AP Notes, Outlines, Study Guides, Vocabulary, Practice Exams and more!

AP Literature Vocab 13 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
3413766459macabredwelling on the gruesome0
3413768523machinationscrafty or scheming action designed to achieve evil1
3413772238maelstroma whirlpool; turmoil or turbulence2
3413784405magnanimousgenerous3
3413788236maladroitawkward; clumsy4
3413790645malaisea vague sense of moral or physical ill-being5
3413794785maledictiona curse6
3413799012malefactoran evil person7
3413799013mandatean authorization to act given to a person8
3413802522melancholiaa mental condition characterized by depression9
3413805314menageriea place for animals to be kept10
3413807154mendaciousdishonest11
3413809304mercurialmoody; unpredictable and changeable12
3413818769milieuenvironment; setting; area of expertise13
3413822911minutiaetrivial; of minor importance14

AP Language-Vocabulary Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
8155740822BombasticHigh sounding but with little meaning; inflated;grandiloquent.0
8155740823CapriciousImpulsive; unpredictable. Sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.1
8155740824Colloquialism (Colloquial)a word or phrase that is not formal or literary. It is still used in literature to provide a sense of actual conversation and the use of pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary of everyday speech.2
8155740825Apathylack of interest, enthusiasm or concern. No emotion3
8155740826DialectA variety of language confined to a region or group, manner or means of expressing oneself.4
8155740827CondescendingHaving or feeling superior. patronizing or assuming superiority.5
8155740828VoiceAn authors distinctive literary style, basic vision and general attitude toward the world. Revealed through the use of Syntax, Diction, Punctuation, Characterization, and Dialogue.6
8155740829AssertionA confident and forceful statement of fact or belief. A declaration that's made em pathetically in an argument as it to be understood as a statement of fact.7
8155740830Cogent(of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing.8
8155740831Coherent(of an argument, theory, or policy) logical and consistent9
8155740832Cohesivecharacterized by or causing cohesion (act or state of being uniting, cohering, or sticking together).10
8155740833Didacticintended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.11
8155740834Discoursewritten or spoken communication or debate. (verb) speak or write authoritatively about a topic.12
8155740835Eloquencefluent or persuasive speaking or writing.13
8155740836Fluidable to flow easily.14
8155740837implicationthe conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly stated.15
8155740838lucidexpressed clearly; easy to understand16
8155740839rhetora teacher of rhetoric17
8155740840Arbitera person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority in a matter18
8155740841Biasedunfairly prejudiced for or against something or someone.19
8155740842Exculpateshow or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing20
8155740843Impartialtreating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just.21
8155740844Incontrovertiblenot able to be denied or disputed.22
8155740845Integritythe quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.23
8155740846Objectivitythe quality of being objective; justice; neutrality24
8155740847Plausible(of an argument or statement) seeming reasonable or probable.25
8155740848Substantiatedprovide evidence to support or prove that truth of.26
8155740849vindicatedclear (something) of blame or suspicion.27
8155740850Contemptuousshowing contempt; scornful28
8155740851Despoticof, relating to, or characteristics of a despot (ruler with total power; usually unfair)29
8155740852Dictatorialof or typical of a ruler with total control30
8155740853Disdainthe feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt.31
8155740854Haughtyarrogantly superior and disdainful.32
8155740855Imperiousassuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering.33
8155740856Patronizingtreat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.34
8155740857Listlesslacking energy or enthusiasm.35
8155740858Melancholya feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.36
8155740859Torpora state of physical or mental inactivity37
8155740860alliancea relationship based on an affinity in interests, nature, or qualities.38
8155740861disparitya great difference, imbalance.39
8155740862impingehave an affect or impact, especially a negative one. Influence.40
8155740863Paradoxa state or proposition that, despite reasoning, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, self-contradictory.41
8155740864allusionan expression to call something to mind without mentioning it exactly; an indirect or passing reference.42
8155740865parallelismthe act of being parallel or corresponding in some way.43
8155740866indolentwanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy.44
8155740867insipid.lacking flavor, vigor or interest.45
8155740868lamenta passionate expression or grief or sorrow.46
8155740869Sanctiona threatening penalty for disobeying a law or rule47
8155740870servilehaving or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others.48
8155740871suppressedforcibly to an end to.49
8155740872Embellishmake (something) more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features.50
8155740873floridhaving a red or flushed complexion51
8155740874opulentostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish52
8155740875ornatemade in an intricate shape or decorated with complex patterns.53
8155740876ostentatiouscharacterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice.54
8155740877poignantevoking a keen sense or sadness or regret.55
8155740878Ebulliencethe quality of being cheerful and full of energy; exuberance.56
8155740879effusiveexpressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.57
8155740880egregiousoutstandingly bad; shocking.58
8155740881freneticfast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way.59
8155740882gratuitousuncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted60
8155740883flagrant(of something considered wrong or immoral) conspicuously or obviously offensive61
8155740884superfluousunnecessary, especially through being more than enough.62
8155740885convolutedextremely complex and difficult to follow (especially or a story, sentence, or argument).63
8155740886cryptichaving a meaning that is mysterious or obscure64
8155740887Obscureuncertain; not discovered or know about.65
8155740888futileincapable of producing any useful result; pointless.66
8155740889impededelay or prevent by obstructing them; hinder.67
8155740890quandarya state of perplexity or uncertainty over what what to do in a difficult situation.68
8155740891alleviatemake (suffering or a problem) less severe.69
8155740892asylumthe protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee. ( or it can be a mental hospital).70
8155740893auspiciousconductive to success; favorable.71
8155740894benevolentwell meaning and kindly72
8155740895benigngentle, kindly.73
8155740896Mollifyappease the anger or anxiety of (someone)74
8155740897reclamationreclaiming; reformation, recovery. (or it can be land obtained from water)75
8155740898DubiousNot to be relied upon; suspect (hesitating or doubting)76
8155740899Fabricatedinvent or concoct (something), typically with deceitful intent77
8155740900Hypocrisythe practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense78
8155740901Slandermake false and damaging statements about (someone).79
8155740902spuriousnot being what it purports to be; false or fake80
8155740903Astutehaving or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage81
8155740904clandestineoperation is an intelligence or millitary operation carried out in such a way that the operation goes unnoticed by the general population82
8155740905disingenuousnot candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does.83
8155740906rusean action intended to deceive someone; a trick84
8155740907stratagema plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end85
8155740908surreptitiouskept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.86
8155740909waryfeeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems87
8155740910wilyskilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully.88
8155740911inconsequentialnot important or significant89
8155740912superficialexisting or occurring at or on the surface. (appearing to be true or real only until examined more closely).90
8155740913tenuousvery weak or slight >( small in degree).91
8155740914trivialof little value or importance92
8155740915coupa sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.93
8155740916Ambiguous(of language) open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.94
8155740917ambivalenthaving mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.95
8155740918apatheticshowing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.96
8155740919Arbitrarybased on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.97
8155740920capriciousgiven to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior98
8155740921equivocateuse ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself.99
8155740922indifferenthaving no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.100
8155740923whimsicalplayfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way101
8155740924assiduousshowing great care and perseverance102
8155740925compellingevoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way103
8155740926diligenthaving or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties104
8155740927doggedhaving or showing tenacity and grim persistence.105
8155740928enduresuffer (something painful or difficult) patiently106
8155740929intrepidfearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect)107
8155740930maverickan unorthodox or independent-minded person108
8155740931obduratestubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action109
8155740932obstinatestubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so110
8155740933proliferateincrease rapidly in numbers; multiply111
8155740934tenacitythe quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly; grip.112
8155740935vitalitythe state of being strong and active; energy113
8155740936assimilationthe process by which a person or a group's language and/or culture come to resemble those of another group114
8155740937consensusgeneral agreement.115
8155740938contextthe set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation.116
8155740939derivedobtain something from (a specified source)117
8155740940incumbentnecessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility.118
8155740941inevitablecertain to happen; unavoidable119
8155740942malleableeasily influenced; pliable120
8155740943subdueovercome, quieten, or bring under control (a feeling or person)121
8155740944Inoculatemedical : to give (a person or animal) a weakened form of a disease in order to prevent infection by the disease122
8155740945Lurid: causing shock or disgust : involving sex or violence in a way that is meant to be shocking : shining or glowing with a bright and unpleasant color123
8155740946Putrefyingto be slowly destroyed by natural processes : to rot and become putrid124
8155740947Somnolent1 : of a kind likely to induce sleep 2 a : inclined to or heavy with sleep : drowsy125
8155740948Dourserious and unfriendly : silent and gloomy126
8155740949Errantserious and unfriendly : silent and gloomy127
8155740950Bewildered1 : to cause to lose one's bearings 2 : to perplex or confuse especially by a complexity, variety, or multitude of objects or considerations128
8155740951Astroturfed—used for an artificial surface that resembles grass129
8155740952GeriatricAn old person y130
8155740953Tromped1 : tramp 1 2 : to step hard : stamp 131
8155740954Connoisseur: a person who knows a lot about something (such as art, wine, food, etc.) : an expert in a particular subject132
8155740955Attestingto show, prove, or state that something is true or real133
8155740956Soporific: causing a person to become tired and ready to fall asleep134
8155740957indignant(adj.) filled with resentment or anger over something unjust, unworthy, or mean135
8155740958skirmisha minor fight or battle136
8155740959rasprough, grating tone137
8155740960swathingenveloping138
8155740961deposetopple from power139
8155740962deprecateto disapprove regretfully, to belittle, to express mild disapproval140
8155740963abaseto lower in rank, prestige, or esteem141
8155740964magnanimityhaving a lofty, generous, and courageous spirit142
8155740965tersebrief and to the point143
8155740966collateralA security pledged for the repayment of a loan.144
8155740967beguileto deceive, to mislead, to persuade with charm145
8155740968theologianone who studies religion146
8155740969discursiverambling, moving from one topic to another randomly147
8155740970grandeurimpressiveness; stateliness; majesty148
8155740971indicativedemonstrates149
8155740972apocryphalof questionable authority or authenticity150
8155740973extraneousnot essential; superfluous151
8155740974adept(adj.) thoroughly skilled; (n.) an expert152
8155740975sanguineoptimistic153
8155740976homileticdidactic, moralistic154
8155740977didacticintended to instruct155
8155740978lariatrope used to catch cattle and horses156
8155740979prolific(adj.) abundantly productive; abundant, profuse157
8155740980penuryextreme poverty158
8155740981venerablerespectable due to age159
8155740982punctilious(adj.) very careful and exact, attentive to fine points of etiquette or propriety160

