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AP Literature Vocab Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7659056357allocation(noun) distribution, portion, share0
7691870022ascetic(adjective) self-denying, disciplined, abstinent1
7691875773beguile(verb) to fool or decieve2
7691878386crass(adjective) coarse, insensitive, rude3
7691880297defray(verb) to pay, finance, fund4
7691881828dint(noun) impression, dent or a blow5
7691883848enjoin(verb) to order, command, or forbid6
7691885454envoy(noun) deputy, delegate, diplomat7
7691888012interloper(noun) intruder, meddler, tresspasser8
7691889869vicarious(adjective) done or felt for another, on behalf of someone else, indirect9
7691893955alliterationturn of expression, rhyme, or repetition (ex. peter piper)10
7691895158allusionindirect reference, hint, implication (ex. garden = eden)11
7733801640amplificationenlarging upon, adding detail and information12
7733801641anacoluthona sentence or construction that lacks grammatical sequence (ex. while in the garden, the door banged shut)13
7733865772admonish(verb) to warn or reprimand someone firmly14
7733865773akimbo(adverb) flung out widely or haphazardly, or hands on the hips15
7733894227lassitude(noun) a state of physical or mental weariness, lack of energy16
7733915552licentious(adjective) promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters17
7733933269muse(noun) person who is source of artistic inspiration, (verb) to be absorbed in thought18
7733956225pecuniary(adjective) relating to or consisting of money19
7733969253plight(noun) dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation20
7733975636presumptuous(adjective) failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate21
7734002414subversive(adjective) seeking to disrupt an established system or institution22
7734029346vacuous(adjective) lack of intelligence, mindlessness23
7810005067analogousreasoning or explaining from parallel cases (analogy)24
7810058285anadiplosisrepeating a word at the end and beginning of clause (ex. I am Sam, Sam I am)25
7812301799avocation(noun) hobby or minor occupation26
7812312605capricious(adjective) given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior27
7812314794disparity(noun) a great difference28
7812317469efficacy(noun) the ability to produce a desired or intended result29
7812317470epistle(noun) a letter or series of letters30
7812322349hospice(noun) a lodging for travelers, or home providing care to the sick31
7812322350impetus(noun) motivation, stimulus32
7812325467moribund(adjective) at the point of death33
7812325468reticent(adjective) reserved, introverted34
7812328602vacillate(verb) to be indecisive35
7884373299anaphorarepetition that occurs when start of sentences or clauses all begin with same word/phrase (ex. Love is patient, Love is kind)36
7884373300antanagogea negative point is balanced with a positive point37
7884385709akin(adjective) of similar character38
7884385710corroborate(verb) confirm or give support to (a statement, finding, or theory)39
7884390735inexorable(adjective) impossible to stop or prevent40
7884390736insipid(adjective) lacking flavor41
7884395276nefarious(adjective) wicked or criminal42
7884395277physiognomy(noun) judging a person's character by their facial features or expressions43
7884398748retinue(noun) group of advisors or assistance44
7884398749suppliant(noun) person making a humble plea to someone in authority45
7884401783tedium(noun) state of being tedious46
7884401784torrid(adjective) very hot/dry, passionate, or full of difficulty47
7975590590antimetabolereverse order sentences (when the going gets tough, the tough get going)48
7975590591antiphrasisobvious ironic phrasing (ex. take your time, we've got all day)49
7975622099ribald(adjective) referring to sexual content in a rude or irreverent way50
7975627293affront(noun) an action causing offense, (verb) to offend the modesty or value of51
7975627294blasé(adjective) unimpressed or indifferent to something because one has experienced or seen it so often before52
7975630948cajole(verb) persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery53
7975634265choleric(adjective) bad-tempered or irritable54
7975634266encumber(verb) to restrict or burden (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult55
7975639471feckless(adjective) lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible56
7975639472impasse(noun) a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock57
7975642464indolent(adjective) wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy58
7975642465lugubrious(adjective) looking or sounding sad and dismal59
8038145284antithesiscontrast or opposition between two things60
8038145285apophasisthe raising of an issue by claiming not to mention it (ex. I don't want to say anything bad about another doctor, especially one who is a useless drunk)61
8038259344adulation(noun) flattery; excessive admiration or praise62
8038259345censure(verb) express severe disapproval of (someone or something), typically in a formal statement63
8038263563dissemble(verb) conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs64
8038265852dissimulation(noun) concealment of one's thoughts, feelings, or character; pretense65
8038265853droll(adjective) curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement66
8038268703expectorate(verb) cough or spit out (phlegm) from the throat or lungs67
8038268704palpate(verb) examine (a part of the body) by touch, especially for medical purposes68
8038271981peremptory(adjective) not open to appeal or challenge; final69
8038274808pusillanimous(adjective) showing a lack of courage or determination; timid70
8038277104surfeit(noun) an excessive amount of something, (verb) to no longer desire71
8038277105allay(verb) relieve or alleviate (pain or hunger)72

