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AP Language Terms List #1 Flashcards

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7189289171alliterationtongue twister; close words starting with same letter0
7189289172allusiona reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that the author assumes the reader will recognize1
7189289174analogydrawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect2
7189289186claiman arguable statement, which may be a claim of fact, value, or policy.3
7189289265clichea worn-out idea or overused expression. E.g. "finding your way"4
7189289192conjunctionThe part of speech (or word class) that serves to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. Example: FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so5
7189289193connotationthe implied or associative meaning of a word; emotional meaning behind a word. E.g. Red signifies passion.6
7189289195denotationdictionary meaning of a word; E.g. Red is a color in the light spectrum.7
7189289196dialectthe usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people (how people talk depending on where they are)8
7189289197dictionword choice9
7189289199ethosthe appeal of a text to the credibility and character of the speaker, writer, or narrator10
7189355902evidencesupporting examples, anecdotes, quotations that help prove a claim11
7189289205figurative language/ figures of speechwriting or speech that is not meant to be taken literally12
7189289208hyperboleexaggeration13
7189289209imagerydescriptions that appeal to one or more of the senses: sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell14
7189289212irony(unexpected twist) a use of words in which the intended meaning is very different from the literal sense; an incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs, esp. one that suggests a lesson about human folly15
7189318112logosappealing to a reader's sense of logic16
7189289216metaphorcomparison17
7189289219moodatmosphere; feeling created in the reader by a literary work or passage18
7189289220narrativestory19
7189289222onomatopoeiaa figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Simple examples include such words as buzz, hiss, hum.20
7189289227pathosa quality, as of an experience or a work of art, that arouses feelings of pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow21
7189289229personificationa figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes22
7189289230point of viewthe perspective from which a story is told23
7189356384reasoningthe way a writer explains how evidence supports a claim24
7189289235rhetoricstudy of persuasion25
7189289236rhetorical questionfigure of speech in the form of a question posed for rhetorical effect rather than for the purpose of getting an answer26
7189289239similecomparing two things using like or as27
7189289244symbolanything that stands for or represents something else28
7189289248toneauthor's attitude29
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AP English Language terms "K" - "P" Flashcards

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6437715306litoteUnderstatement (often you will see "understatement" on the AP exam instead of "litote"0
6437724428metaphora figure of speech that refers, for rhetorical effect, to one thing by mentioning another thing.1
6437724429metonymyA figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated (such as "crown" for "royalty").2
6437727391oxymoronA figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms.3
6437727392onomatopoeiaA word that imitates the sound it represents.4
6437732176paradoxA statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth (Ex: She lifted herself up by her bootstraps - physically this is impossible, but we understand the truth in it).5
6437732177parallelismThe repetition of similar grammatical or syntactical patterns; also referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this term comes from Greek roots meaning "beside one another." It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity.6
6437734500parodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.7
6437734501pathosAppeal to emotion8
6437737095personificationA figure of speech in which an object is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes9
6437737096proseAny writing that is not poetry10
6437741443pronounA word that replaces and refers to a noun.11
6437872399logosAppeal to logic12
6437884296purposeOne's intention or objective in a speech or piece of writing.13
6437893401polysyndetonDeliberate use of many conjunctions14
6438066973motifA recurring subject, theme, or idea in a text15
6438383485Plato's CaveA theory thought up by Plato. chain people in a cave unabale to move their heads so they can only see the wall ahead of them. Puppeteers hold puppets up to the fire which cast shadows. Plato's theory is that those captives will believe the shadows are reality and will have a hard time realizing true reality once released.16
6516113191malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar17
6527730056periodic sentenceA sentence that departs from the usual word order of English sentences by expressing its main thought only at the end18
6527751341loose sentence (aka cumulative sentence)The most common type of sentence in which the main idea comes first, followed by dependent phrases19
