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AP Literature Vocab Flashcards

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81459341431. (TOD) Epistlea specially long formal letter0
81459411471. (WOD) Wheedle(v) to influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing or flattering; sweet talk1
81459475102. (TOD) Authorial Voiceyour tone, choice of content/words2
81459508542. (WOD) Nondescript(adj) lacking distinct or individual characteristics, dull or uninteresting3
81459559663. (TOD) Dictionthe choice of words and phrases in speech or wiriting4
81459603514. (TOD) Remixto reassemble or revive a form of art5
81459637103. (WOD) Condone(v) to accept or allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive to continue6
81459682575. (TOD) Challengewhen a person or group of people have attempted to have a book removed from a school or library7
81459725336. (TOD) Banfree access is not permitted8
81459756827. (TOD) Censorreviewing a book for inappropriate things9
81459834444. (WOD) Bowlderize(v) to edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate10
81459890775. (WOD) Sacrilege(n) blasphemous behavior, the act of depriving something of its sacred character11
81459956236. (WOD) Revile(v) to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language; address or speak abusively (in print)12
81460035157. (WOD) Proliferate(v) to grow rapidly13
81460073968. (TOD) Etymologythe study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history14
81460115809. (TOD) Prefixan affix placed before a word15
814601696010. (TOD) Rootthe origin16
814602028411. (TOD) Suffixan affix placed at the end of a word17
81460260768. (WOD) Subvert(v) to undermine the power or authority of an established institution18
814603025312. (TOD) Word Treea group of similar words that share a common root to prefixes and suffixes19
81460348979. (WOD) Facade(n) the front of a building, a superficial personality or appearance20
814603975210. (WOD) Disconsolate(adj) without solace, unhappy, gloomy21
814604195611. (WOD) Quagmire(n) an area of foggy ground- a bog, a situation that is difficult to escape22
814604998812. (WOD) Ingratiate(v) to bestow through control or manipulation23
814605431313. (WOD) Lugubrious(adj) mournful in an exaggerated manner24
814606196314. (WOD) Festoon(n) a chain or garland of flowers or other decorations25
814606499315. (WOD) Transgression(n) an act of transgressing or violating the law26
814607369013. (TOD) Neologisma word or phrase which is new to the language; one which is newly coined27
814607866016. (WOD) Amalgamate(v) to mix a combination, to combine28
814608165117. (WOD) Ineffable(adj) defying expression or description29
814608841614. (TOD) Modernismmajor artists questioned and reunited their art forms, desire to break from past, rejecting literary traditions seemed gentle, break through and global violence30
814585777115. (TOD) Stream of Consciousnessstyle that some modern writers use to portray workings of a characters mind, catalog, describe thoughts, impressions, ideas or explanations, present what is going on in a mind31
814585777216. (TOD) Alienationseperation resulting from hostility32
814585777317. (TOD) Existentialisma school of thought that claims people are responsible for creating meaning out of life, since world is meaningless33
814585777418. (TOD) Nihilismcomplete rejection of moral values and religious beliefs34
814585777519. (TOD) Primitivismgenre characteristic of (or imitator or primitive artists or children) untamed35
814585777620. (TOD) Typographyart of putting words into print, process involving choosing letters, arranging the, printing them36
814585777721. (TOD) Imagismmovement in 20th century English, American poetry that sought clarity of expression through the use of precise images37
814585777818. (WOD) Juxtapose(v) to place side by side, usually for comparison purposes38
814585777922. (TOD) Automatismwriting technique based upon the psychological theories of Freud, avoidance of conscious39
814611045619. (WOD) Sardonic(adj) disdainfully or ironically humorous; scornful and mocking40
814585778023. (TOD) Anaphorarepetition of word or phrase at beginning of successive clauses41
814585778124. (TOD) Toneattitude or approach that the author takes toward the work's central theme or subject42
814611831320. (WOD) Evince(v) to show or express clearly43
814585778225. (TOD) Commentaryan expression of opinions or offering or explanations about an event or situation, descriptive account of are event or performance as it happens, explanatory or critical notes, explanation, interpretation44
814612769526. (TOD) Parallel Structurethe repetition of chosen grammar45
814612979521. (WOD) Apocryphal(adj) doubtful authorship although widely circulated as true46
814613654122. (WOD) Diffident(adj) modest or shy due to lack or confidence47
814614236427. (TOD) Metaphora figure of speech in which words or phrases are applied to an object or action to which is not literally applied48
814614355923. (WOD) Pagoda(n) a buddhist temple in East Asia49
814615076128. (TOD) Direct Discoursethe reporting of speech by repeating the actual words of a speaker; quotations50
814615397329. (TOD) Dialecta particular form of language which is peculiar to specific regions or social groups51
814615756824. (WOD) Truculently(adj) aggressively self-assertive, harsh52
814616107925. (WOD) Litany(n) a repetitive chant, a liturgical form or prayer consisting of a series of responses53
814617500330. (TOD) Epiphanya moment of realization54
814617924926. (WOD) Obstinate(adj) stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action55
814618523831. (TOD) Ironya full significance is known to the reader but not to the character56
814618986127. (WOD) Mirth(n) amusement expressed in laughter57
814619439832. (TOD) Hemingway Code for a Heroaccept no guidelines, don't make trouble for others, face reality, impose meaning on meaningless universe, contain despair by sheer will power, don't judge others, man most establish own values by facing life courageously and honestly, courage58
814619769328. (WOD) Gauntlet(n) a series of difficult experiences59
814620166933. (TOD) Colloquialismwords used in familiar conversation; slang60
814620356129. (WOD) Broach(v) to make known for the first time; to introduce a new topic61
814620883834. (TOD) Free Indirect Discoursecombines person and tense with indication of time and place; an attempt to capture the impressions that do not receive direct formulation as thoughts, allowing the author to jump btwn. characters62
814622125930. (WOD) Odious(adj) deserving or causing hatred, highly offensive or disquieting63
814622663635. (TOD) Post-Modernismrepresents departure for modernism and distrust of grand theories and ideologic, problematical relationship with any notion of art64
814626586736. (TOD) Romantic Ironyinstant deflation within a line, sardonic tone65
814627147931. (WOD) Esoteric(adj) understood by a chosen few66
814628072932. (WOD) Gesticulate(v) to make gestures especially in an animated manner with or instead of speech67
814628842237. (TOD) Pathetic Fallacyattribution of human feelings and responses to inanimate things or animals especially in art and literature, usually weather, mirror the plot or character, set the mood of the piece68
814629143138. (TOD) Allusiona brief and indirect reference to a person, place, or thing69
814629560239. (TOD) Paradoxsituation, person or thing that contains contradictory features or qualities, contradiction70