AP Literature Poetry Terms Flashcards

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9418773545AllegoryA symbolic narrative in which the surface details imply a secondary meaning. This often takes the form of a story in which the characters represent moral qualities.0
9418778838AlliterationThe repetition of consonant sounds, especially at the beginning of words.1
9418780956AnapestTwo unaccented syllables followed by an accented one, as in comprehend or intervene.2
9418783516AntagonistA character or force against which a main character struggles.3
9418785416Assonance.The repetition of similar vowel sounds in a sentence or line of poetry.4
9418789152AubadeA love lyric in which the speaker complains about the arrival of the dawn, when he must part from his lover.5
9418792261BalladA narrative poem written in four-line stanzas, characterized by swift action and narrated in a direct style.6
9418795864Blank VerseA line of poetry or prose in unrhymed iambic pentameter.7
9418798659CaesuraA strong pause within a line of verse.8
9418801222CharacterAn imaginary person that lives in a literary work. They may be major or minor, static or dynamic.9
9418805166CharacterizationThe means by which writers present and reveal character.10
9418806598Closed FormA type of form or structure in poetry characterized by regularity and consistency in such elements as rhyme, line length, and metrical pattern.11
9418810871ConnotationThe personal and emotional associations called up by a word that go beyond its dictionary meaning.12
9418814444ConventionA customary feature of a literary work such as the use of rhyme in a sonnet.13
9418817128CoupletA pair of rhymed lines that may or may not constitute a separate stanza in a poem.14
9418820209DactylA stressed syllable followed by two unstressed ones, as in fluttering or blueberry.15
9418825091DenotationThe dictionary meaning of a word.16
9418826748DialogueThe conversation of characters in a literary work.17
9418826750DictionThe selection of words in a literary work.18
9418830074Dramatic monologueA type of poem in which a speaker addresses a silent listener.19
9418832166ElegyA lyric poem that laments the dead.20
9418833521ElisionThe omission of an unstressed vowel or syllable to preserve the meter of a line or poetry.21
9418835880EnjambmentA run-on line of poetry in which logical and grammatical sense carries over from one line into the next.22
9418839789EpicA long narrative poem that records the adventures of a hero. These typically chronicle the origins of a civilization and embody its central values.23
9418845362EpigramA brief, witty poem, often satirical.24
9418846975Falling meterPoetic meters such as trochaic and dactylic that move or fall from a stressed to an unstressed syllable.25
9418849742Figurative languageA form of language in which writers and speakers convey something other than the literal meaning of their words.26
9418852948FootA metrical unit composed of stressed and unstressed syllables.27
9418857127Free versePoetry without a regular pattern of meter or rhyme.28
9418859370HyperboleA figure of speech involving exaggeration.29
9418861491IambAn unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one, as in today.30
9418863306ImageA concrete representation of a sense impression, a feeling, or an idea.31
9418865227ImageryThe pattern of related comparative aspects of language in a literary work.32
9418867660IronyA contrast or discrepancy between what is said and what is meant or between what happens and what is expected to happen.33
9418872645Literal languageA form of language in which writers and speakers mean exactly what their words denote.34
9418874983Lyric poemA type of poem characterized by brevity, compression, and the expression of feeling.35
9418877276MetaphorA comparison between essentially unlike things without a word such as like or as.36
9418880016MeterThe measured pattern of rhythmic accents in poems.37
9418881385Metonymy.A figure of speech in which a closely related term is substituted for an object or idea.38
9418883834MonologueA speech by one character.39
9418885340Narrative poemA poem that tells a story.40
9418885341NarratorThe voice and implied speaker of a fictional work, to be distinguished from the actual living author.41
9418888575OctaveAn eight-line unit, which may constitute a stanza or a section of a poem.42
9418890889OdeA long, stately poem in stanzas of varied length, meter, and form. Usually a serious poem on an exalted subject.43
9418894378OnomatopoeiaThe use of words to imitate the sounds they describe.44
9418896213Open formA type of structure or form in poetry characterized by freedom from regularity and consistency in such elements as rhyme, line length, and metrical pattern.45
9418899520ParodyA humorous, mocking imitation of a literary work.46
9418900649PersonificationThe endowment of inanimate objects or abstract concepts with animate or living qualities.47
9418903183PlotThe unified structure of incidents in a literary work.48
9418905291Point of viewThe angle of vision from which a story is narrated.49
9418907008ProtagonistThe main character of a literary work.50
9418908536QuatrainA four-line stanza in a poem.51
9418908537Rhetorical questionA question to which an overt answer is not expected.52
9418910562RhymeThe matching of final vowel or consonant sounds in two or more words.53
9418912537RhythmThe recurrence of accent or stress in lines of verse.54
9418914365Rising meterPoetic meters such as iambic and anapestic that move or ascend from an unstressed to a stressed syllable.55
9418918581RomanceA type of narrative fiction or poem in which adventure is a central feature and in which an idealized version of reality is presented.56
9418921317SatireA literary work that criticizes human misconduct and ridicules vices, stupidities, and follies.57
9418924585SestetA six-line unit of verse constituting a stanza or section of a poem.58
9418926754SestinaA poem of 39 lines written in iambic pentameter. its six-line stanzas repeat in an intricate and prescribed order the six last words of each line in the opening stanza. After the sixth stanza there is a three-line envoi which uses the six repeating words, two to a line.59
9418939919SettingThe time and place of a literary work that establish its context.60
9418941168SimileA figure of speech involving a comparison between unlike things using like, as, or as though.61
9418945072SoliloquyA speech in a play which is meant to be heard by the audience but not by other characters on the stage. Often represents the character's thinking aloud.62
9418949052SonnetA 14-line poem in iambic pentameter.63
9418950416SpondeeA metrical foot represented by two stressed syllables, such as knick-knack.64
9418953081StanzaA division or unit of a poem that is repeated in the same form - with similar or identical patterns of rhyme and meter.65
9418957660StructureThe design or form of a literary work.66
9418959051StyleThe way an author chooses words, arranges them, and develops ideas and actions.67
9418961543SubjectWhat a story or play is about68
9418962634SubplotA subsidiary, subordinate, or parallel plot in a play or story that coexists with the main plot.69
9418966088SymbolAn object or action in a literary work that means more than itself.70
9418967754SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part is substituted for the whole.71
9418969304SyntaxThe grammatical order of words in a sentence, line of verse, or dialogue.72
9418970940TempoThe variation in pace in which a scene is acted.73
9418972069TercetA three-line stanza.74
9418972070ThemeThe idea of a literary work abstracted from its details of language, character, and action, and cast in the form of a generalization.75
9418976009ToneThe implied attitude of a writer toward the subject and characters of a work.76
9418978492UnderstatementA figure of speech in which a writer or speaker says less than what he or she means.77
9418981190VillanelleA 19 line lyric poem that relies heavily on repetition. The first and third lines alternate throughout the poem, which is structured in six stanzas - five tercets and a final quatrain.78