6527786883monologueA long speech made by one performer or by one person in a group.20
6700088963punA play on words; created by using a word with two meanings.21
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AP Literature Terms Flashcards

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6264615190AllusionA reference in a work of literature to something outside the work.0
6264623211AttitudeThe disposition toward or opinion of a subject by a speaker, author or character1
6264674130DetailsIndividual items or parts that make up a larger picture or story.2
6264681340Devices of SoundTechniques of deploying the sound of words, especially in poetry.3
6264685758DictionWord choice.4
6284552258figurative languageWriting that uses figures of speech such as metaphor, simile and imagery5
6284563219imageryThe images created by a literary work; the sensory details of a work6
6284567377ironyA figure of speech in which the intended meaning an actual meaning differ7
6284573153metaphorUses language to compare things or ideas without uses "like" or "as"8
6284578685narrative techniquesThe methods involved in telling a story9
6284583336omniscient point of viewThe vantage point of a story in which the narrator can know, see, and report whatever he or she chooses10
6284590179point of viewAny of the several possible vantage points from which a story is told11
6284592289resources of languageA general phrase for the linguistic devices or techniques that a writer can use12
6284601545rhetorical techniquesThe devices used in effective or persuasive language13
6284604198satireWriting that uses ridicule to arouse a reader's disapproval of the subject14
6284610012settingThe background of a story15
6284612823simileA directly expressed comparison of an idea or thing in a story or play using the words "like" or "as"16
6284622789strategyThe management of language for a specific effect17
6284625884structureThe arrangement of materials within a work18
6284629080styleThe mode of expression in language, the artistic manner of expression of an author19
6284635694symbolSomething that is simultaneously itself and also a sign of something else20
6284646043syntaxThe structure of a sentence; the arrangement of words in a sentence21
6284649977themeThe main thought expressed by a work22
6284652357tonethe manner in which an author expresses his or her attitude.23
6284657613allegoryA story in which the people, things, and events have another meaning24
6284662587ambiguityMultiple meanings that a literary work may communicate25
6284666616apostropheDirect address, usually to someone or something that isn't present26
6284670502connotationThe implications of a word or phrase or the emotions associated with it27
6284675184conventionA device of style or subject matter that is used so often that it becomes a recognized means of expression28
6284684323denotationThe specific, literal meaning of a word29
6299185412didacticExplicitly instructive30
6299197176digressionThe inclusion of material unrelated to the actual subject of a work.31
6299221393epigramA pithy saying, often employing contrast.32
6299226147euphemismA figure of speech utilizing indirection to avoid offensive bluntness.33
6299239400grotesqueCharacterized by distortions or incongruities.34
6299326668hyperboleDeliberate exaggeration, overstatement.35
6299329841jargonThe specialized language of a profession or group36
6299335019literalThe precise, explicit meaning37
6299337674lyricalSonglike; characterized by emotion38
6299342586oxymoronA combination or juxtaposition of opposites; a union of contradictory terms39
6299348762parableA story designed to suggest a principle40
6299352887paradoxA statement that seems to be self-contradictory but it is, in fact, true41
6299367700parodyA composition that imitates the style of another's composition42
6299373783personificationA figurative use of language that endows the nonhuman with human characteristics43
6299429352reliabilityA quality of some fictional narrators in whose word the reader can place in his trust44
6299433925rhetorical questionA question asked for effect, not in expectation for reply45
6299440329soliloquyA speech in which a character who is alone speaks his or her thoughts aloud46
6299445531stereotypeA conventional pattern, expression, character or idea47
6299451181syllogismA form of reasoning in which two statements are made and a conclusion is drawn from them48
6299483591alliterationThe repetition of similar or identical consonant sounds49
6299489380assonanceThe repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds50
6299493525ballad meterA four-line stanza rhymed abcb in which lines one and three have four feet and lines two and four have three feet51
6299509371blank verseUnrhymed iambic pentameter52
6299514147dactylA metrical foot of three syllables53
6299516724end-stoppedA line with a pause at the end54
6299532440free versePoetry that is not written in the traditional meter but still rhymes55
6299539202heroic coupletTwo end-stopped iambi pentameter lines rhymed with aa, bb, cc56
6299543791hexameterA line containing six feet57
6299546124iambA two-syllable foot with an unaccented syllable followed by an accented syllable58
6299551800internal rhymeRhyme that occurs within a line, rather than at the end59
6299559177onomatopoeiaThe use of words whose very sound suggests the actual meaning60
