a profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger0
9653790335Asyndetonnoun, the omission of conjunctions like "and" or "but" where they would normally be used to make a speech more dramatic and effective by speeding up its rhythm and pace. This is a rhetorical device.1
9653790336Polysyndetonnoun, using several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some might be omitted (as in `he ran and jumped and laughed for joy'), a rhetorical device opposite to asyndeton.2
9653790337Understatementnoun, a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said. You make an understatement when you say a lot less than you could. If you say "We didn't do our best" when your team loses 56 to 0, that's quite an understatement.3
9653790338Litotesnoun, understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary). "He's not the brightest bulb in the lamp," meaning "He's dumb" Or "She's no beauty queen" meaning "She's ugly"4
9653790339Parallelismnoun, similarity by virtue of corresponding. Parallelism is used in sentence construction to give matching structure. In the sentence, "I like to read, dancing, and fighting off Zombie attacks," the parts of the list are not parallel. You can revise the sentence for parallelism: "I like to read, to dance, and to fight off Zombie attacks."5
9653790340Chiasmusnoun, inversion in the second of two parallel phrases, a rhetorical technique that involves a reversal of terms, such as "It's good to be lucky, but it's lucky to be good."6
9653790341Zeugmanoun, rhetorical use of a word to govern two or more words though only one of the two thoughts should make literal or grammatical sense. For example, you could use the zeugma, "I lost my keys and my temper." In Greek, zeugma means "a yoking," as in yoking one word to two ideas.7
9653790342Antithesisnoun, exact opposite, An antithesis wouldn't exist without a thesis because it works as a comparison. Though the counterculture was strong in America in 1968, voters elected Richard Nixon, the antithesis of a hippie.8
9653790343Anaphoranoun, repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Used to show emphasis in speech or writing, anaphora is a popular tool for politicians, religious leaders, lyricists, and poets.In Martin Luther King Jr's most famous speech, he said "I have a dream" eight different times.9
9653790344Epistrophenoun, repetition of the ends of two or more successive sentences, verses, etc. Similar to Anaphora but at the end of sentences, you can use epistrophe as a rhetorical device when you give a speech, to emphasize your ideas. One example is President Barack Obama's repetition, at the end of sentence after sentence, of the phrase "Yes, we can."10
9653790345Anadiplosisnoun, repetition of the final words of a sentence or line at the beginning of the next. Part of another figure of speech Chiasmus, every anadiplosis does not necessarily reverse its structure like it is done in chiasmus. "Forget what you want to remember, and remember what you want to forget," is an example of chiasmus (as it involves a reversal of structure in the second clause) and anadiplosis as word "remember" marks the end of one clause and the start of the subsequent clause. "The land of my fathers and my fathers can have it." is an example of anadiplosis involving a typical repetition of the word "my father" but, unlike chiasmus, the structure of the final clause is not reversed.11
9653790346Conduplicationoun, Figure of repetition in which the key word or words in one phrase, clause, or sentence is/are repeated at or very near the beginning of successive sentences, clauses, or phrases; repetition of a key word over successive phrases or clauses. ex. "I answered their questions truthfully, including questions about my private life -- questions no American citizen would ever want to answer."12
9653790347Epanalepsisnoun, rhetoric, a repetition of a word or a phrase with intervening words setting off the repetition, sometimes occurring with a phrase used both at the beginning and end of a sentence, as in Only the poor really know what it is to suffer; only the poor.13
9653790348HypophoraHypophora is a figure of speech in which a writer raises a question and then immediately provides an answer to that question. Commonly, a question is asked in the first paragraph and then the paragraph is used to answer the question. In hypophora, the writer first poses a question and then answers that question immediately such as in this example, "What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured." while in Rhetorical question, the answer is not provided by the writer since it does not require an answer. Such as, ".....For if we lose the ability to perceive our faults, what is the good of living on?"14
9653790349Rhetorical QuestionA rhetorical question is asked just for effect or to lay emphasis on some point discussed when no real answer is expected. A rhetorical question may have an obvious answer but the questioner asks rhetorical questions to lay emphasis to the point. In literature, a rhetorical question is self-evident and used for style as an impressive persuasive device. "O Wind, If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?", "It's too hot today. Isn't it?", "The actors played the roles well. Didn't they?"15