AP Literature Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
2973557714Antithesisthe juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas to give the feeling of balance.0
2973557715Static CharacterA character that does not change throughout the story.1
2973557716Dramatic IronyTechnique in which the author lets the audience in on a character's situation while the character remains uninformed.2
2973557717HubrisExcessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist.3
2973557718Colloquialisma word or phrase used in informal/everyday conversation.4
2973557719AlliterationThe repetition of initial consonant sounds.5
2973557720ForeshadowingHints or clues about the end of the novel.6
2973557721Epistolary Novelthe narrative is conveyed by means of letters from one character to another.7
2973557722AssonanceThe repetition of similar vowel sounds in a sequence of nearby words.8
2973557723DoggerelCrude, simplistic verse, often in sing-song rhyme.9
2973557724ChiasmusA statement consisting of two parallel parts in which the second part is structurally reversed.10
2973557725MalapropismA general term for the misuse of words, especially words that sound like other words.11
2973557726DialectA way of speaking that is characteristic of a certain group.12
2973557727DystopiaA work of literature that projects a future world, state, or situation in which the human condition is wholly degraded.13
2973557728MetonymySubstitution of the name of an attribute or feature for the name of the thing itself.14
2973557729ParadoxA self-contradictory statement that actually contains some truth.15
2973557730ApostropheCalling out to an object or an abstract idea.16
2973557731ElegyA lament over someone's death.17
2973557732Motifa recurring image, word, or idea throughout a work.18
2973557733Free VerseA broadly descriptive term for poetry that does not follow a regular metrical pattern or rhyme scheme.19