AP Literature Vocabulary Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
4724327395DictionThe specific word choice of an author EX: "You can choose your friends but you sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don't."0
4724327396Detailare items or parts that make up a larger picture or story. EX: Chaucer's "Prologue" to The Canterbury Tales is celebrated for its use of a few details1
4724327397Syntaxsentence structure EX: complex sentences, long sentences, short sentences etc2
4724327398Pacinga stylistic device, which shows how fast a story unfolds EX: In his short story, "The Most Dangerous Game", Richard Connell creates exciting and tense feelings of anticipation and uncertainty throughout the story. Suspense is the key that makes the story powerful and keeps it fast paced.3
4724327399Tone Shiftthe tone of a work, or the attitude of the author, may change and shift as the speaker or narrator's perspective on a particular subject alters throughout the piece. EX: when tone changes from happy to sad, calm to angry4
4724327400Imagerythe picture in your mind that the words from the page create; can be figurative, symbolic, or literal EX: Glittering white, the blanket of snow covered everything in sight5
4724327401ConnotationEmotional meaning of a word EX: Dove implies peace.6
4724327402Figurative Languagelanguage that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation EX: The poorest man is the richest, and the rich are poor.7
4724327403Denotationthe explicit or dictionary meaning of a word EX: Home-literally means the physical place where you live8
4724327404Point of Viewthe vantage point from which a story is told EX: first person, third person9
4724327405ThemeThe main idea of a work of literature; the message is the author sending to the reader EX: love and friendship, theme of war10
4724327406Allegorya figurative work in which a surface narrative carries a secondary, symbolic or metaphorical meaning EX: George Orwell, Animal Farm (Russian Revolution11
4724330193Allusiona reference to a famous event or person EX: If you take his place, you can expect World War II all over again.12
4724330194Alliterationthe recurrence of initial consonant sounds EX: What a delicious day!13
4724330407AmbiguityA word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning EX: Foreigners are hunting dogs - It is unclear whether dogs were being hunted or foreigners are being spoken of as dogs14
4724331062Antagonista character or a group of characters which stand in opposition to the protagonist or the main character; EX: the opponent, competitor or rival- In The Hunger Games, the capital is Katniss' antagonist-and those who control the elements that make up the game.15
4724331063Apostropheinterrupts the discussion or discourse and addresses directly a person or personified thing, either present or absent EX: O books who alone are liberal and free, who give to all who ask of you and enfranchise all who serve you faithfully!16
4724331295Analogycompares two things for the purpose of explaining or clarifying some unfamiliar or difficult idea or object by showing how the idea or object is similar to some familiar one EX: Knowledge always desires increase: it is like fire, which must first be kindled by some external agent, but which will afterwards propagate itself. --Samuel Johnson17
4724331296Anecdotea short and interesting story or an amusing event often proposed to support or demonstrate some point EX: Picture a mother and a father discussing whether or not to get a dog for the family. The father says: You know, when I was a kid, my dog was my best friend. My childhood was better because of him. The mother contemplates his story—a.k.a. his anecdote—and then agrees that they should get a dog18
4724331819asidehappens when a character's dialogue is spoken but not heard by the other actors on the stage. Asides are useful for giving the audience special information about the other characters onstage or the action of the plot. EX: Romeo speaks an aside in Act II, Scene ii of "Romeo and Juliet" when he is standing beneath the balcony where Juliet is speaking, unaware that anyone hears her. Juliet is professing her love for Romeo, and he says "Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?"19
4724331820assonancesimilar vowel sounds repeated in successive or proximate words containing different consonants EX: Go slow over the road. (repetition of the long o sound)20
4724332029atmospherea type of feelings that readers get from a narrative based on details such as settings, background, objects and foreshadowing, etc.21
4724332030attitudecan be referred as perspective or tone of the writer he adopts in a certain work. EX: when adjectives like "dead" and "depressing" are used gloomy attitude toward the story is developed22
4724332426bildungsromana special kind of novel that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of its main character from his or her youth to adulthood Ex: Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is a famous example of a Bildungsroman. The main character and narrator, Scout Finch, learns important—and sometimes difficult—lessons in her small hometown of Maycomb, Alabama. Under the guidance of her father, Atticus, she learns about the harsh realities of discrimination and the importance of empathy and equality.23
4724332427cacophonythe use of words with sharp, harsh, hissing and unmelodious sounds EX: he grunted and in a gruff voice said, "Give me that trash and I'll throw it out!"24
4724332821Caesuraa pause, metrical or rhetorical, occurring somewhere in a line of poetry EX: At length I heard a ragged noise and mirth Of thieves and murderers: there I him espied, Who straight, Your suit is granted, said, and died.25
4724333179Characterization-Direct and IndirectThis kind of characterization takes a direct approach towards building the character. It uses another character, narrator or the protagonist himself to tell the readers or audience about the subject. 2. Indirect or implicit characterization This is a more subtle way of introducing the character to the audience. The audience has to deduce for themselves the characteristics of the character by observing his/her thought process, behavior, speech, way of talking, appearance, and way of communication with other characters and also by discerning the response of other characters26
4724333409Climaxconsists of arranging words, clauses, or sentences in the order of increasing importance, weight, or emphasis EX: At 6:20 a.m. the ground began to heave. Windows rattled; then they broke. Objects started falling from shelves. Water heaters fell from their pedestals, tearing out plumbing. Outside, the road began to break up. Water mains and gas lines were wrenched apart, causing flooding and the danger of explosion. Office buildings began cracking; soon twenty, thirty, forty stories of concrete were diving at the helpless pedestrians panicking below.27
4724333751colloquialisma local variation of language, as in a word or phrase, found within particular dialects EX: slang words28
4724334078conceitAn elaborate, usually intellectually ingenious poetic comparison or image EX: an analogy or metaphor in which, say a beloved is compared to a ship, planet, etc.29
4724334079conflictThe struggle between two opposing forces in a piece of literature, which the story is built around (the forces are the protagonist and the antagonist) EX: man vs man, man vs himself, man vs nature30
4724334522consonancerefers to repetitive sounds produced by consonants within a sentence or phrase EX: Mike likes his new bike31
4724334526enjambmentthe running over of a sentence or thought into the next couplet or line without a pause at the end of the line (a run-on line) EX: Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds Or bends with the remover to remove. . . . --Shakespeare32
4724334774epiphanyThat moment in the story where a character achieves realization, awareness or a feeling of knowledge after which events are seen through the prism of this new light in the story. EX: when Oskar learns to accept his fathers death and accept that he needs his mother.33
4724336465euphonyIt can be defined as the use of words and phrases that are distinguished as having a wide range of noteworthy melody or loveliness in the sounds they create34
4724336466flashbackallows the writer to present events that happened before the time of the current narration or the current events (memories, dreams, stories told) EX: when Oskar keeps flashing back to the story his dad told him the night before he died35
4724336467foila character who directly contrasts the traits or qualities of another character. In most cases, the foil contrasts the main character EX: Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet36
4724336697foreshadowingTo use details and images to hint at events to come in the narrative EX: storms foreshadow something bad to come37
4724336698genrea category of literary composition EX: poetry, short story, fantasy, drama38
4724336699hyperboleexaggerates conditions for emphasis or effect EX: There are a thousand reasons why more research is needed.39
4724337296ironya mode of expression, through words (verbal irony) or events (irony of situation), conveying a reality different from and usually opposite to appearance or expectation EX: In Romeo and Juliet, the audience/reader knows that Juliet has faked her death, but Romeo does not and he thinks she is really dead. (dramatic irony)40
4724337297juxtapositionto place side by side, especially for comparison or contrast EX: All is fair in love and war.41
4724337892litotesa form of understatement is generated by denying the opposite of the word which otherwise would be used EX: Heat waves are common in the summer.42
4724337893metaphorcompares two different things by speaking of one in terms of the other EX: Then Jesus declared "I am the bread of life." John 6:3543
4724338155metonymyanother form of metaphor; the thing chosen for the metaphorical image is closely associated with the subject it is compared to EX: This land belongs to the crown.44
4724338156mooda literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers through words and descriptions. Usually, mood is referred to as the atmosphere of a literary piece, as it creates an emotional situation that surrounds the readers EX: gloomy, exciting45
4724339033motifany recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story EX: bad weather46
4724339034objectivePoint of View that gives only facts EX: These he placed outside his cavern door, as gifts to the poor peasants. (Simply says what he did)47
4724341290onomatopoeiais the use of words whose pronunciation imitates the sound the word describes EX: "buzz" "skidding of tires"48
4724341291omniscientThe third person narrator who sees all and know all -even the thoughts- about the character of the story EX: In classic literature, a good example of third person omniscient is found in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter; the story is told from several different characters' points-of-view and the narrator knows the thoughts, actions, and feelings of every character49
4724341535oxymorona paradox reduced to two words used for effect, complexity, emphasis, or wit EX: cheerful pessimist, wise fool50
4724341536parallelismrecurrent syntactical similarity EX: Mother was very busy gathering the laundry, dusting the furniture and washing the dishes.51
4724341808parodya satiric imitation of a work or of an author with the idea of ridiculing the author, his ideas, or work EX:(Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes)52
4724341809paradoxa statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth EX: "All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others." (Animal farm)53
4724342395personificationa figure of speech in which a thing, an idea or an animal is given human attributes EX: The flowers danced in the wind.54
4724342396plot elementsIntroduction, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution55
4724342397point of viewthe vantage point from which a story is told EX: first person, third person56
4724342783protagonistthe central character of a narrative, the character through whom the lesson of the story is learned EX: Oskar Schell57
4724342784reliabilitya quality of some fictional narratives whose word the reader can trust58
4724343263repetitiona literary device that repeats the same words or phrases a few times to make an idea clearer EX: And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep."59
4724343264sarcasma form of sneering criticism in which disapproval is often expressed as ironic praise EX: If you drop your lunch tray and a stranger says, "Well, that was really intelligent."60
4724343450satirea literary mode based on criticism of people and society through ridicule EX: A list of incongruous items, an oxymoron, metaphors61
4724343451scansionthe process of analyzing a poem's meter62
4724343692settingthe total environment for the action of a fictional work; setting includes time period, the place, the historical milieu, as well as the social, political, and perhaps even spiritual realities EX: New York City, 198063
4724343693simileis a comparison between two different things that resemble each other in at least one way EX: The soul in the body is like a bird in a cage.64
4724343952stereotypea conventional and oversimplified opinion or belief about a person or group of people who may share similar characteristics; taking one characteristic of an individual and spreading that characteristic over the group that individual belongs to EX: the jock, the nerd65
4724344904subjectivepoint of view that is a personal view or opinion EX: When the lad saw all that wealth, he felt his heart burst with longing to grasp it. (Describes feelings)66
4724344905symbolsomething which stands for and represents itself but also stands for something much greater than itself figuratively EX: doves symbolize peace67
4724345194synaesthesiaa technique adopted by writers to present ideas, characters or places in such a manner that they appeal to more than one senses like hearing, seeing, smell etc. at a given time EX "Sun is silent" Here, Dante binds the sense of sight (sun) with the sense of hearing(silent).68
4724345195synecdochea type of metaphor in which the part stands for the whole EX: The farmer has two hundred head of cattle and three hired hands.69
4724345442styleThe manner of expression of a particular writer, produced by choice of words, grammatical structures, use of literary devices, and all the possible parts of language use EX: persuasive, narrative, expository70
4724345443turning point (shift)a moment when the course of events is changed EX: in "Romeo and Juliet," the turning point would be when Romeo killed Tybalt. Romeo and Juliet were doing fine until Romeo got himself banished for killing Tybalt. That started him down the path to his (and Juliet's) death.71
4724345733understatementdeliberately expresses an idea as less important than it actually is, either for ironic emphasis or for politeness and tact EX: The 1906 San Francisco earthquake interrupted business somewhat in the downtown area.72