814630254933. (WOD) Metamorphosis(n) a change of a thing or person into a completely different one by natural or supernatural forces71
814631180840. (TOD) Iceberg TheoryThe Iceberg Theory (sometimes known as the "theory of omission") is a style of writing (turned colloquialism) coined by American writer Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway believed the deeper meaning of a story should not be evident on the surface, but should shine through implicitly.72
814631696641. (TOD) Ad Hominema response to a person's argument by attacking the person's character rather than the logic or content of the argument.73
814632643542. (TOD) NonsequiturThe Latin words non sequitur literally mean 'it does not follow," and it is a conversational and literary device, often used for comedic purposes74
814633096643. (TOD) Allegorya story in which everything stands for something else; usually conveys a moral or message. An allegory employs symbolism in the telling of a complete narrative that has an abstract meaning.75
814633903744. (TOD) Symbolismthe use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities, by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense76
814634185745. (TOD) Tropefigurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression; puns, metaphors, similies77
860215132646. (TOD) Surrealismsought to overthrow the oppressive rules of modernist society by demolishing rational thought78
814634850247. (TOD) Eponyma word derived from the name of an actual or fictional person79
814635161748. (TOD) Novellaa fictional prose narrative that is longer and more complex than a short story80
814635704949. (TOD) Ungezeifergerman for an unclean animal not suited for sacrifice81
814636814334. (WOD) Kafkaesque(n) of or relating to Franz Kafka, having a nightmarishly complex, bizarre or illogical quality82
814637349135. (WOD) Disquietude(n) feeling of anxiety that makes you tense and irritable83
814638278536. (WOD) Betoken(v)to be a sign of; to indicate84
814638734037. (WOD) Pulchritude(n) physical beauty, especially in a woman85
814639235738. (WOD) Martyr(n) someone who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty for refusing to renounce their religion; one who suffers for the sake of principle86
814640300039. (WOD) Garrulous(adj) 1. excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, especially about trivial matters. 2. Wordy or diffuse87
814641400040. (WOD) Duress(n) compulsory force or threat; coercion; constraint (one is under duress)88
814642577341. (WOD) Emaciated(adj) sickly thin; malnourished89
816159579942. (WOD) Gratitude(n) thankful and gracious90
816159580043. (WOD) Irreverent(adj) showing a lack of respect for something91
857806699644. (WOD) Nuanced(n) a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude92
857807281645. (WOD) Misogyny(n) the hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women93
857810892346. (WOD) Concomitant(adj) following or accompanying as a consequence; going along with94
857813737850. (TOD) Feminist Literary Theorythe ways in which literature reinforces the oppression of women, highlighting the issue95
857814993151. (TOD) Deconstruction Critical Theorychallenges our comfortable assumptions96
857816637252. (TOD) Psychoanalytic Critical Theoryread psychoanalytically to see which concepts are operating in the text97
857819588053. (TOD) Marxist Critical Theoryconcerns itself with class differences, economic, and otherwise, and the implications of a capitalist system98
857821696554. (TOD) Historical Critical Theoryreconnect the work to the time period and the events that occurred99
857823013555. (TOD) Biographical Critical Theorythe author's past life can aid the analysis of the novel/novella100
857823848947. (WOD) Binary(adj/n) something that can be broken down into two categories; dual or double101
857824314148. (WOD) Multivalency(n) the quality of having many values, appeals, or meanings102
857825717149. (WOD) Eschew(v) to avoid or stay away from deliberately; stay clear of103
857826578750. (WOD) Recalcitrance(n) the trait of being unmanageable; the habit or characteristics of being stubborn or difficult104
857828066351. (WOD) Sycophantic(adj) attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery105
857828865552. (WOD) Subaltern(n/adj) someone with a low ranking in a social, political, or other hierarchy106
857830916353. (WOD) Jocundity(n) a feeling of facetious merriment107
857831807654. (WOD) Fecundity(n) the state of being fertile; capable of producing offspring108
857832570956. (TOD) Epigraphan engraved inscription on a building or statue; a quotation at the beginning of a piece of writing109
857835184155. (WOD) Microcosm(n) a miniature model of something110
857835663456. (WOD) Macrocosm(n) everything that exists anywhere, the big picture vs. the little picture111
857836339757. (TOD) Subjectivismthe first principle of Existentialism according to Sarte, an individual chooses himself, it is impossible for men to transcend human subjectivity112
857837760258. (TOD) The Existential ProcessAnxiety-looking at concepts as responsible over which you have no control, Moment-recognizing your anxiety exists, Resolution-finding a solution113
857839796257. (WOD) Circumspect(adj) heedful of potential consequences114
857840371459. (TOD) Quietisminaction- a form of ignoring despair (not making things better)115
857841157658. (WOD) Aquiesce(v) to agree to something or give in116
857841673859. (WOD) Avarice(n) reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth; greed117
857842719160. (TOD) The Absurdoften applied to the modern sense of human purposelessness on a universe without meaning or value. Many 20th century writers of prose fiction have stressed the absurd nation of existence.118
857844334760. (WOD) Sublime(adj) of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature of style119
857845015161. (WOD) Vilify(v) to spread negative information about someone or something120

AP Literature Vocabulary #8 Roots Flashcards

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7768497120-ia, -y *amnesia:* loss memory as a result of shockact, state0
7768502899-ic, -tic, -ical, ac *dramatic:* bold, vivid, or strikingly impressive in appearance, color, or effecthaving to do with1
7768505215-il / -im / -in / -ir *illegitimate:* not carried out or constituted in accordancenot2
7768505216-im / -in *incorporate:* to combine something with, or include it withininto3
7768509116inter *intervene:* to involve yourself deliberately in a conflictbetween4
7768510269intra *intramural:* occurring within members of a schoolwithin5
7768512049-ism *socialism:* political system in which production and distribution are controlled by the peoplethe belief in6
7768513467iso *isolate:* to separate somebody or something from others of the same typeequal, identical7
7768516023-ist *pacifist:* a believer in or advocate of peaceone who believes in8
7768517996-ite *cosmopolite:* composed of or containing people from different countries and culturesone connected with9

100 Words To Know: Enhancing Vocabulary for AP Language and Composition Test Flashcards

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8503904809acuity (n)sharpness, keeness0
8503904810adept (adj)(adj) having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude1
8503904811admonish (v); admonition (n)warn, scold, caution2
8503904812ambiguous (adj)unclear meaning, two possible interpretations3