9653790350ProcatalepsisProcatalepsis is a figure of speech which is also known as prebuttal or prolepsis in which the speaker or writer gives response to the objection of an opponent in his speech by repeating his objection. It could also be that he responds to his own objection in order to strengthen his argument by using counterarguments. Once the speakers bring attention to a possible rebuttal, they immediately refute or discredit it, for the fear that people may get confused. "I know what you're going to say...'That if they look at it properly they'll see that it wasn't our fault. But will they look at it properly? Of course they won't. You know what cats they are...", "I can think of no one objection that will possibly be raised against this proposal, unless it should be urged that the number of people will be thereby much lessened in the kingdom. This I freely own, and it was indeed the principal design in offering it to the world."16
9653790351MetabasisA transition or change from one subject to another. Consists of a brief statement of what has been said and what will follow. It might be called a linking, running, or transitional summary, whose function is to keep the discussion ordered and clear in its progress: ex. Now that I have made this catalogue of swindles and perversions, let me give another example of the kind of writing that they lead to. --George Orwell17
9653790352DistinctioFigure of explication in which an introductory reference to a word's meaning is made (e.g., "by x I mean", "which is to say that", "that is") followed by a further elaboration of that word's meaning; explicit definition of or elaboration upon the meaning or meanings of a particular word or set of words. "A team of Minot airmen was dispatched to the base Weapons Storage Area to pick up and transport two pylons to a Barksdale B-52 aircraft. For those of you unfamiliar with the term "pylon," for our purposes today, a pylon is a self-contained package of six cruise missiles that can be quickly mounted to the wing of a B-52."18
9653790353AmplificationA rhetorical device used to embellish a sentence or statement by adding further information. Increase readability and worth of the statement or sentence. It is usually used when a simple sentence is abrupt and cannot convey the desired implications. Writers then use amplification to make structural additions and give further meanings by describing and repeating a certain statement or idea. "Mr. and Mrs. Veneering were bran-new people in a bran-new house in a bran-new quarter of London. Everything about the Veneerings was spick and span new. All their furniture was new, all their friends were new, all their servants were new, their place was new, . . . their harness was new, their horses were new, their pictures were new, they themselves were new, they were as newly-married as was lawfully compatible with their having a bran-new baby..."19
9653790354Scesis OnomatonFigure of repetition in which a set of two or more different words having the same (or very nearly the same) meaning occurs within the same sentence; a successive series of words or phrases whose meanings are generally equivalent. "America is all about opportunity. That's why my parents came to America more than 40 years ago. And that's why most of your parents came here generations ago in search of an opportunity, a chance, a fair shake."20
9653790355ApophasisRhetoric. denial of one's intention to speak of a subject that is at the same time named or insinuated, as "I shall not mention Caesar's avarice, nor his cunning, nor his morality.", mentioning something by saying it will not be mentioned (as in "we won't discuss his past crimes")21
9653790356Metanoia (correctio)A self-correction. It's when a writer or speaker deliberately goes back and modifies a statement that they just made, usually either to strengthen it or soften it in some way. Metanoia involves correcting a statement just made - when an author corrects a much earlier statement, it isn't metanoia. "To help or, at least, to do no harm.", "I have my shortcomings, through my own fault and through my failure to observe the admonitions of the gods - and I may almost say, their direct instructions."22
9653790357AporiaAn expression of insincere doubt. When the writer or speaker pretends, briefly, not to know a key piece of information or not to understand a key connection. After raising this doubt, the author will either respond to the doubt, or leave it open in a suggestive or "hinting" manner. When an aporia is phrased in the form of a question, it's called a rhetorical question. "You see, we believe that 'We're all in this together' is a far better philosophy than 'You're on your own.' So who's right?" We all know that he believes the Democratic philosophy is better, and he goes on to make his argument for that position. The aporia is a way of setting up the argument.23
9653790358Similenoun, a figure of speech that expresses a resemblance between things of different kinds (usually formed with `like' or `as'). Use a simile when describing a comparison between two fundamentally different things, such as: "His voice was smooth, like butter in a warm pan."24
9653790359Analogynoun, drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect. When you draw an analogy between two things, you compare them for the purpose of explanation. The movie character Forest Gump made a silly analogy famous: "Life is like a box of chocolates." If a scientist explains that the earth's forests function as its lungs, we understand the analogy to mean that both trees and lungs take in important elements from the air.25