AP Elements of Literature / Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
2896186230Allegorya story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.0
2896187906Allusiona statement that refers to something without mentioning it directly1
2896193979Antagonista person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary2
2896200197Archetypethe original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based3
2896203641Climaxthe most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex4
2896207815Comedythe humorous or amusing aspects of something.5
2896212220Confidanta character in a story that the lead character (protagonist) confides in and trusts. Typically, these consist of the best friend, relative, doctor or boss.6
2896218813Conflictany struggle between opposing forces Usually, the main character struggles against some other force7
2896228969Cosmic Ironygods (or the Fates) are amusing themselves by toying with the minds of mortals with deliberate ironic intent8
2896230653Crisisa peak moment of tension in the action of a work, the moment of highest indecision9
2896235462Denouementthe final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.10
2896240856Dialogueconversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or movie.11
2896243176Dictionthe choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.12
2896246657Direct Characterizationtells the audience what the personality of the character is.13
2896248792Dramatic Ironyirony that is inherent in speeches or a situation of a drama and is understood by the audience but not grasped by the characters in the play14
2896259823Dynamic Charactercharacter who changes throughout the course of a story as a result of the conflicts they encounter on their journey15
2896263181Epiphanya moment of sudden revelation or insight16
2896266222Expositiona comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory17
2896269819Fictionliterature in the form of prose, especially short stories and novels, that describes imaginary events and people18
2896271901First Personstory is narrated by one character at a time. This character may be speaking about him or herself or sharing events that he or she is experiencing. Recognized by the use of I or we.19
2896285116Flashbacka scene in a movie, novel, etc., set in a time earlier than the main story20
2896289186Flat Charactertwo-dimensional in that they are relatively uncomplicated and do not change throughout the course of a work21
2896293569Foreshadowingbe a warning or indication of a future event22
2896296796Genrea category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.23
2896302814Imagerydescriptive sensory language, including details of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound24
2896307509Indirect Characterizationnarrator shows the reader something about the character through the character's actions, things the character says, or things other characters say25
2896311626In Medias Resin or into the middle of a narrative or plot26
2896316967Ironya state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result27
2896321795Horatianform of satire where writer playfully criticizes some social vice through gentle, mild, and light-hearted humour28
2896335413Juvenilianform of satire where writer is more contemptuous and abrasive and actively attacks them through his literature29
2896353360Limited Omniscient Point of Viewnarrator knows all the thoughts, actions, and feelings of all characters30
2896355873Minimalista style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity31
2896369254Motifa distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition32
2896373626Motivationreason why characters do what they do33
2896379144NarratorA person who tells a story; in literature, the voice that an author takes on to tell a story34
2896386222Objective Point of ViewThe third person narrator relates only what we can see and hear, without giving access to the thoughts and feelings of any of the characters35
2896392128Omniscient Point of Viewnarrator is a character in the story, but also knows the thoughts and feelings of all the other characters36
2896398055Plotthe main events of a play, novel, movie, or similar work, devised and presented by the writer as an interrelated sequence37
2896401250Point of Viewthe narrator's position in relation to the story being told38
2896420378Protagonistthe leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text39
2896423521Round Charactercharacters that are complex and undergo development, sometimes sufficiently to surprise the reader40
2896428131Settingthe place or type of surroundings where something is positioned or where an event takes place41
2896433114Short Storya story with a fully developed theme but significantly shorter and less elaborate than a novel42
2896437439Situational Ironyirony involving a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome is contrary to what was expected43
2896446412Static Characterliterary or dramatic character who undergoes little or no inner change; a character who does not grow or develop44
2896450054Stock Characterstereotypical person whom audiences readily recognize from frequent recurrences in a particular literary tradition; archetypal characters distinguished by their flatness; as a result, they tend to be easy targets for parody and to be criticized as clichés45
2896458445Story of Initiationstory whose overall plot is concerned with putting the protagonist through a particular sort of experience - beginning something for which his/her previous experience had not prepared him/her46
2896468493Stream of Consciousnessa literary style in which a character's thoughts, feelings, and reactions are depicted in a continuous flow uninterrupted by objective description or conventional dialogue47
2896478296Styledescribes the ways that the author uses words — the author's word choice, sentence structure, figurative language, and sentence arrangement all work together to establish mood, images, and meaning in the text48
2896485231Symbol/SymbolismA figure of speech where an object, person, or situation has another meaning other than its literal meaning49
2896489571Syntaxthe arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language50
2896493149Themean idea that recurs in or pervades a work of art or literature51
2896498323Third Personpoint of view and uses pronouns like he, she, it, or they52
2896512081Tragedya series of unfortunate events by which one or more of the literary characters in the story undergo several misfortunes, which finally culminate into a disaster of 'epic proportions'53
2896520427Tonethe perspective or attitude that the author adopts with regards to a specific character, place or development54
2896529079Unreliable Narratorcharacter whose telling of the story is not completely accurate or credible due to problems with the character's mental state or maturity55
2896536625Verbal Ironyuse of vocabulary to describe something in a way that is other than it seems; often is used with a sarcastic tone or nature56