8503904813ambivalent (adj)having opposing attitudes or feelings toward a person, thing, or idea; unable to decide4
8503904814apocalyptic (adj)involving or portending widespread devastation or ultimate doom5
8503904815apocryphal (adj)of questionable authenticity6
8503904816aesthetic or esthetic (adj)concerning or characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste7
8503904817appellation (n)a name, title, or designation8
8503904818archetype (n); archetypal (adj)an original model, pattern, or type (after an original model)9
8503904819ascertain (v)to determine; to find out10
8503904820assiduous (adj)diligent, persistent11
8503904821base (adj)inferior, dishonorable12
8503904822bastion (n)a well fortified position13
8503904823berate (v)to rebuke, reprimand, or scold14
8503904824bourgeoisie (n); bourgeois (adj)the middle class; ascribing to the middle class behavior15
8503904825calumny (n)slander; a false statement maliciously made to injure another person's reputation16
8503904826cant (n)tedious talk; monotonous talk filled with platitudes17
8503904827censure (v)to reprimand; to excommunicate (expel as from the priesthood)18
8503904828coarse (adj)lacking refinement or rough grained in texture19
8503904829confute (v)to prove to be wrong or in error20
8503904830connoisseur (n)a person with expert knowledge or training, especially in the fine arts.21
8503904831corporeal (adj)having physical substance, material form22
8503904832decry (v)express strong disapproval of23
8503904833defer (v); deference (n)submit or yield to another person's wish or opinion24
8503904834dilatory (adj)inclined to waste time or lag behind25
8503904835disparage (v)to criticize someone or something in a way that shows you do not respect or value them26
8503904836draught (n)a current of unpleasantly cold air (archaic for draft); or a pint of liquid27
8503904837dray (n)a large low carriage with four wheels pulled by horses28
8503904838dyspeptic (adj)always angry or easily annoyed or having indigestion29
8503904839elicit (v)to call forth, draw out, or provoke; to bring or draw out30
8503904840emit (v)to send out a beam, noise, smell or gas31
8503904841espionage (n)spying; the discovering of secrets, especially political or military information of another country32
8503904842facile (adj)easy, effortless33
8503904843feign (v)to pretend, to dissemble, to misrepresent34
8503904844fester (v)to become infected; an infection (can be a noun and a verb)35
8503904845festoon(ed)(v)draped, decorated as for a parade or state event36
8503904846fledgeling (adj)new and inexperienced37
8503904847gainsay (v)challenge, dispute38
8503904848genuflect (v), genuflections (n)to bow as before a priest or altar (obeisances, reverent gestures)39
8503904849grandeur (n)magnificent, splendid, vast beauty40
8503904850grudging (adj), grudgingly (adv)done in an unwilling way41
8503904851hack (n)a reporter, artist or writer whose work is not very good42
8503904852husband(ed) (v)to use something carefully so that you do not use all of it43
8503904853illicit (adj)contrary to accepted morality (esp. sexual morality) or convention44
8503904854illusory (adj)not real, based on illusion45
8503904855imbibe (v)to drink, especially alcohol46
8503904856inexorable (adj)without end, interminable47
8503904857introspection (n)examination of and attention to your own ideas, thoughts, and feelings48
8503904858kowtow (v)to show too much respect to someone in authority, always obeying them and changing what you do to please them49
8503904859languid (adj), languished (v), languor (n)without energy; pleasant mental of physical tiredness or lack of activity50
8503904860latent (adj)potentially existing but not presently evident or realized51
8503904861magnanimity (n)great generosity of spirit or money52
8503904862malevolent (adj), malevolence (n)ill will, maliciousness53
8503904863misnomer (n)a misapplied or inappropriate name or designation54
8503904864non sequitur (n)A statement that does not follow logically from evidence55
8503904865orthodoxy (n)a belief or orientation agreeing with conventional standards56
8503904866paradox (n)a statement that seems contradictory but contains a truth or valid deduction57
8503904867parochial (adj)provincial; country-like, or of a parish58
8503904868pastoral (adj)showing country life or the countryside, especially in a romantic way59
8503904869pathos (n)poignancy; quality of emotion in a work of art or literature60
8503904870pecuniary (adj)relating to money61
8503904871prattle (v)idle talk, to go on and on meaninglessly62
8503904872pernicious (adj)deadly, harmful, pestilent63
8503904873pious (adj); piety (n)godly, reverent, holy64
8503904874plait (v); plaits (n)to braid; braids65
8503904875precipitate (v); precipitous (adj)to cause to happen, especially suddenly or prematurely; done hastily without thought66
8503904876precocious (adj)characterized by exceptionally early development or maturity, especially mental development67
8503904877prerogative (n)privilege68
8503904878profligate (adj)wasteful, extravagant, prodigal69
8503904879prostrate (adj. or v)to lie face down on the ground in humility, submission, or adoration70
8503904880prudent (adj)careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment71
8503904881qualm(s) (n)an uncomfortable feeling of doubt about whether you are doing the right thing72
8503904882recitation (n)an event where one recites a literary work orally for an audience73
8503904883reiterate (v), reiteration (n)to say or to explain again74
8503904884resonant (adj), resonance (n)strong and deep in tone or strongly reminiscent; evocative75
8503904885sated (adj), satiety (n)satisfied; full76
8503904886scant, scanty (adj)barely sufficient77
8503904887schizoid (adj)of or relating to having a personality disorder marked by extreme shyness, flat affect, discomfort with others, and an inability to form close relationships; a person who is reclusive78
8503904888sanguine (adj)cheerful, confident, optimistic79
8503904889self-abasement (n)to out oneself down, to denigrate oneself80
8503904890sodden (adj)drenched, soaked, sopping; expressionless, stupid, or dull, especially from drink81
8503904891tawdry (adj)cheap, gaudy, trashy, tacky82
8503904892throes (n)condition of agonizing trouble or struggle83
8503904893timorous (adj)fearful; shy; timid84
8503904894torrent (n)an overwhelming number or amount or a violently fast stream of water85
8503904895torpor (n)listlessness; languor, without energy, apathetic86
8503904896transcendent (adj); transcendence (n)beyond ordinary; sublime87
8503904897transient (adj); transience (n)fleeting; not lasting88
8503904898tremulous (adj)quivering as from weakness or fear89
8503904899turbid (adj)churned up; cloudy, muddy, murky90
8503904900unabashed (adj)not embarrassed91
8503904901variegated (adj)having streaks, marks, or patches of a different color or colors; varicolored92
8503904902veracity (n)truthfulness93
8503904903veritable (adj)real or genuine; being without question94
8503904904vigilant (adj), vigilance (n)on guard, cautiously aware, continuous attention95
8503904905vigilante (n)one who takes or advocates the taking of law enforcement into one's own hands96
8503904906vociferation (n), vociferous (adj)cry out loudly or vehemently, especially in protest97
8503904907voluble (adj), volubility (n)taking easily, readily, and at length; fluent98
8503904908weft (n)the horizontal threads interlaced through the warp in a woven fabric99