9653790360MetaphorA figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity. You make an analogy between two things to show how one resembles the other in some way. When a character from Shakespeare calls the world his oyster, that's his boastful way of saying that all the riches of the world are his for the taking, like plucking a pearl from an oyster shell.26
9653790361CatachresisCatachresis is a figure of speech in which writers use mixed metaphors in an inappropriate way to create rhetorical effect. Often, it is used intentionally to create a unique expression. Catachresis is also known as an exaggerated comparison between two ideas or objects. "Tis deepest winter in Lord Timon's purse; that is, one may reach deep enough, and find little", "A man that studies revenge keeps his own wounds green...."27
9653790362SynecdocheSynecdoche is a figure of speech in which you use a part of something to stand for the whole thing (or vice versa). If your parents buy you a car and you say that you just got a new set of wheels, you're using synecdoche — you're using the wheels, which are part of a car, to refer to the whole car. The word "bread" refers to food or money as in "Writing is my bread and butter" or "sole breadwinner". The phrase "gray beard" refers to an old man, The word "sails" refers to a whole ship, The word "suits" refers to businessmen, The word "boots" usually refers to soldiers.28
9653790363MetonymyIt is a figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated. Synecdoche refers to a thing by the name of one of its parts. In a metonymy, on the other hand, the word we use to describe another thing is closely linked to that particular thing, but is not a part of it. For example, "Crown" which means power or authority is a metonymy. "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears."29
9653790364PersonificationPersonification is a figure of speech in which a thing, an idea or an animal is given human attributes. The non-human objects are portrayed in such a way that we feel they have the ability to act like human beings. Look at my car. She is a beauty, isn't it so?, The wind whispered through dry grass, The flowers danced in the gentle breeze, Time and tide waits for none.30
9653790365HyperboleHyperbole is a figure of speech, which involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis. Praising your favorite sports team is one thing, but if you call the team the most incredible group of humans ever to walk the earth, then you're going overboard and indulging in hyperbole.31
9653790366AllusionAllusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers. It is just a passing comment and the writer expects the reader to possess enough knowledge to spot the allusion and grasp its importance in a text. The main thing to remember is that an allusion is a brief hint or a quick mention. It's meant to bring to mind a particular subject, but it always avoids getting into it in great depth.32
9653790367EponymEponym is a name of a legend or real person that writers associate with some other person, object, institution or thing. Simply, we can define it as a famous person whose name is given to someone else, such as Homer has derived the name of ancient epic "The Odyssey" from a major character, Odysseus. Saxophone was given the name of Sax, a surname of family from Belgium, which was skilled at making musical instruments.33
9653790368OxymoronOxymoron is a figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective proceeded by a noun with contrasting meanings, e.g. "cruel kindness" or "living death". However, the contrasting words/phrases are not always glued together. The contrasting ideas may be spaced out in a sentence, e.g. "In order to lead, you must walk behind." "the shackles of love straiten'd him His honour rooted in dishonored stood And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true"34
9653790369EpithetEpithet is a descriptive literary device that describes a place, a thing or a person in such a way that it helps in making the characteristics of a person, thing or place more prominent than they actually are. Also, it is known as a by-name or descriptive title. The noun epithet is a descriptive nickname, such as "Richard the Lionhearted," or "Tommy the Terrible."35
9653790370HyperbatonHyperbaton has been derived from a Greek word that means inversion in the arrangement of common words. It can be defined as a rhetorical device in which the writers play with the normal position of words, phrases and clauses in order to create differently arranged sentences, but which still suggest a similar meaning. "Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall..."36
9653790371ParenthesisParenthesis 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 grammatically the it does not affect the text that is correct without it. Writers mark them off by round and square brackets or by commas, dashes, little lines and brackets. As far as its purpose is concerned, this verbal unit provides extra information, interrupts syntactic flow of words, and allows the readers to pay attention on explanation. you must sympathize with the reader's plight (most readers are in trouble about half the time) but never seek to know the reader's wants. "you must sympathize with the reader's plight (most readers are in trouble about half the time) but never seek to know the reader's wants."37