Acquiring Medical Language 1 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7318141948a-, an-not0
7318141949ab-away1
7318141950ad-toward2
7318141951ante-before3
7318141952anti-, contra-against4
7318141953bi-two5
7318141954brady-slow6
7318141955circum-around7
7318141956con-, sym-, synwith, together8
7318141957de-down, away from9
7318141958dia-, trans-through10
7318141959dys-bad11
7318141960e-, ec-, ex-out12
7318141961ecto-, exo-, extra-outside13
7318141962en-, endo-, intra-in, inside14
7318141963epi-upon15
7318141964eu-good16
7318141965hemi-half17
7318141966hyper-over18
7318141967hypo-under19
7318141968inter-between20
7318141969macro-large21
7318141970micro-small22
7318141971mono-, uni-one23
7318141972multi-, polymany24
7318141973oligo-few25
7318141974pan-all26
7318141975peri-around27
7318141976post-after28
7318141977pre-before29
7318141978pro-before, on behalf of30
7318141979re-again31
7318141980semi-half32
7318141981sub-beneath33
7318141982tachy-fast34
7318141983-ac, -al, -ar, -ary, -eal, -ic, -ous, -ticpertaining to35
7318141984-algia, -dyniapain36
7318141985-celehernia37
7318141986-centesispuncture38
7318141987-desisbinding39
7318141988-ectomyremoval40
7318141989-emiablood condition41
7318141990-gramwritten record42
7318141991-graphinstrument used to produce a record43
7318141992-graphyprocess of recording44
7318141993-ia, -osis, -ism, -ycondition45
7318141994-iasispresence of46
7318141995-iatrics, -iatrymedical science47
7318141996-iatristspecialist in medicine of48
7318141997-icle, -ole, -ula, - ulesmall49
7318141998-istspecialist50
7318141999-itisinflammation51
7318142000-iumtissue, structure52
7318142001-logistspecialist in the study of53
7318142002-logystudy of54
7318142003-lysisbreak down, loosen55
7318142004-malaciaabnormal softening56
7318142005-megalyenlargement57
7318142006-meterinstrument used to measure58
7318142007-metryprocess of measuring59
7318142008-oidresembling60
7318142009-omatumor61
7318142010-pathydisease62
7318142011-peniadeficiency63
7318142012-pexysurgical fixation64
7318142013-plastyreconstruction65
7318142014-ptosisdrooping66
7318142015-rrhage, -rrhagiaexcessive flow67
7318142016-rrhaphysuture68
7318142017-rrheaflow69
7318142018-rrhexisrupture70
7318142019-scopeinstrument used to look71
7318142020-scopyprocess of looking72
7318142021-spasminvoluntary contraction73
7318142022-stomycreation of an opening74
7318142023-tomyincision75
7318142024arthro/joint76
7318142025cardi/oheart77
7318142026derm/o, dermat/o, cutane/oskin78
7318142027enter/osmall intestine79
7318142028gastr/ostomach80
7318142029gen/ogeneration, cause, creation81
7318142030hem/o, hemat/oblood82
7318142031hepat/oliver83
7318142032hydr/owater84
7318142033morph/ochange85
7318142034muscul/o, my/omuscle86
7318142035myc/ofungus87
7318142036necr/odeath88
7318142037neur/onerve89
7318142038orth/ostraight90
7318142039path/odisease, suffering91
7318142040phag/oeat92
7318142041plas/oformation93
7318142042pneum/o, pneumon/o, pulmon/olung94
7318142043py/opus95
7318142044scler/ohard96
7318142045sten/onarrowing97
7318142046troph/onourishment, development98
7318142047angi/o, vas/o, vascul/oblood vessel99
7318142048xen/oforeign100
7318142049xer/odry101
7338654052Singular -aPlural -ae102
7338663837Singular -axPlural -aces103
7338669199Singular -exPlural -ices104
7338674378SIngular -ixPlural -ices105
7338680216Singular -isPlural -es106
7338685166Singular -maPlural -mata107
7338687526Singular -onPlural -a108
7338692758Singular -umPlural -a109
7338695552Singular -usPlural -i110
7338704488Singular -yPlural -ies111