AP language vocabulary test 1 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8654569559HiatusAn opening0
8654569560hackneyedtrite, overused1
8654569561ProvincialA person with a narrow point of view2
8654569562simulateto imitate3
8654569563ExpostulateTo pretest, to complain4
8654569564approbationofficial approval or sanction5
8654569565IntercedeTo intervene,to mediate6
8654569566meritoriousworthy7
8654569567transcendto rise above or beyond8
8654569568assuageto quiet, calm9
8654569569umbrageAn overshadowing influence or power10
8654569570coalitionA merger for a specific reason11
8654569571JadedWearied or worn out12
8654569572innuendoA hint,indirect suggestion13
8654569573UnctuousTrying too hard to give an impression of earnestness, sincerity, or piety14
8654569574decadenceexcessive self-indulgence15
8654569575elicitto call forth,to evoke16
8654569576prerogativea special right or privilege17
8654569577petulantpeevish, easily irritated18
8654569578luridGory,grisly19

AP Literature Words Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7627761768Accenta distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language, especially one associated with a particular nation, locality, or social class.0
7627761769Adynatona figure of speech in the form of hyperbole taken to such extreme lengths as to insinuate a complete impossibility: I will sooner have a beard grow in the palm of my hand than he shall get one on his cheek.1
7632709781Aesthetic Distancethe gap between a viewer's conscious reality and the fictional reality presented in a work of art.2
7632709782Allegorya story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.3
7632712479Alliterationthe repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose4
7632712480Allusiona reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea5
7632715102Amplificationa literary practice wherein the writer embellishes the sentence by adding more information to it in order to increase its worth and understandability.6
7632716942Anachronisma person, scene, event, or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time or era in which the work is set7
7632716943Anapesta metrical foot consisting of two short or unstressed syllables followed by one long or stressed syllable.8
7632719991Anaphorathe use of a word referring to or replacing a word used earlier in a sentence, to avoid repetition, such as do in I like it and so do they.9
7632723054Anecdotea short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.10
7632723055Antagonista person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary.11
7632725097Anti- Climaxa disappointing end to an exciting or impressive series of events12
7632728992Antiheroa protagonist of a drama or narrative who is notably lacking in heroic qualities13
7632732162Anthipophorais a figure of speech in which the speaker poses a question and then answers the question14
7632733528Antithesesa person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else15
7632734803Antonyma word opposite in meaning to another16
7632742540Aphorisma pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it17
7632744364ApostropheA location that addresses a person or personified thing not present18
7632746897ArchetypeAn abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form19
7632746898Asidea remark or passage by a character in a play that is intended to be heard by the audience but unheard by the other characters in the play.20
7632748637AssonanceThe repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines in poetry and prose21
7632750434Asyndetonthe omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence.22
7632750435Atmospherethe pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or work of art.23
7632753133Aubadea poem or piece of music appropriate to the dawn or early morning.24
7632753134BalladA simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited25
7632756579Bildungsromana novel dealing with one person's formative years or spiritual education.26
7632759130Binary Oppositionis a pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning27
7632760893Black Comedydark comedy is a comic style that makes light of subject matter that is generally considered taboo28
7632762475Blank VersePoetry written in iambic pentameter, the primary meter used in English poetry and the works of Shakespeare and Milton29
8564575378Byronic Heroan antihero of the highest order. He (or she) is typically rebellious, arrogant, anti-social or in exile, and darkly, enticingly romantic.30
8564581721Cacophonya situation in which there is a mixture of harsh and inharmonious sounds. In literature, however, the term refers to the use of words with sharp, harsh, hissing, and unmelodious sounds - primarily those of consonants - to achieve desired results.31
8564588803Caesuraa not-so-awkward pause that occurs in the middle of a line of verse in poetry.32
8564588804Caricaturea device used in descriptive writing and visual arts, in which particular aspects of a subject are exaggerated, to create a silly or comic effect.33
7632765825Catastrophean event causing great and often sudden damage or suffering; a disaster.34
7632768286CatharsisA cleansing of the spirit brought about by the pity and terror of a dramatic tragedy35
7632769963Characterthe mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.36
7632769974Characterizationthe creation or construction of a fictional character.37
7632772220Chorusa part of a song that is repeated after each verse, typically by more than one singer.38
7632776440Clichea phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.39
7632776441ClimaxThe high point, or turning point, of a story or play40
7632780866ColloquialismSlang.41
7632780867Comedyprofessional entertainment consisting of jokes and satirical sketches, intended to make an audience laugh.42
7632783356ConceitA witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language43
7632785314ConfidantA character in a drama or fiction, such as a trusted friend or servant, who serves as a device for revealing the inner thoughts or intentions of a main character.44
7632785315Conflicta serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.45
7632790006Connotationan idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.46
7632791498ConsonanceThe repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry47
7632791499CoupletA pair of rhyming lines in a poem48
7632793387DactylA dactyl is a foot in poetic meter. In quantitative verse, often used in Greek or Latin, a dactyl is a long syllable49
7632795677Dead Metaphoris a figure of speech which has lost the original imagery of its meaning due to extensive, repetitive, and popular usage.50
7632796915DenotationThe dictionary definition of a word51
7632799674DenouementThe resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of fiction52
7632801919Deus ex MachinaIn literature, the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem53
7632806100Dialogueconversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or movie.54
7632806101DictionThe choice of words in oral and written discourse55
7632809909Didacticintended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.56
7632811423Digressiona temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.57
7632813197Dilemmaa situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.58
7632815415Direct Characterizationdirect speech to the character59
7632816864Dissonancelack of harmony among musical notes.60