9653790372AlliterationA stylistic device in which a number of words, having the same first consonant sound, occur close together in a series. An important point to remember here is that alliteration does not depend on letters but on sounds. So the phrase not knotty is alliterative, but cigarette chase is not. But a better butter makes a batter better, A big bully beats a baby boy, Dunkin' Donuts, Best Buy, "The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, The furrow followed free; We were the first that ever burst Into that silent sea."38
9653790373OnomatopoeiaA word, which imitates the natural sounds of a thing. It creates a sound effect that mimics the thing described, making the description more expressive and interesting. In addition to the sound they represent, many onomatopoeic words have developed meanings of their own. For example, "whisper" not only represents the sound of people talking quietly, but also describes the action of people talking quietly. "Hark, hark! Bow-wow. The watch-dogs bark! Bow-wow. Hark, hark! I hear The strain of strutting chanticleer Cry, 'cock-a-diddle-dow!'"39
9653790374ApostropheIn literature, apostrophe is a figure of speech sometimes represented by exclamation "O". A writer or a speaker, using an apostrophe, detaches himself from the reality and addresses an imaginary character in his speech. Apostrophe used in literature is an arrangement of words addressing a non-existent person or an abstract idea in such a way as if it were present and capable of understanding feelings. "Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee! I have thee not, and yet I see thee still." Macbeth has a strange vision of a dagger and talks to it as if it were another person.40
9653790375EnthymemeAn argumentative statement in which the writer or the speaker omits one of the major or minor premises, does not clearly pronounce it, or keeps this premise implied. The omitted premise in enthymeme remains understandable even if is not clearly expressed. For instance, "Where there is smoke, there is fire." (The hidden premise: The smoke causes fire.) This is known as truncated or rhetoric syllogism. Its purpose is to influence the audience and allow them to make inferences. They can be easily recognized, as these statements comes after "because." "[M]y parents decide to buy my brothers guns. These are not 'real' guns. They shoot 'BBs,' copper pellets my brothers say will kill birds. Because I am a girl, I do not get a gun."41
9653790376ClimaxAs a stylistic device, the term climax refers to a literary device in which words, phrases and clauses are arranged in an order to increase their importance within the sentence. "This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable Rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." OR Climax is that particular point in a narrative at which the conflict or tension hits the highest point. Climax is a structural part of a plot and is at times referred to as a crisis. It is a decisive moment or a turning point in a storyline at which the rising action turns around into a falling action. Thus, a climax is the point at which a conflict or crisis reaches its peak that calls for a resolution or conclusion.42
9653790377DiacopeThis literary device is a repetition of a phrase or word broken up by other intervening words. For instance, a very popular example of diacope is in William Shakespeare' Hamlet, "to be, or not to be!" In this line, you can notice that the speaker has repeated a phrase "to be" which is separated by another phrase "or not." "You held me down, but I got up,You hear my voice, you hear that sound... You held me down, but I got up Get ready 'cause I've had enough I see it all, I see it now."43
9653790378AntimetaboleAntimetabole is a literary term or device that involves repeating a phrase in reverse order. You like it; it likes you" and "Fair is foul and foul is fair." When a sentence is repeated after reversing it so as to convey an idea or stress on a point, it is called chiasmus. In an antimetabole the words and grammatical structure is also reversed because just reversing the meaning is not enough. All the antimetaboles are chiasmus, but not all instances of chiasmus are antimetaboles. "You stood up for America, now America must stand up for you."44
9653790379AntiphrasisAntiphrasis is a figurative speech in which a phrase or word is employed in a way that is opposite to its literal meaning in order to create an ironic or comic effect. It is the use of phrases or words in their opposite sense than the real meaning. "Yes, I killed him. I killed him for money-and a woman-and I didn't get the money and I didn't get the woman. Pretty, isn't it....." (Double Indemnity by Billy Wilder and Raymond). Here, the speaker is making ironic statement by using opposite sense of the word pretty. He has committed murder, yet he describes his act "pretty".45