Literary Terms AP Language Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7859295244absolutea word free from limitations or qualifications (e.g. "best," "all" "unique," "perfect")0
7859295245adagea familiar proverb or wise saying1
7859295246ad hominem argumentan argument attacking an individua1's character rather than his or her position on an issue2
7859295247allegorya literary work in which characters, objects, or actions represent abstractions3
7859295248alliteration- the repetition of initial sounds in successive or neighboring words4
7859295249allusiona reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that the author assumes the reader will recognize5
7859295250analogymaking clear a concept or idea by showing its similarity to a more familiar concept6
7859295251analysis of causeidentifying the forces responsible for an effect7
7859295252anaphorathe repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of consecutive lines or sentences8
7859295253anecdotea brief narrative that focuses on a particular incident or event9
7859295254antecedentthe word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers10
7859295255anticipate an objectionto address the anticipated objection by addressing it before anyone else can raise the objection11
7859295256antithesisa statement in which two opposing ideas are presented in a balanced form12
7859295257aphorisma concise, memorable statement that expresses succinctly a general truth or idea, often using rhyme or balance13
7859295258apostrophea figure of speech in which one directly addresses an absent or imaginary person, or some abstraction14
7859295259archetypea detail, image, or character type that occurs frequently in literature and myth and is thought to appeal in a universal way to the unconscious and to evoke a response15
7859295260argument- the statement of the meaning or main point of a literary work16
7859295261assertiona point suggested by the speaker for consideration as true or possible17
7859295262assonancerepetition of the same vowel sounds within words close together (e.g. the long e sounds in the following: the team was green so the season was weak)18
7859295263asyndetona construction in which elements are presented in a series without conjunctions19
7859295265bandwagonsuggesting that something is right because everyone else does it.20
7859295266bathosinsincere or overly sentimental quality of writing/speech intended to evoke pity (compare to pathos)21
7859295267begging the questiona logical fallacy that involves taking for granted from the start what you set out to demonstrate. When you argue in a logical way, you state that because something is true, then, as a result, some other truth follows. When you beg the question, however, you repeat that what is true is true.22
7859295268chiasmusa statement consisting of two parallel parts in which the second part is structurally reversed ("Susan walked in, and out rushed Mary.")23
7859295270clichéa tired, overused expression24
7859295271climaxthe point of highest interest or turning point in a literary work25
7859295272colloquialisminformal words or expressions not usually acceptable in formal writing26
7859295273conceita fanciful, particularly clever extended metaphor27
7859295274concessionan acknowledgement of validity or truth of a point made by the opposition.28
7859295275concrete detailsdetails that relate to or describe specific things or events29
7859295276connotationthe implied or associative meaning of a word30
7859295277consonancerepetition of the same ending sounds in words close together (e.g. repetition of the final d sound in the following: the sound of the wind and heat of the sand)31
7859295278corrective measuresproposing measures to eliminate undesirable conditions32
7859295279deductive reasoningreasoning in which a conclusion is reached by stating a general principle and then applying that principle to a specific case (The sun rises every morning; therefore, the sun will rise on Tuesday morning.) (compare to inductive reasoning)33
7859295281denotationthe literal meaning of a word (compare to connotation)34
7859295282descriptionthe enumeration of characteristics of objects that belong to the same class.35
7859295283dialecta variety of speech characterized by its own particular grammar or pronunciation, often associated with a particular geographical region36
7859295284dialogueconversation between two or more people37
7859295285dictionthe word choices made by a writer38
7859295286dilemmaa situation that requires a person to decide between two equally attractive or equally unattractive alternatives39
7859295288direct addressto speak directly; to remove any separation between speaker and audience.40
7859295289definitionto define a concept such as "excessive violence" to help resolve a question by narrowing or clarifying meaning41
7859295290dissonanceharsh, inharmonious, or discordant sounds42
7859295291either-or fallacyoffering only two choices when other valid ones exist; assuming that a reality may be divided into only two parts or extremes; assuming that a given problem has only one or two possible solutions43
7859295292elegya formal poem presenting a meditation on death or another solemn theme44
7859295293ellipsisthe omission of a word or phrase which is grammatically necessary but can be deduced from the context ("Some people prefer cats; others, dogs").45
7859295295epigrama brief, pithy, and often paradoxical saying46
7859295296epigrapha saying or statement on the title page of a work, or used as a heading for a chapter or other section of a work47
7859295298epiphanya moment of sudden revelation or insight48
7859295299epitaphan inscription on a tombstone or burial place49
7859295300epitheta term used to point out a characteristic of a person. Homeric epithets are often compound adjectives ("swift-footed Achi11es") that become an almost formulaic part of a name. Epithets can be abusive or offensive but are not so by definition. For example, athletes may be proud of their given epithets ("The Rocket").50
7859295301ethos- appeal based on the character or credentials of the speaker. An ethos-driven document relies on the reputation of the author51
7859295302eulogya formal speech praising a person who has died52
7859295303euphemisman indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant53
7859295304expletivean interjection to lend emphasis; sometimes, a profanity54
7859295305fablea brief story that leads to a moral, often using animals as characters55
7859295306false analogya type of logical fallacy involving a claim of persuasive likeness when no significant likeness exists. An analogy asserts that because two things are comparable in some respects, they are comparable in other respects as well. Analogies cannot serve as evidence in a rational argument because the differences always outweigh the similarities; but analogies can reinforce such arguments if the subjects are indeed similar in some ways. If they aren't, the analogy is false. (e.g. "war" on drugs - who is the enemy? Users, producers, dealers?)56
7859295307figurative languagelanguage employing one or more figures of speech to express an idea that is not literally true but which conveys something important about the subject Examples include simile, metaphor, personification, metonymy, hyperbole, synecdoche, understatement )57
7859295308flashbackthe insertion of an earlier event into the normal chronological order of a narrative58
7859295309flat charactera character who embodies a single quality and who does not develop in the course of a story (compare to round character)59
7859295310foreshadowingthe presentation of materiel in such a Way that the reader is prepared for what is to come later in the Work60
7859295312frame deviceWhen a work contains a story within a story, the frame is the outer story or the story that justifies or encompasses the inner story/stories. A example is Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, in which the primary tales are told within the "frame story" of the pilgrimage to Canterbury.61