7632818938Double Rhymea feminine rhyme involving one stressed and one unstressed syllable in each rhyming line.61
7632825358Dramatic FrameworkAuthor and Audience are both "characters" having a dialogue in the drama of real life.62
7632825359Dramatizationa play or movie adapted from a novel or depicting a particular incident.63
7632828472Dystopiclternatively, cacotopia, kakotopia, or simply anti-utopia) is a community or society that is undesirable or frightening.64
7632828473Echoa type of verse in which repetition of the end of a line or stanza imitates an echo. The repetition usually constitutes the entire following line and changes the meaning of the part being repeated.65
7632830180ElegyA poem or prose selection that laments or mediates on the passing or death of something or someone of value66
7632830181End Rhymeoccurs when last syllables or words in two or more lines rhyme with each other.67
7632835580EnjambmentIn poetry, the use of successive lines with no punctuation or pause between them68
7632835581Epiphanythe manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi69
7632839655Epitapha phrase or statement written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone.70
7632841268Epithetan adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned71
7632843938EuphemismA mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term; i.e. "pass away" instead of "die"72
7632845551Euphonythe quality of being pleasing to the ear, especially through a harmonious combination of words.73
7632847894ExpositionThe background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of a work of literature74
7632847908Extended Figurerefers to a comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph, or lines in a poem.75
7632850750Falling ActionThe action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict76
7632850751FantasyA story containing unreal, imaginary features77
7632852738FarceA comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness, although it may have a serious, scornful purpose.78
7632854917Fatal Flawis the secret weakness of character that brings about a tragic hero's downfall.79
7632856798Feminine Rhymea rhyme between stressed syllables followed by one or more unstressed syllables80
7632858403Figurative LanguageAlso called figure of speech. In contrast to literal language, it implies meanings. Includes metaphors, similes, and personification, among others.81
7632858404FoilCharacter that makes the protagonist look good.82
7632860193FootA unit of stressed and unstressed syllables used to determine the meter of a poetic line83
7632862255ForeshadowingProviding hints of things to come in a story or play84
7632862256FormA structure that provides premise or setting for a narrative85
7632863958Framed Narrativeis a literary technique that sometimes serves as a companion piece to a story within a story,86
7632863959Free verseA kind of poetry without rhymed lines, rhythm, or fixed metrical feet87
7632863960GenreA term used to describe literary forms, such as novel, play, and essay88
7632866930Grammatical Pausea cessation of activity because of doubt or uncertainty; a momentary hesitation. I would like to make a pause in my talk and continue after lunch89
7632866931Hamaritaa fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine90
7632876496Heroic CoupletTwo rhymed lines written in iambic pentameter and used widely in eighteenth-century verse.91
7632878541HubrisThe excessive pride that often leads tragic heroes to their death92
7632878542Hyperbatonan inversion of the normal order of words, especially for the sake of emphasis, as in the sentence " this I must see93
7632880319HyperboleOverstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect94
7632881795Hypophoriaexaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally95
7632884900Iamba person who is easily cheated or outsmarted, especially an inexperienced speculator96
7632887474Iambic MeterA foot is an iamb if it consists of one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, so the word remark is an iamb97
7632887475Idioma group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words98
7632889894Imageryvisually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work.99
7632891666Indeterminate Endingis a literary device in which the conflict is left unresolved or ambiguous at the end of the plot100
7632896577In Media Res"In the middle of things"--a Latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events, but at some other critical point.101
7632898851Indirect Characterizationthe process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed through the character's speech, actions, appearance, etc102
7632901352Internal Rhymea rhyme involving a word in the middle of a line and another at the end of the line or in the middle of the next103
7632901353IronyA mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated, often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected104
7632903923Italian/Petrarchan Sonnetis a received form that has 14 lines and a slightly flexible rhyme scheme105
7632915226Jargonspecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand106
7632915227Juxtapositionthe fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect107
7632917957Lamenta passionate expression of grief or sorrow.108
7632917958LampoonA mocking, satirical assault on a person or situation109
7632919381Linea long, narrow mark or band.110
7632919382LitotesA form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity. Ex: He's not a bad dancer111
7632921925Masculine Rhymea rhyme of final stressed syllables112
7632922995MelodramaA literary form in which events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response113
7632922996MetaphorA figure of speech that compares unlike objects114
7632924973MeterThe pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry115
7632926415MentonymyA figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated. Ex: "The White House says..."116
7632928654Monologuea long speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program.117
7632930663Motifa decorative design or pattern.118
7632928655MoralA brief and often simplistic lesson that a reader may infer from a work of literature119
7632932588Motives/Motivationis also one's direction to behavior, or what causes a person to want to repeat a behavior. A motive is what prompts the person to act in a certain way, or at least develop an inclination for specific behavior.120
7632934101Mysterysomething that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.121
7632934102Nadsatis a fictional register or argot used by the teenagers in Anthony Burgess's novel A Clockwork Orange.122
7632935817Narratortelling a story123
7632935818Nemesisperson fighting against124
7632941668Nihilismthe rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.125
7632941669Octavea series of eight notes occupying the interval between (and including) two notes, one having twice or half the frequency of vibration of the other.126
7632943792OdeA lyric poem usually marked by serious, respectful, and exalted feeling towards the subject127
7632945876OnomatopoeiaThe use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning128
7632945877OxymoronA term consisting of contradictory elements juxtaposed to create a paradoxical effect129
7632948395ParableA story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived130
7632948396ParadoxA statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true131