6299578484pentameterA line containing five feet61
6299588035rhyme royalA seven-line stanza of iambic pentameter rhymed ababbcc62
6299599794sonnetA poem written in iambic pentameter, normally composed of fourteen lines63
6299605800stanzaA repeated grouping of three or more lines64
6299614604terza rimaA three-line stanza rhymed aba, bcb, cdc65
6299616643tetrameterA line of four feet66
6299619756antecedentThat which has gone before, especially the word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers.67
6299628007clauseA group of words containing a subject and its verb that may or may not form a complete sentence68
6299631897ellipsisA phrase that omits some words that would be necessary for a complete construction, yet which is still understandable.69
6299642371imperativeThe mood of a verb that gives an order70
6299643724modifyTo restrict or limit in meaning71
6299646638parallel structureA similar grammatical structure withing a sentence or within a paragraph72
6299650793periodic sentenceA sentence that becomes grammatically complete only at the end73
6299653925SyntaxThe structure of a sentence74
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AP Literature Vocabulary Flashcards

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6752693581Slant Rhymewords that kind of sound like they rhyme but not really (purpose: to avoid monotony of repetitious conventional rhyme)0
6754501048Rhyme Schemeunifies lines and could indicate relentlessness and receptiveness as in "The Watch" by Francis Cornford1
6754523747Alliterationintensify effects, adds weight to an idea, makes verse easier to remember, and impacts sound- overused alliteration is purposely "silly"2
6754540955Assonancerepetition of vowel sounds (purpose: melodic effect and binds lines together)3
6754549648Consonancerepetition of consonant sounds (purpose: creates subtle harmonies)4
6754575105Cacophonydiscordant mixture of sounds5
6754582199Euphonypleasant sounds6
6754967095Caesuralines of poetry w/ punctuation (purpose: mimics human speech)7
6754969648Enjambmentlines of poetry w/o punctuation (purpose: lines flow into each other indication tumbling effect)8
6754983771Free Verseignores convention of meter and rhyme9
6754986424Blank Verseincorporates conventional meter, but not rhyme10
6755025132Metonymya figure of speech that substitutes a word or phrase that relates to a thing for the thing itself ("White house Plans New Tax Cuts")11
6755034318Synecdochesubstitutes a part for a whole ("18-wheeler")12
6755048099Oxymoronphrase that seems self- contradictory or incompatible with reality ("free gift")13
6755051437Paradoxapparently self-contradictory statement that under scrutiny makes perfect sense ("It was afternoon all evening")14
6755069293Understatementsaying less that one means or using restraint in ironic contrast to what might be said15
6755086021Litotesa form of understatement in which a positive fact is stated by denying a negative one ("Not bad at all")16
6755097283Tonespeaker's attitude towards the subject of the poem, the reader, or himself17
6755112697Narrative Poemtells part or all of a story, adheres to no prescribed form, primary purpose is to tell tales18
6755118204Lyric Poemexpresses an individual's thoughts and emotions19
6755130564Metaphysical Poetryblends emotion w/ intellectual ingenuity20
6755152442Balladoriginally sung, folk ballads tell engrossing stories about life, death, heroism, and more21
6755158220Dramatic Monologuepoem spoken by one person to a listener who may influence the speaker with a look or an action by sats nothing22
6755167006Elegy (dirge)poem about mourning and meditation, usually about the death of a person by occasionally about other losses23
6755182179Limerickfive lines built on two rhymes w/ the third and fourth lines shorter than the other24
6755193273Odea celebratory poem, highly lyrical, or profoundly philosophical, odes pay homage to whatever the poet may hold dear25
6755204594Villanelle19 line poem w/ 5 stanzas (3 lines each and concluding quatrain)26
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AP Literature A-D Verbs Flashcards

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5207994780Bamboozleto deceive or get the better of someone by trickery, flattery, or the like0
5207994781Beguileto mislead or lead by deception; charm1
5207996578Assuageto lessen the severity of something; alleviate2
5207996579Bristleto stand upright away from the skin, in anger or fear (in relation to hair)3
5208000208Curtailto cut short; reduce in extent or quality4
5208126784Blasphemeto talk about God or religion in an irreverant way5
5208126785Absquatulateto make off with someone or something6
5208128709Congealto change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing7
5208128710Debaseto reduce in quality or value8
5208133671Belaborto explain, worry about, or work at something more than necessary (dwell, harp, etc...)9
5208133672Beseechto beg (someone) for something in a serious manner10
5208137293Acquiesceto give in or accept something without protest11
5208137294Derideto talk or write about something in a critical way (ridicule, scoff, etc...)12
5208137340Caterwaulto make very loud, screeching sounds of complaint (like screaming cats)13
5208140200Buttressto support someone or something physically or to strengthen them14