7859295313genrea major category or type of literature62
7859295314homilya sermon, or a moralistic lecture63
7859295315hyperboleintentional exaggeration to create an effect (opposite of understatement)64
7859295316hypothetical questiona question that raises a hypothesis, conjecture, or supposition the words in the expression; or, a regional speech or dialect65
7859295317imagerythe use of specific details to create vivid images that appeal to one of the five senses66
7859295318implicationa suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/ audience infers.67
7859295319inductive reasoninga type of reasoning that takes specific examples and applies them to a larger or more general situation. For example, if a person notes that he saw three drivers talking on cell phones today and all were driving badly, that person might conclude that cell phone use makes people drive badly. (compare to deductive reasoning)68
7859295320inferencea conclusion one draws (infers) based on premises or evidence69
7859295321inquiry as introductionsetting an essay or speech in motion by raising a question and suggesting that the answer may be interesting or important.70
7859295322invectivean intensely vehement, highly emotional verbal attack71
7859295323ironythe use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning (verbal irony); or, incongruity between what is expected and what actually occurs (situational irony)72
7859295324jargonthe specialized language or vocabulary of a particular group or profession73
7859295325juxtapositionplacing two elements side by side to present a comparison or contrast74
7859295326legenda narrative handed down from the past, containing historical elements and usually supernatural elements75
7859295327limited narratora narrator who presents the story as it is seen and understood by a single character and restricts information to what is seen, heard, thought, or felt by that one character76
7859295328literary licensedeviating from normal rules or methods in order to achieve a certain effect (intentional sentence fragments, for example).77
7859295329litotesa type of understatement in which an idea is expressed by negating its opposite (describing a particularly horrific scene by saying, "It was not a pretty picture.")78
7859295330loaded termsusing slanted or biased terms, especially those with strong connotations.79
7859295331logosan appeal to logic or reason; a speaker's effort to persuade his/her audience through the use of facts, statistics, and/or logical patterns of thought.80
7859295332malapropismthe mistaken substitution of one word for another word that sounds similar ("The doctor wrote a subscription.")81
7859295333maxima concise statement, often offering advice; an adage82
7859295334metaphordirect comparison of two different things83
7859295335metonymysubstituting the name of one object for another object closely associated with it ("The pen [writing] is mightier than the sword [war/fighting]")84
7859295336moodthe emotional atmosphere of a work85
7859295337motifan object, idea, or dramatic situation that recurs in a work - usually connected to the theme86
7859295338narratorthe one who tells the story; may be first- or third-person, limited or omniscient87
7859295339non sequituran inference that does not follow logically from' the premises (literally, "does not follow").88
7859295340omniscient narratora narrator who is able to know, see, and tell all, including the inner thoughts and feelings of multiple characters89
7859295341onomatopoeiaa word formed from the imitation of natural sounds90
7859295342oxymoronan expression in which two words that contradict each other are joined (icy hot)91
7859295343parablea simple story that illustrates a moral or religious lesson92
7859295344paradoxan apparently contradictory statement that actually contains some truth93
7859295345parallelismwhen the writer/speaker uses two or more items in a sentence in parallel (the same) grammatical form. For example: "I came, I saw, I conquered" (Julius Caesar) .(Grammatical parallelism refers to the correct use of similar grammatical forms in a list, while rhetorical parallelism refers to the use of such repeated forms to create a desired effect on the audience.)94
7859295346paraphrasea restatement of a text in a different form or in different words, often for the purpose of clarity95
7859295347parodya humorous imitation of a serious work96
7859295348parentheticala comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain97
7859295349pathosan emotional appeal; a speaker's effort to engage feelings in the audience98
7859295350personificationendowing non-human objects or creatures with human qualities or characteristics99
7859295351philippica strong verbal denunciation. The term comes from the orations of Demosthenes against Philip of Macedonia in the fourth century.100
7859295352point of viewthe vantage point from which a story is told101
7859295353polysyndetonthe use, for rhetorical effect, of more conjunctions than is necessary or natural (We cleared rocks and branches and roots and trash and sand.)102
7859295355post hoc, ergo propter hoc(from Latin "after this, therefore because of this") - assuming that because B follows A, B was caused by A.103
7859295356premisea proposition upon which an argument is based or from which a conclusion is drawn.104
7859295357puna play on words, often achieved through the use of words with simììar sounds but different meanings105
7859295358rebuttalopposition to an assertion; disapproval or refutation.106
7859295359red herringa type of logical fallacy that involves diverting the issue with an unrelated topic107
7859295360reduce to the absurdto show the foolishness of an argument by taking the argument to its logical conclusion. It can be a logical fallacy if it exaggerates what is possible.108
7859295361repetitionwhen a particular word or phrase is used repeatedly in a work.109
7859295362rhetoricthe art of using spoken or written communication effectively; the art of guiding the reader or listener to agreement with the writer or speaker.110
7859295363rhetorical questiona question asked merely for rhetorical effect and not requiring an answer111
7859295364rhetorical devicesliterary techniques used to heighten the effectiveness of expression (synonymous or nearly synonymous with the terms literary devices or resources of language)112
7859295365round charactera character who demonstrates some complexity and who develops or changes in the course of a work113
7859295366sarcasmharsh, cutting language or tone intended to ridicule; a form of verbal irony114
7859295367satirethe use of humor to call attention to human weaknesses or imperfections in social institutions115
7859295368settingthe time and place of a work116
7859295369similea comparison of two things using "1ike," "as," "than," or other specifically comparative words117
7859295370solecismnonstandard grammatical usage; a mistake; a violation of grammatical rules118
7859295371structurethe arrangement or framework of a sentence, paragraph, or entire work119
7859295372stylethe choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work120
7859295373symbolan object that is used to represent something else121
7859295374synecdocheusing one part of an object to represent the entire object (for example, referring to a car simply as "wheels")122
7859295375tautologyneedless repetition which adds no meaning or understanding (widowwoman; free gift)123
7859295376themea central idea of a work124
7859295377thesisthe primary position taken by a writer or speaker125
7859295378tonethe attitude of a writer, usually implied, toward the subject or audience126
7859295379triteoverused and hackneyed127
7859295380understatementthe deliberate representation of something as lesser in magnitude than it actually is; a deliberate under-emphasis.128