7632952455Paradoxical Situationis an adjective that describes a paradox, something with two meanings that don't make sense together.132
7632957040Paradoxical Statementused by people in business, and it seems to say two opposite things that contradict each other,133
7632959034Parallelisma literary device in which parts of the sentence are grammatically the same, or are similar in construction.134
7632963083ParaphraseA version of a text put into simpler, everyday words135
7632963084Parodyan imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.136
7632966611Paronyma word that is a derivative of another and has a related meaning.137
7632966612PastoralA work of literature dealing with rural life138
7632969878PentameterA verse with five poetic feet per line139
7632973200Peripetiaa sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances, especially in reference to fictional narrative.140
7632973201PersonaThe role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader, a viewer, or the world at large141
7632976598Personificationa figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics.142
7632978520Phonetic Intensivea word whose sound, by an obscure process, to some degree suggests its meaning; as differentiated fro onomatopoetic words143
7632981101PicaresqueAn episodic novel about a roguelike wanderer who lives off his wits. Ex: Don Quixote, Moll Flanders144
7632981102Plotthe main events of a play, novel, movie, or similar work, devised and presented by the writer as an interrelated sequence.145
7632984709Plot ManipulationA situation in which an author gives the plot a twist or turn unjustified by preceding action or by the characters involved146
7632986537Point of ViewThe relation in which a narrator or speaker stands to the story or subject matter of a poem.147
7632989733Polysyndetonis a literary technique in which conjunctions are used repeatedly in quick succession, often with no commas, even when the conjunctions could be removed.148
7632991827Prose Poema piece of writing in prose having obvious poetic qualities, including intensity, compactness, prominent rhythms, and imagery.149
7632993800ProtagonistsThe main character in a work of literature150
7632995663Protatic Characterintroduced at the beginning of a play, usually for the purpose of exposition Probably a development of the Chorus151
7632997359Proverba short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice152
7632999171Puna joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings.153
7632999172Purple Proseprose that is too elaborate or ornate.154
7633001763QuatrainA four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem155
7633003946Quixoticexceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.156
7633003947RealismThe depiction of people, things, and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect.157
7633004003Refrainstop oneself from doing something.158
7633006565Rhymethe repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals, used mostly in poetry.159
7633008120Rhyme SchemeThe pattern of rhymes within a given poem160
7633009797RhythmThe pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up a line of poetry161
7633011425Rising Actiona series of events build toward the point of greatest interest. The rising action of a story is the series of events that begin immediately after the exposition162
7633014126Romantic Literaturewas an artistic, literary, musical and intellectual movement that originated in Europe toward the end of the 18th century, and in most areas was at its peak in the approximate period from 1800 to 1850.163
7633014127SarcasmA sharp, caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; different from irony, which is more subtle164
7633016076SatireA literary style used to poke fun at, attack, or ridicule an idea, vice, or foible, often for the purpose of inducing change165
7633018587Scansionthe action of scanning a line of verse to determine its rhythm.166
7633020197Semanticsthe study of language.167
7633022310Sentimental Poetryis a 1795 paper by Friedrich Schiller on poetic theory and the different types of poetic relationship to the world. The work divides poetry into two forms. Naïve poetry is poetry of direct description while sentimental poetry is self-reflective.168
7633024058Sentimentalityexcessive tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.169
7633025707Sestetthe last six lines of a sonnet.170
7633028745Sestinaa poem with six stanzas of six lines and a final triplet, all stanzas having the same six words at the line-ends in six different sequences that follow a fixed pattern171
7633028746Settingthe total environment for the action in a novel or play. It includes time, place, historical milieu, and social, political, and even spiritual circumstances172
7633033799Shakespearean/English SonnetThe first twelve lines are divided into three quatrains with four lines each. In the three quatrains the poet establishes a theme or problem and then resolves it in the final two lines, called the couplet. The rhyme scheme of the quatrains173
7633033800SimileA figurative comparison using the words like or as174
7633036404Soliloquyan act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play.175
7633036405SonnetA popular form of verse consisting of fourteen lines and a prescribed rhyme scheme.176
7633040561Spenserian Sonnetin which the lines are grouped into three interlocked quatrains and a couplet and the rhyme scheme177
7633045677Spondeea foot consisting of two long (or stressed) syllables.178
7633045678StanzaA group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter, rhyme, or some other plan179
7633054058Stressthe emphasis that falls on certain syllables and not others; the arrangement of stresses within a poem is the foundation of poetic rhythm.180
7633053966Steam Of ConsciousnessA style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind181
7633117632Structurethe way something is built182
7633117633StyleThe manner in which an author uses and arranges words183
7633119125Sub-PlotA subordinate or minor collection of events in a novel or play, usually connected to the main plot184
7633119126Sub-TextThe implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of a work of literature185
7633121156Suprisesomething unexpected186
7633121157SymbolThe use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object187
7633124492Synethdsiathe production of a sense impression relating to one sense or part of the body by stimulation of another sense or part of the body.188
7633124493SynecdocheA figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole ("fifty masts" for fifty ships) or the whole signifies the part ("days" for life, as in "He lived his days in Canada"). Also when the name of the material stands for the thing itself ("pigskin" for football)189
8564651210Synonyma word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.190
7633132165SyntaxThe organization of language into meaningful structure; every sentence has a particular pattern of words191
7633132166Terceta set or group of three lines of verse rhyming together or connected by rhyme with an adjacent tercet.192
7633134892Terza Rimas a three-line stanza using chain rhyme in the pattern A-B-A, B-C-B, C-D-C, D-E-D. There is no limit to the number of lines, but poems or sections of poems193
7633138739Tetrametera verse of four measures.194
7633138740ThemeThe main idea or meaning, often an abstract idea upon which a work of literature is built195