5208140201Communeto communicate with someone in an intense, profound way15
5208141950Dawdleto waste time; to move lackadaisically16
5208141951Cadgeto get something by begging desperately17
5208145550Beleagueran attempt to cause trouble to a person; an attempt to lay siege to someone18
5208147764Careento move swiftly in an uncontrollable fashion; to tip over19
5208149709Chortleto laugh in a gleeful way (chuckle/snort)20
5208149710Acerbateto irritate; make sour; exasperate21
5208149711Bolsterto add support to or uphold22
5208151846Alightto descend from the air and settle; to set afire23
5208151847Descryto discover, catch sight of, disclose, reveal24
5208153904Conflagrateto start to burn or to cause to burst into flames25
5208153905Disinterto dig up for reburial or for medical investigation; of dead bodies26
5208157338Aggrandizeto make appear greater or to make greater; add details to; dramatize; embellish27
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AP Literature Flashcards

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7315074990AntithesisA rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect.0
7315074991AntiheroA prominent character in a play or book that has characteristics opposite to that of a conventional hero.1
7315078873AnthropomorphismThe attribution of human characteristics or behavior to a god, animal, or object.2
7315078874AphorismA statement of truth or opinion expressed in a concise and witty manner.3
7315082289ApostropheA figure of speech wherein the speaker talks directly to something that is nonhuman.4
7315084168AppositionWhen we use two noun phrases (np) next to each other in a clause, and they refer to the same person or thing, we call this apposition:5
7315084169AssonanceWhen two or more words, close to one another repeat the same vowel sound, but start with different consonant sounds. "Men sell the wedding bells."6
7315086009AsyndetonThe deliberate omission of conjunctions from series of related independent clauses. The effect is to create a tight, concise, and forceful sentence.7
7315086010BalanceA sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast8
7315229091AllegoryA story in which each aspect of the story has a symbolic meaning outside the tale itself.9
7315229092AlliterationThe repetition of initial consonant sounds.10
7315230930AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth place, or work of art.11
7315230931AmbiguityThe multiple meanings, either intentional, of a word phrase, sentence, or passage.12
7315232896AnalogyA comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification13
7315235366AnaphoraThe repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.14
7315235367Anastrophethe order of the noun and adjective are exchanged (switched around)15
7315237937Anecdotea short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.16
7315237938AntagonistA person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary17
7315240470AntimetaboliteA chemical that inhibits the use of a metabolite18
7429583841CharacterizationThe process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character19
7429635055Indirect characterizationAuthor reveals what the character is like by his actions, the way he dresses, how he looks, what he says, hears, experiences, and his emotions.20
7429617510Direct characterizationThe author tells us directly what the character is like. Usually a romantic Style21
7429603933Static characterIs one who does not change much in the course of a story22
7429644665Dynamic characterIs one who changes in some important way as a result of the story's action.23
7429648335Flat characterHas only one or two personality traits. They are one dimensional like a piece of cardboard. They can be summed up in one phrase.24
7429648336Round characterHas more dimensions to their personalities---they are complex, just as real people are.25
7429681865ChiasmusA type of rhetorical balance in which the second part is syntactically balanced against the first , but with the parts reversed.26
7429685607ClichéIs a word or phrase often a figure of speech, that has become lifeless because of overuse27
7429689431ColloquialismA word or phrase in everyday use in conversation and informal writing but is inappropriate for formal situations.28
7731079114Comedyin general a story that ends with a happy resolution of the conflicts faced by the main character.29
7731079115ConceitAn elaborate metaphor that compares two things that are startingly difference. Often an extende metaphor.30
7731082619Confessional PoetryA twentieth century term used to describe poetry that uses intimate material from the poets life.31
7731082620Conflictthe struggle between opposing forces or characters in the story32
7731085676External ConflictConflict that exists between two people. Between person , nature, machine, or society33
7731085677Internal ConflictOpposing forces within someones mind34
7731089270ConnotationThe association and emotional overtones that have become attached to ward or phrase, in addition to its strict dictionary definition.35
7731089271CoupletTwo consecutive rhyming lines of poetry.36
7731089272DialectA way of speaking that is characteristic of a certain social group or of the inhabitants of a certain geographical area.37
7731093169DictionA speaker or writer's choice of words.38
7906456462ElegyA poem of mourning usually about someone who has died.39