AP Language Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7859476759MetaphorImplies similarity between dissimilar things.0
7859476760MoodImpression made on the feelings of the reader.1
7859477122NarrationAn account of events as they happen.2
7859478635OxymoronA figure of speech where the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.3
7859478636PacingThe speed at which a piece moves along. Can be affected by syntax.4
7859483937ParadoxA statement that appears to self-contradictory.5
7859490951ParallelismThe principle of coherent writing requiring that coordinating element be given the same grammatical.6
7859492675ParodyA work that imitates the style or content of another with the idea of comedic effect.7
7859492676PersonificationAttributing human qualitities to objects, abstractions, or animals8
7859494100Point of ViewPerspective of the writing.9
7859495686RhetoricThe art of using persuasive language.10
7859495687Rhetorical ModesThe flexible term to describe the variety, the conversations, and the purposes area as follows, 1)Exposition: to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea or evidence. 2)Argumentation: to prove a validity of an idea. 3)Description: to recreate. 4)Narration: to tell a story.11
7859497187SimileA figure of speech that implies a similarity between things otherwise dissimilar.12
7859499174SlantingThe characteristic of selecting facts, words, or emphasis to achieve a preconceived intent.13
7859499175StyleThe way that a writer writes. Shows individuality.14

AP Literature Flashcards

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7988764522appreciateto increase in value0
7988767581bigotone who is utterly intolerant of any creed or belief differing from his own1
7988778847chaffmaterial separated from the seed after threshing, worthless matter2
7988788439clichean overworked expression3
7988791816coupleto join or to link together4
7988795865discretionability to act on one's own power of individual decision5
7988802249emollientsomething that soothes or softens6
7988805700fatalisticbelief that events are predetermined7
7988811702gamelyin a positive and spirited approach to a task, with unyielding spirit8
7988820739idiosyncrasya characteristic habit or mannerism that is peculiar to an individual9
7988829945ignominydisgraceful or dishonorable conduct10
7988834560indicesplural of index11
7988838193infidela person who has no religious faith; unbeliever12
7988856076malingerto pretend or to feign illness to avoid work or duty13
7988860550motleyexhibiting great diversity of elements; heterogeneous14
7988866273ossifyto change or to harden into bone; to be rigidly conventional15
7988873508pestilencea deadly epidemic disease; something considered harmful or evil16
7988879241preciositymeticulousness; extreme fastidiousness17
7988887003scurryto hurry about, to scamper18
7988893583sophomoricimmature or poorly informed19
7988896954surlychurlishly rude or bad tempered; unfriendly, hostile20
7988904628transgressionviolation of a law or command; sin21
7988908428ventto give utterance to22
7988911865verifyto prove the truth of; to confirm23
7988916659wheedleto try to convince by flattery, to coax, to cajole24