7633140924Titular CharacterA character whose name appears in the title of the novel or play; also known as the eponymous character196
7633140925ToneThe author's attitude toward the subject being written about. The spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence197
7633140926TragedyA form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish198
7633144081Tragic-ComedyTragicomedy is a literary genre that blends aspects of both tragic and comic forms.199
7633145913Turning Pointa change in a plot or story200
7633148246Understatmentthe presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.201
7633148375Unitycome together202
7633151800Unreliable Narritiveis a narrator, whether in literature, film, or theatre, whose credibility has been seriously compromised.203
7633151801Utopicmodeled on or aiming for a state in which everything is perfect; idealistic.204
7633151802VerseA synonym for poetry. Also a group of lines in a song or poem; also a single line of poetry205
7633153564VillanelleA French verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of nineteen lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes206
7633153565Zeugmaa literary term for using one word to modify two other words, in two different ways. An example of a zeugma is, "She broke his car and his heart." When you use one word to link two thoughts, you're using a zeugma.207
7633155737Ethosthe characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations.208
7633155738Pathosa quality that evokes pity or sadness.209
7633156768Logosthe logic behind an argument.210

AP Literature Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
2810471558allegoryextending a metaphor so that objects, persons, and actions in a text are equated with meanings that lie outside the text0
2810473774alliterationthe repetition of an initial consonant sound1
2810474402allusiona brief, usually indirect reference to a person, place, or event. real or fictional2
2810475405ambiguitythe presence of two or more possible meanings in any passage3
2810475978analogyreasoning or arguing from parallel cases4
2810477538anaphorathe repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning or successive clauses or verses5
2810478107antecedentthe noun or noun phrase referred to by a pronoun6
2810479539antithesisthe juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced prhases7
2810480122aphorism1. a tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion 2. a brief statement of a principle8
2810481570apostrophea rhetorical term for breaking off discourse to address some absent person or thing9
2810482424appeal to authoritya speaker or writer seeks to persuade not by giving evidence but by appealing to the respect people have for a famous person or insitution10
2810483939appeal to ignorancea fallacy that uses an opponent's inability to disprove a conclusion as proof of the conclusions correctness11
2810486752assonancethe identity or similarity in sound between internal vowels in neighboring words12
2810487208asyndetonthe omission of conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses13
2810488222chiasmusverbal pattern in which the second half of an expression is balanced against the first but with the parts reversed14
2810491583circular argumentan argument that commits the logical fallacy of assuming what it is attempting to prove15
2810492840claiman arguable statement, which may be a claim of fact, value, or policy16
2810493682clausea group of words that contains a subject and a predicate17
2810494498climaxmounting by degrees through words or sentences of increasing weight and in parallel construction with an emphasis on the high point or culmination of a series of events18
2810495962colloquialcharacteristic of writing that seeks the effect of informal spoken language as distinct from formal or literary english19
2810497830concessionan argumentative strategy by which a speaker or writer acknowledges the validity of an opponent's point20
2810498704connotationthe emotional implications and associations that a word may carry21
2810499486deductiona method of reasoning in which a conclusion follows necessarily from the stated premises22
2810500736denotationthe direct or dictionary meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings23
2810502100dialecta regional or social variety of a language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar, and/or vocabulary24
2810503504diction1. the choice and use of words in speech or writing 2. a way of speaking, usually assessed in terms of prevailing standards of pronunciation and elocution25
2810506693didacticintended or inclined to teach or instruct, often excessively26
2810507637epiphora (epistrophe)the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of several clauses27
2810509085epitaph1. a short inscription in prose or verse on a tombstone or monument 2. a statement or speech commemorating someone who has died28
2810511279ethosa persuasive appeal based on the projected character of the speaker or narrator29
2810512472eulogya formal expression of praise for someone who has recently died30
2810513080euphemismthe substitution of an inoffensive term for one considered offensively explicit31
2810513789extended metaphora comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph or lines in a poem32
2810515210fallacyan error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid33
2810515856false dilemmaa fallacy of oversimplification that offers a limited number of options when in fact more options are available34
2810525290flashbacka shift in a narrative to an earlier event that interrupts the normal chronological development of a story35
2810526767hasty generalizationa fallacy in which a conclusion is not logically justified by sufficient or unbiased evidence36
2810553787hyperbolea figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect; an extravagant statement37
2810555028imageryvivid descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the senses38
2810555892invectivedenunciatory or abusive language; discourse that casts blame on somebody or something39
2810557816ironythe use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning. a statement or situation where the meaning is directly contradicted by the appearance or presentation of the idea40
2810559317jargonthe specialized language of a professional, occupational, or other group, often meaningless to outsiders41
2810559958litotesa figure of speech consisting of an understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite42
2810561150metaphora figure of speech in which an implied comparison is made between two unlike things that actually have something important in common43
2810561979metonymya figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated (crown and royalty)44
2810563028mode of discoursethe way in which information is presented in a text. the for traditional modes are narration, description, exposition, and argument.45
2810563533mood1. the quality of a verb that conveys the writer's attitude towards a subject 2. the emotion evoked by a text46
2810564537onomatopoeiathe formation or use of words that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to47
2810565198oxymorona figure of speech in which incongruous or contradictory terms appear side by side48
2810566065paradoxa statement that appears to contradict itself49
2810567075parallelismthe similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses50