7906466126EpanalepisDevice of repetition in which the same expression is repeated both in the beginning and at the end of the line, clause or sentence.40
7906484551EpicA long narrative poem written in heightened language, which recounts the deeds of a heroic character who embodies the values of a particular story.41
7906499215EpigraphA quotation or aphorism at the beginning of a literary work suggestive of the theme.42
7906518703EpistropheDevice of repetition in which the same expression is repeated at the end of two or more lines, clauses , or sentences.43
7906522289EpithetAn adjective, or adjective phrase applied to a person or thing that is frequently used to emphasize a characteristic quality. "Father of our country."44
7906569924EssayA short piece of nonfiction prose in which the writer discusses some aspect of a subject.45
7906586082ArgumentForm of persuasion that appeals to reason instead of emotion to convince and audience to think or act in a certain way.46
7906627471PersuasionRelies more on emotional appeals than on facts47
7906638981Casual RelationshipsForm an argumentation in which the writer claims that one thing results from another, often used as a part of a logical argument.48
7906659611DescriptionA form of discourse that uses language to create a mood or emotion49
7906659612ExpositionOne of the four major forms of discourse, in which something is explained or set forth.50
7906660538NarrativeThe form of discourse that tells about a series of events.51
7972186392DidacticIntend to teach, morally instructive52
8156306717ExplicationAct of interpreting or discovering the meaning of a text usually involves reading and special attention to figurative language53
8156306718FableA very short story told in prose or poetry that teaches a practical lesson about how to succeed in life.54
8156306719FarceA type of comedy in which ridiculous and often stereotyped characters are involved in silly far fetched situations55
8156310167Figurative LanguageWords which are innacurate if interpreted literally, but are used to describe.56
8156310168FlashbackA scene that interrupts the normal chronological sequence of events in a story to depict something that happened at an earlier time.57
8156310169FoilA character who acts as contrast to another character .58
8156315351ForeshadowingThe use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a plot.59
8156315352Free VersePoetry that does not conform to a regular meter or rhyme scheme60
8156315353HyperboleExaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.61
8156319811Hypotaticsentence marked by the use of connecting words between clauses or sentences, explicitly showing the logical or other relationships between them62
8240229380ImageryThe use of language to evoke a picture or concrete sensation of a person thing place or experience.63
8240229381InversionThe reversal of the normal word and verbs64
8240234079Ironythe expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.65
8240290760Verbal IronyOccurs when someones says one thing but really means something else.66
8240295285Situational Ironytakes place when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen, or what would be appropriate to happen, and what really does happen.67
8240299711Dramatic IronyIs so called because it is often used on stage. A character in the play or story thinks one thing is true, but the audience or reader knows better.68
8240299712JuxtapositionPoetic and rhetorical device in which normally unassociated ideas words or phrases are placed next to one another creating an effect of surprise and wit.69
8240304945LitotesIs a form of understatement in which the positive form is emphasized through the negation of a negative form.70
8240310145Local ColorA term applied to fiction or poetry which tends to place special emphasis on a particular setting including its customs clothing dialect and customs.71
8240390535Loose SentenceOne in which the main clause comes first followed by further dependent grammatical units.72
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Everfi Module 5 - Higher Education Flashcards

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4630674133The return of investment (ROI) from education is typically the highest for:Someone with a four-year bachelor degree0
4630674134Your sister is starting ninth-grade next year and is thinking about going to college. What steps would you first recommend she takes?Looking for school clubs and organizations she's interested in1
4630674135Which of the following loans will typically offer the lowest interest rate?Payday Loan and Federal Student Loan2
4630674136When referring to student loans, what is a grace period?The period after graduating or leaving school before you must begin paying back student loans3
4630674137Which loan type requires you to make loan payments while you're attending school?Neither A nor B4
4630674138Which of the following statements about federal state loans is trueThe interest rate on your loan will be fixed overtime5
4630674139Using the FASFA form you can apply for:Federal student loans; the federal work study program6
4630674140The federal application for student aid form:Can be submitted online or by mail7
4630674141After you send in your FASFA form what will you recieve back?A copy of your completed FAFSA form8