9653790380EpizeuxisIt is defined as a rhetorical device in which the words or phrases are repeated in a quick succession after each other for emphasis. It is also called diacope. Epistrophe is the repetition of the words at the end of successive sentences such as "Where now? Who now? When now...,". Whereas, anaphora is the reverse of epistrophe; it is a repetition of the words and phrases at the beginning of successive sentences. Epizeuxis, is less refined but, it makes a very strong impact. Epizeuxis is the repetition of words in succession within a same sentence such as "The horror, the horror." "And my poor fool is hanged! No, no, no life! Why should a dog, a horse, a rat have life, And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more, Never, never, never, never!"46
9653790381AposiopesisA rhetorical device that can be defined as a figure of speech in which the speaker or writer breaks off abruptly and leaves the statement incomplete, as if the speaker is not willing to state what is present in his mind due to being overcome by passion, excitement or fear. In a piece of literature, it means to leave a sentence unfinished so that the reader could determine his own meanings. "Well, I lay if I get hold of you I'll - She did not finish, for by this time she was bending down and punching under the bed with the broom, and so she needed breath to punctuate the punches with. She resurrected nothing but the cat...."47
9653790382AnacoluthonA stylistic device defined as a syntactic deviation and interruption within a sentence from one structure to another. In this interruption, the expected sequence of grammar is absent. The grammatical flow of sentences is interrupted in order to begin more sentences. "I will have such revenges on you both, That all the world shall-I will do such things, What they are, yet I know not....." This excerpt can be considered as one of the good anacoluthon examples as there is interruption from one sentence to another and such interruption is done to attract the readers' attention.48
9653790383EnumeratioEnumeration is a rhetorical device used for listing the details or a process of mentioning words or phrases step by step. In fact, it is a type of amplification or division in which a subject is further distributed into components or parts. The writers use enumeration to elucidate a topic to make it understandable for the readers. It also clarifies the ambiguity that may be created in the minds of the readers. "W]hen we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, 'Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"49
9653790384Antanagoge(Rhet.) A figure which consists in answering the charge of an adversary, by a counter charge. Not being able to answer the accusation of an adversary, a person instead makes a counter allegation or counteracting an opponent's proposal with an opposing proposition in one's own speech or writing.50
9653790385ParataxisA rhetorical term in which phrases and clauses are placed one after another independently, without coordinating or subordinating them through the use of conjunctions. It is also called additive style. Parataxis is sometimes used as asyndeton in which the phrases and clauses are coordinated without conjunctions. "Veni, vidi, vici" or, "I came, I saw, I conquered." There are no conjunctions or joining words used. The phrases are used equally. That means phrases are placed with equal status. Opposite of Hypotaxis51
9653790386HypotaxisHypotaxis is subordination of one clause to another, or when the clauses are coordinated or subordinated to one another within sentences. Hypotaxis is defined as a grammatical arrangement of constructs that work in the same way, but they play unequal role in a sentence. It helps in defining the exact meaning of a clause. "One December morning near the end of the year when snow was falling moist and heavy for miles all around, so that the earth and the sky were indivisible, Mrs. Bridge emerged from her home and spread her umbrella." The remaining clauses explain the first/main clause. These subordinated clauses help in recounting the individual thought expressed in the beginning.52
9653790387SententiaFigure of argument in which a wise, witty, or pithy maxim or aphorism is used to sum up the preceding material. "I think that if women aspired higher, took on the problems involved, that they might find surprising support from men. 'Time marches on.'"53
9653790388ExemplumExemplum is a rhetorical device that is defined as a short tale, narrative, or anecdote used in literary pieces and speeches to explain a doctrine or emphasize a moral point. They are generally in the forms of legends, folktales and fables. An exemplum clarifies and proves a point. "In Flaundres whylom was a company, Of yonge folk, that haunteden foley, As ryot, hasard, stewes, and tavernes, Wher-as, with harpes, lutes, and giternes,...." Talks about how greed can destroy everything and how it is the cause of all evil. In this story, nobody got to claim the most coveted treasure since the characters involved ended up killing each other. Can be real or fictional.54
9653790389PleonasmIt is a rhetorical device which can be defined as the use of a second or more words (phrase) to express an idea. These words are redundant such as in the following examples of pleonasm, "burning fire" and "black darkness." Sometimes, pleonasm is also called tautology, which is the repetition of words. "Let me tell you this, when social workers offer you, free, gratis and for nothing..."55
9653790390AssonanceTakes place when two or more words close to one another repeat the same vowel sound but start with different consonant sounds. "Men sell the wedding bells." The same vowel sound of the short vowel "-e-" repeats itself in almost all the words excluding the definite article. The words do share the same vowel sounds but start with different consonant sounds unlike alliteration that involves repetition of the same consonant sounds.56