2810568243parodya literary or artistic work that imitates the characteristic style of an author or a work for comic effect or ridicule51
2810568747pathosthe means of persuasion that appeals to the audience's emotions52
2810570008personificationa figure of speech in which an inanimate object or abstraction is endowed with human qualities or abilities53
2810572965proseordinary writing as distinguished from verse54
2810573372refutatuonthe part of an argument where in a speaker or writer anticipates and counters opposing points of view55
2810573643repetitionan instanceof using a word, phrase, or clause more than once in a short passage- dwelling on a point56
2810574742rhetoricthe study and practice of effective communication57
2810575304rhetorical questiona question asked merely for effect with no answer expected58
2810575901sarcasma mocking, often ironic or satirical remark59
2810576132satirea textor performance that uses irony,derision, or wit to expose or attack human vice, foolishness, or stupidity60
2810576802similea figure of speech in which two fundamentally unlike things are explicitly compared, usually in a phrase introduced by "like" or "as"61
2810577943stylenarrowly interpreted as those figures that ornament speech or writing; broadly as representing a manifestation or the person speaking or writing62
2810579414syllogisma form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion63
2810579947symbola person, place, action, or thing that represents something other than itself64
2810581145synecdochea figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole or the whole for a part65
2810581484syntax1. the arrangement of words in a sentence 2. the study of the rules that govern the way words combine to form phrases, clauses, and sentences66
2810583106thesisthe main idea of an essay or report, often written as a single declarative sentence67
2810583908tonea writer's attitude toward the subject and audience. tone is primarily conveyed through diction, point of view, syntax, and level of formality68
2810584487transitionthe connection between two parts of a piece of writing, contributing to coherence69

AP Language vocabulary chapter 15-14(partial) Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
9030599539assimilationto absorb; to make similar0
9030599540consensusgeneral agreement1
9030599541contextcircumstances of a situation; environment2
9030599542derivedcopied or adopted from a source3
9030599543incumbentimposed as duty; obligatory4
9030601705inevitablecertain to happen, unavoidable5
9030601706malleableeasily shaped or formed; easily influenced6
9030601707subdueto restrain; to hold back7
9030623375assiduoushard-working8
9030623376doggedstubbornly preservering9
9030623377intrepidcourageous; fearless10
9030623378maverickone who is independent and resists adherence to a group11
9030623379obduratestubborn; inflexible12
9030625309obstinatestubbornly adhering to an opinion or a course of action13
9030625310proliferateto grow or increase rapidly14
9030625311tenacitypersistence15
9030625312vitalityenergy; power to survive16
9082454593alliterationRepetition of initial consonant sounds17
9082454594consonanceRepetition of a consonant sound within two or more words in close proximity.18
9082454595assonancerepetition of vowel sounds19
9082456473polysyndetonrepetition of conjunctions20
9082461668synecdochea figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa21
9082461669metonymysubstituting the name of one object for another object closely associated with it22
9082461670asyndetona construction in which elements are presented in a series without conjunctions23
9082463169oxymoronA figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase.24
9082463170anaphorathe repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of consecutive lines or sentences25
9082463171epistrophethe repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences26
9082463172onomatopoeiaA word that imitates the sound it represents.27

Logical Fallacies - AP Language & Composition Flashcards

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8011772316BandwagonArguments that urge people to follow the same path everyone else is taking. They recommend a course of action b/c everyone else is doing it.0
8011772317Red HerringDodges main issue. Topic A is under discussion; Topic B is introduced under the guise of being relevant to topic A (it really isn't, however) Topic A is abandoned.1
8011772318EquivocationArgument that gives a lie an honest appearance; a half truth. Juvenile tricks of language. Bill Clinton's "I never had sex with that woman" - loosely defined sex2
8011772319Hasty GeneralizationInference drawn from inadequate evidence, and it jumps to conclusions. Forms the basis for most stereotypes about people or institutions: because a few people in a large group are observed and act in a certain way, all members of that group are inferred to act similarly.3
8011772320Ad HominemThese arguments are directed at the character of a person rather than at the argument or claim he or she makes. Turns argument into two sides: Good guy vs. Bad guy4
8011772321Ad PopulumAppeal to the populus; under bandwagon umbrella. Appeal to the popularity of a claim as a reason for accepting it.5
8011772322Faulty AnalogyThe argument that gives an analogy that doesn't hold together; the compared parts are dissimilar. Meant to help reason a circumstance b/c people are more inclined to believe a comparison.6
8011772323Begging the QuestionAssuming as true the very claim that is being disputed - form of circular argument that is divorce from reality. Most basic examples involve rephrasing. Similar to Nonsequitor.7
8011772324Either/Or Choice Also known as "Hobson's Choice" on the AP test :)A way to simplify arguments and give them power is to reduce the options for action to only two choices. One option favorable, the other not so much.8
8011772325The Straw ManAttacking an argument that is not there; it is much weaker than the point the opponent makes. The speaker is setting up an argument that is easy to knock down, proceeds to do so, and then claims victory over the opponent.9
8011772326Complex QuestionTwo-pronged question (combines two questions, one is implied). Involves an implicit argument, which is intended to trap the respondent into acknowledging something that he or she might not otherwise not want to acknowledge. Ex. When did you stop stealing?10
8011772327NonsequitorIn this argument, the reasoning does not hold together; it fails to connect logically. One point does not follow from the other. Ex. If my teacher really liked me, he would give me an A. Can be seen as similar to begging the question, mainly because the dots don't really connect.11
8011772328Slippery SlopeWriter exaggerates the likely consequences of an action, usually to frighten readers (seen as a scare tactic). An argument that portrays today's tiny misstep as tomorrow's slide into disaster.12
8011772329Faulty CausalityCause and effect problem; the fallacious assumption that because one event or action follows another, the first necessarily caused the other. Supposed connection between cause and effect turns out to be completely wrong. Ex. For instance, doctors now believe that when an elderly person falls and is found to have a broken hip, it was usually the break that caused the fall (not the other way around).13
8011784975Fallacies14
8011785740fallacies15

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