AP Language Tone List #7 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5780858058amiablehaving or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner0
5780858059embitteredpossessing sour, hostile, or resentful feelings1
5780858060fatuouscomplacently or inanely foolish; silly; pointless2
5780858061mirthfulmerry or glad as shown by or accompanied with laughter3
5783513040obsequiousmarked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness; subservient4
5783513172ruefulexciting pity or sympathy; pitiable, mournful, regretful5
5783513335serenecalm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil6
5783513701stolidcalm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation7
5783513788trepidtimorous; fearful8
5783514106vehementmarked by forceful energy; powerful; intensely emotional; impassioned and fervid9
5783514247veneratingregarding with reverential respect or admiring deference; honoring with an act of devotion10
5783514457volcanicexplosively violent; volatile11
5783514560woefulcharacterized by suffering and calamity; grievous; lamentably serious12
5783514645wrathfulfilled with strong vengeful anger; irate13
5783514740zealousexhibiting great intensity of feeling14

AP Language and Composition- Modes of Discourse Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
3832294737NarrationTelling a story or recounting a series of events, may be real or fictional, usually governed by chronology, and must support a thesis0
3832294738DescriptionSimilar to narration in its use of concrete details, differs from narration in its emphasis on senses, often used to establish atmosphere or mood, rarely a stand-alone developmental pattern (usually used to strengthen other modes)1
3832294739Process AnalysisExplains how something works, how to do something, or how something was done. Often more expository than persuasive, connotative language may establish a position or tone2
3832294740ExemplificationProviding a series of examples, turns a general idea into a concrete idea, often helps clarify or illustrate a point or argument, Often used in inductive arguments (reasoning from specifics pieces of evidence to a more general conclusion)3
3832294741Compare & ContrastJuxtaposing two things to highlight their similarities and differences4
3832294742Classify & DivideSorting material into categories, making connections between things that might otherwise seem unrelated5
3832294743DefinitionGenerally used to clarify the thesis or subject6
3832294744Cause & EffectMay move from causes to effect or work from the effect backward to the causes7