9653790391Dirimens CopulatioA rhetorical term for a figure by which one balances one statement with a contrary, qualifying statement (sometimes conveyed by "not only ... but also" clauses). "But wait, there's more!"57
9653790392SymploceFigure of repetition that combines Anaphora and Epistrophe in which the first and last word or words in one phrase, clause, or sentence are repeated in one or more successive phrases, clauses, or sentences; repetition of the first and last words in a clause over successive clauses. "Let us let our own children know that we will stand against the forces of fear. When there is talk of hatred, let us stand up and talk against it. When there is talk of violence, let us stand up and talk against it."58
9653790393AppositiveWhen a noun or word is followed by another noun or phrase that renames or identifies it. This is a literary device that appears before or after a noun or noun phrase. It is always used with commas. We can define it as a noun phrase or a noun that defines or explains another noun, which it follows. Writers place elements like noun phrases side by side where one element serves to define the other, and one is in apposition to the other. "We were waiting outside the condemned cells, a row of sheds fronted with double bars, like small animal cages." In this line, "the condemned cells" is a noun phrase, while "a row of sheds" is an appositive that explains this noun phrase. Restrictive Appositive- Gives essential information to identify the phrase or noun in apposition and clarifies the meaning of a phrase but if the appositive is removed, the meaning of the entire sentence changes. Commas are not necessarily used. Non-Restrictive Appositive- Gives non-essential or extra information, which is not important to identify the phrase or noun in apposition and is often used with commas. "Christmas Eve afternoon we scrape together a nickel and go to the butcher's to buy Queenie's traditional gift, a good gnawable beef bone." A restrictive appositive is clarifying and describing a noun "traditional gift of Queenie." Here this literary device has appeared after noun.59
9653808746pedanticof or like a pedant.60
9653809456pedanta person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning.61
9653810319tersesparing in the use of words; abrupt.62
9653811206ludicshowing spontaneous and undirected playfulness.63
9653812702edifyingproviding moral or intellectual instruction.64
9653816391truculenteager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant.65
9653817971crasslacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence.66
9653818912nihilisticrejecting all religious and moral principles in the belief that life is meaningless.67
9653820156reflectiverelating to or characterized by deep thought; thoughtful68
9653821784accusatoryndicating or suggesting that one believes a person has done something wrong.69
9653828430extended metaphora metaphor that lasts longer than just one phrase or sentence70
9653834287bombastlanguage that is overly rhetorical especially when considered in context71
9653838246puna play on words72
9653841280metonymyone term is substituted for another term with which it is closely associated ex. the sailors drank a glass of hearty red.73
9653847966ostentatiouslycharacterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice.74
9653848837genialfriendly and cheerful.75
9653849866kinrelated.76
9653850869eruditehaving or showing great knowledge or learning.77
9653852062profferhold out (something) to someone for acceptance; offer.78
9653853623assailedcriticize (someone) strongly.79
9653855874pretentiousattempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.80
9653865050pithy(of language or style) concise and forcefully expressive.81
9653865842sagacitythe quality of being sagacious.82
9653867194sagacioushaving or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd.83
9653868064prosaichaving the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty.84
9653870145intonationthe rise and fall of the voice in speaking.85
9653870699excoriatecensure or criticize severely.86
9653871710caricaturea picture, description, or imitation of a person or thing in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated in order to create a comic or grotesque effect.87
9653873371quipa witty remark.88
9653879546aphorisma concise, pithy statement of an opinion or a general truth89
9653880493malapropismthe unintentional use of a word that resembles the word intended but that has a very different meaning90
9653883460circumlocution1. talking around a subject 2. talking around a word91
9653885468euphemisma word or words that are used to avoid employing an unpleasant or offensive term92
9653890052implicit1. implied though not plainly expressed. 2. with no qualification or question; absolute.93
9653893156satireportrayed in a way thats deliberately distorted to achieve comic effect94
9653894573parodyimitation for comic effect95
9653895474lampoonsharp ridicule of the behavior or character of a person or institution96
9653898839ostensiblyapparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually.97
9653900469animositiesstrong hostility.98

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