AP Literature Vocabulary Flashcards

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7979343918Profoundheartfelt, (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense0
7979351062Sublimeof such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe1
7979354702Laudatory(of speech or writing) expressing praise and commendation2
7979360215Concessiona thing is granted, especially in response to demands; a thing conceded. (2) A preferential allowance or rate given by an organization3
7979368182Admonitionan act or action of admonishing' authoritative counsel or warning.4
7979376822Eulogya speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, typically someone who has just died5
7979385020Raconteurto relate or narrate; tell in detail; give facts or particulars of.6
7979388170Broachraise(a sensitive or difficult subject) for discussion. (2) pierce 9 a cask) to draw liquor7
7979397865Rendtear(something) into two or more pieces. (2) wrench (something)violently (3) cause great emotional paint to ( a person or their heart)8
7979413418Sanctimoniousmaking a show of being morally superior to other people.9
7979415605SinisterGiving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen. (2) Of, on, or towards the left-hand side (in a coat of arms, from the bearer's point of view i.e., the right as it is depicted)10
7979423688Pastoraladj. ( especially of land or a farm) used for or related to the keeping or gazing of sheep or cattle. (2) adj. (in the Christian Church) concerning or appropriate to the giving of spiritual guidance. 1. noun. A work of literature portraying an idealized version of country life.11
7979440547Perturbto disturb the composure of; trouble12
7979448517Writhe-make continual twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body13
7979451264Seditious-inciting or causing people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch14
7979458594Respitea short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant15
7979463535Prostratelay oneself flat on the ground face downward, especially in reverence or submission16
7979468201Luminousfull of or shedding light; bright or shining, especially in the dark17
7979470423Malleable-(of a metal or other material) able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking.18
7979480277Forlornpitifully sad and abandoned or lonely19
7979486724Aplombself-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation20
7979492189Saccharineexcessively sweet or sentimental.21
7979497866Reprisalan act of retaliation(vengeance)22
7979502756Apotheosisthe highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax23
7979521929Facetioustreating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant24
7979526762Voraciouswanting or devouring great quantities of food25
7979532086Ostentatiouscharacterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice26
7979540209Affluencethe state of having a great deal of money; wealth27
7979543715Alleviatemake (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe28
7979546496Coercepersuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats29
7979552024Avariceextreme greed for wealth or material gain30
7979557076Commiserateexpress or feel sympathy or pity; sympathize31
7979561843Rectitudemorally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness32
7979565238Perfidydeliberately faithless33
7979569651Inundateoverwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt with34
7979576624Copiousabundant in supply or quantity35

AP Human Geography Vocabulary: Culture, Language, Religion Flashcards

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8941422415Cultural Appropriationwhen non-cultural members privatize cultural knowledge for personal gain0
8941422416Material Culturephysical manifestation of human activities1
8941422417Nonmaterial Cultureideas, knowledge, and beliefs that influence people's behavior2
8941422418Placelessnessloss of uniqueness of place; localities look like the next3
8941422419Survey Systemssystems used to collect data4
8941422420Acculturationthe adoption of the behavior patterns of the surrounding culture5
8941422421Adaptationnew people adapt to the culture of the previously existing people6
8941422422Assimilationwhen a group of people acquires characteristics of another group7
8941422423Cultural Convergencethe tendency for cultures to become more alike by improved transportation and communication8
8941422424Cultural Divergenceseparation of cultures through less interaction9
8941422425Culture Complexthe group of traits that defines a particular culture; cultural traits are interrelated10
8941422426Cultural Realmthe entire region that displays the characteristics of a culture11
8941422427Culture Regionsa portion of earth occupied by a population sharing distinctive cultural characteristics12
8941422428Diffusionthe movement of ideas, notions, and innovations13
8941422429Expansion Diffusionwhen a trend is spread outward from its heart (types: contagious, hierarchical, stimulus)14
8941422430Relocation Diffusionspread of an idea through physical movement from one place to another15
8941422431Global-Local Continuumwhat happens at the global scale directly affects what happens locally and vice-versa16
8941422432Innovation Adoptionstudy of how, why, and at what rate new technology spreads throughout a culture.17
8941422433Cultural Shatter-Beltan area of instability between regions with opposing political and cultural values18
8941422434Ethnic Cleansingsystematic attempt to remove all people of a particular ethnicity from a country or region by either forced migration or genocide19
8941422435Ethnic Homelanda sizable area inhabited by an ethnic majority that exhibits strong attachment to the region20
8941422436Ethnic Neighborhooda (usually urban) neighborhood where a local culture can practice its customs21
8941422437Segregationthe enforced separation of different racial groups in a country or region22
8941422438Dowry Deathdeath of women by murder or suicide resulting from her husband or inlaw's efforts to increase dowry23
8941422439Enfranchisementto admit to citizenship; right of voting24
8941422440Gender Gapa measurable difference between the behaviors of men and women25
8941422441Infanticidethe murder of infants26
8941422442Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)annual number of deaths of women from pregnancy related causes per 100,000 live births27
8941422443Creolea language that began as a pidgin language but was later adopted as the mother tongue by a people / a language that results from the mixing of a colonizer's language with the indigenous language of the people being dominated28
8941422444Dialectlocal or regional characteristics of a language29
8941422445Isoglossa geographical boundary within which a particular linguistic feature occurs30
8941422446Language Familya group of languages descended from a single ancestral language31
8941422447Language Groupa set of languages with a relatively recent common origin and many similar characteristics32
8941422448Lingua Francaa language used among speakers of different languages for trade and commerce33
8941422449Monolingualable to speak only one language34
8941422450Bilingualable to speak two languages35
8941422451Multilingualable to speak several languages36
8941422452Official Languagea language a government designates for instruction, government, courts, etc.37
8941422453Pidginwhen two or more languages are combined in a simplified structure and vocabulary38
8941422454Protolanguagean assumed, reconstructed, or recorded ancestral language39
8941422455Toponyma place's name40
8941422456Animismthe belief that inanimate objects possess souls41
8941422457Ethnic Religiona religion that is particular to one culturally distinct group of people42
8941422458Fundamentalismthe interpretation of every word in the sacred text as literal truth43
8941422459Geomancy (feng shui)Chinese art and science of the placement and orientation of tombs, dwellings, buildings, and cities44
8941422460Interfaith Boundariesboundaries between the world's major faiths45
8941422461Intrafaith Boundariesboundaries within a single major faith46
8941422462Monotheismbelief in a single God47
8941422463Polytheismbelief in multiple gods48
8941422464Pilgrimagereligious journey to holy land49
8941422465Reincarnationthe idea that after this life you will come back as a plant, animal, or human50
8941422466Sacred Spaceplace or space people infuse with religious meaning51
8941422467Shamanismcommunity faith in traditional societies in which people follow their shaman (a person that can access the spirit world)52
8941422468Secularismthe emphasis on the here-and-now rather than on the spiritual and otherworldly; view that religion need not be the center of human affairs53
8941422469Sharia Lawthe system of Islamic law based on varying degrees of interpretation of the Qu'ran54
8941422470Sunnia Muslim group that accepts only the descendants of the Umayyads as the true rulers of Islam55
8941422471ShiaMuslims who thought that only Muhammad's descendants could become caliphs56
8941422472Syncretismthe development of a new form of culture trait by the fusion of two or more parental elements57
8941422473Theocracya state whose government is under the control of a "divinely guided" ruler or rulers58
8941422474Universalizinga belief system that espouses the idea that there is one true religion that is universal in scope59