AP Psychology - Language and Cognition Flashcards

Advanced Placement Psychology
Enterprise High School, Redding, CA
All terms from Myers Psychology for AP (BFW Worth, 2011)

Terms : Hide Images
5641730731cognitionall the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.0
5641730732concepta mental grouping of similar objects, events, ideas, or people.1
5641730733prototypea mental image or best example of a category.2
5641730734algorithma methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem. Contrasts with the usually speedier—but also more error-prone—use of heuristics.3
5641730735heuristica simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make judgments and solve problems efficiently; usually speedier but also more error-prone than algorithms.4
5641730736insighta sudden and often novel realization of the solution to a problem; it contrasts with strategy-based solutions.5
5641730737behaviorist theorythe theory of language development that argues humans learn language through trial/error and gradually learn more effective ways to speak to get what they want6
5641730738confirmation biasa tendency to search for information that supports our preconceptions and to ignore or distort contradictory evidence.7
5641730739fixationthe inability to see a problem from a new perspective, by employing a different mental set.8
5641730740mental seta tendency to approach a problem in one particular way, often a way that has been successful in the past.9
5641730741functional fixednessthe tendency to think of things only in terms of their usual functions; an impediment to problem solving.10
5641730742representativeness heuristicjudging the likelihood of things in terms of how well they seem to represent, or match, particular prototypes; may lead us to ignore other relevant information.11
5641730743availability heuristicestimating the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory; if instances come readily to mind (perhaps because of their vividness), we presume such events are common.12
5641730744nativist theorythe theory of language development that states that humans have a natural, innate ability to develop language (theorized by Chomsky)13
5641730745belief perseveranceclinging to one's initial conceptions after the basis on which they were formed has been discredited.14
5641730746Language Acquisition Devicethis structure allows for the innate development of language (theorized by Chomsky)15
5641730747framingthe way an issue is posed; how an issue is framed can significantly affect decisions and judgments.16
5641730748languageour spoken, written, or signed words and the ways we combine them to communicate meaning.17
5641730749phonemein language, the smallest distinctive sound unit.18
5641730750morphemein a language, the smallest unit that carries meaning; may be a word or a part of a word (such as a prefix).19
5641730751grammarin a language, a system of rules that enables us to communicate with and understand others.20
5641730752semanticsthe set of rules by which we derive meaning from morphemes, words, and sentences in a given language; also, the study of meaning.21
5641730753syntaxthe rules for combining words into grammatically sensible sentences in a given language.22
5641730754babbling stagebabies spontaneously uttering a variety of words, such as ah-goo23
5641730755one-word stagethe stage in which children speak mainly in single words24
5641730756two-word stagethey start uttering two word sentences25
5641730757telegraphic speechearly speech stage in which a child speaks like a telegram—"go car"—using mostly nouns and verbs.26
5641730758linguistic determinismWhorf's hypothesis that language determines the way we think.27
5641736758aphasialoss of ability to understand or express speech, caused by brain damage.28
5641757805Broca's areaa region of the brain concerned with the production of speech29
5641764275Wernicke's areaa region of the brain concerned with the comprehension of language30

Pages

Subscribe to CourseNotes RSS

Need Help?

We hope your visit has been a productive one. If you're having any problems, or would like to give some feedback, we'd love to hear from you.

For general help, questions, and suggestions, try our dedicated support forums.

If you need to contact the Course-Notes.Org web experience team, please use our contact form.

Need Notes?

While we strive to provide the most comprehensive notes for as many high school textbooks as possible, there are certainly going to be some that we miss. Drop us a note and let us know which textbooks you need. Be sure to include which edition of the textbook you are using! If we see enough demand, we'll do whatever we can to get those notes up on the site for you!