AP Language and Composition Vocabulary Flashcards

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8714038166Asyndetonnoun, 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.0
8714038165Expletivenoun, a profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger1
8714038167Polysyndetonnoun, 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
8714038168Understatementnoun, 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
8714038169Litotesnoun, 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
8714038170Parallelismnoun, 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
8714038171Chiasmusnoun, 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
8714038172Zeugmanoun, 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
8714038173Antithesisnoun, 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
8714038174Anaphoranoun, 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
8714038175Epistrophenoun, 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
8714038176Anadiplosisnoun, 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
8714038177Conduplicationoun, 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
8714038178Epanalepsisnoun, 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
8714038179HypophoraHypophora 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
8714038180Rhetorical 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
8714038181ProcatalepsisProcatalepsis 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
8714038182MetabasisA 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
8714038183DistinctioFigure 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
8714038184AmplificationA 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
8714038185Scesis 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
8714038186ApophasisRhetoric. 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
8714038187Metanoia (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
8714038188AporiaAn 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
8714038189Similenoun, 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
8714038190Analogynoun, 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
8714038191MetaphorA 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
8714038192CatachresisCatachresis 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
8714038193SynecdocheSynecdoche 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
8714038194MetonymyIt 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
8714038195PersonificationPersonification 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
8714038196HyperboleHyperbole 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
8714038197AllusionAllusion 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
8714038198EponymEponym 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
8714038199OxymoronOxymoron 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
8714038200EpithetEpithet 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
8714038201HyperbatonHyperbaton 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
8714038202ParenthesisParenthesis 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
8714038203AlliterationA 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
8714038204OnomatopoeiaA 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
8714038205ApostropheIn 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
8714038206EnthymemeAn 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
8714038207ClimaxAs 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
8714038208DiacopeThis 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
8714038209AntimetaboleAntimetabole 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
8714038210AntiphrasisAntiphrasis 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
8714038211EpizeuxisIt 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
8714038212AposiopesisA 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
8714038213AnacoluthonA 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
8714038214EnumeratioEnumeration 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
8714038215AntanagogeThe contradiction of a negative comment with a positive one. Ex. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.50
8714038216ParataxisA 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
8714038217HypotaxisHypotaxis 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
8714038218SententiaFigure 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
8714038219ExemplumExemplum 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
8714038220PleonasmIt 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
8714038221AssonanceTakes 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
8714038222Dirimens 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
8714038223SymploceFigure 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
8714038224AppositiveWhen 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

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