4630674142You were looking for ways to pay for your higher education cost, which of the following options will require you to pay back any money receive?Federal student loans9
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AP Language Terms List #2 Flashcards

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7189336025anaphorarepetition of a word or phrase as the beginning of successive clauses0
7189336026antecedentthe word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers1
7189336027antithesisthe presentation of two contrasting ideas. The ideas are balanced by phrase, clause, or paragraphs. "To be or not to be . . ." "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times . . ." "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country . . ."2
7189336032colloquialinformal spoken language or conversation3
7189336038didacticinstructive, designed to teach4
7189336039epistropherepetition of the ends of two or more successive sentences, verses, etc.5
7189336046jargonspecialized technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject. E.g. Teachers say "facilitating instruction" and "text dependent questions"6
7189336047juxtapositionplacing two elements side by side to present a comparison or contrast7
7189336048litotesan understatement used to underscore a greater point; E.g. July 4th is not a dull day. ... like a double negative8
7189336051metonymysubstituting the name of one object for another object closely associated with it ("The pen [writing] is mightier than the sword [war/fighting].")9
7189336055oxymoronconjoining contradictory terms (as in 'deafening silence')10
7189336056paradoxa statement that seems contradictory or absurd but that expresses a truth11
7189336057parallelismsimilarity in structure and syntax in a series of related words, phrases, clauses, sentences, or paragraphs that develops balance. E.g. The boy went swimmING, bikING, and sailING this summer.12
7189336068synecdocheA figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole (as hand for sailor), the whole for a part (as the law for police officer), the specific for the general (as cutthroat for assassin), the general for the specific (as thief for pickpocket), or the material for the thing made from it (as steel for sword).13
7189336069syntaxthe grammatical arrangement of words in sentences14
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AP Literature Terms Flashcards

Terms from Euler's summer assignment

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7155696589AbstractComplex, discusses intangible qualities like good and evil, and seldom uses examples to support its points.0
7155696590AcademicDescribing style, meaning dry and theoretical writing. When a piece of writing seems to be sucking all the life out of its subject with analysis.1
7155696591AccentIn poetry, refers to the stressed portion of a word.2
7155696592AestheticCan be used as an adjective meaning "appealing to the senses". As a noun, it is a coherent sense of taste; as a plural noun, is the study of beauty.3
7155696593AllegoryA story in which each aspect of the story has a symbolic meaning outside the tale itself.4
7155696594AlliterationThe repetition of initial consonant sounds.5
7155696595AllusionA reference to another work or famous figure; can be topical (current event) or popular (pop culture).6
7155696596AnachronismMisplaced in time.7
7155696597AnalogyA comparison involving two or more symbolic parts, and are employed to clarify an action or a relationship.8
7155696598AnecdoteA short narrative.9
7155696599AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause that determines what a pronoun refers to.10
7155696600AntagonistPrimary character in opposition to the protagonist or hero.11
7155696601AnaphoraRepetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of word groups occurring one after the other.12
7155696602AnthropomorphismWhen inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena are given human characteristics, behavior, or motivation.13
7155696603AnticlimaxOccurs when an action produces far smaller results than one had been led to expect.14
7155696604AntiheroA protagonist who is markedly unheroic: morally weak, cowardly, dishonest, or any number of other unsavory qualities.15
7155696605AphorismA short and usually witty saying.16
7155696606ApostropheA figure of speech wherein the speaker talks directly to something that is nonhuman.17
7155696607ArchaismThe use of deliberately old-fashioned language.18
7155696608AsideA speech made by an actor to the audience, as though momentarily stepping outside of the action on stage.19
7155696609AspectA trait or characteristic.20
7155696610AssonanceThe repeated use of vowel sounds, as in, "Old king Cole was a merry old soul."21
7155696611AtmosphereThe emotional tone or background that surrounds a scene.22
7155696612BalladA long, narrative poem, usually in very regular meter and rhyme.23
7155696613BathosWhen the writing strains for grandeur it can't support and tries to jerk tears from every little hiccup.24
7155696614Black humorThe use of disturbing themes in comedy.25
7155696615BombastThis is pretentious, exaggeratedly learned language.26
7155696616BurlesqueA broad parody, one that takes a style or a form, such as tragic drama, and exaggerates it into ridiculousness.27
7155696617CacophonyUsing deliberately harsh, awkward sounds.28
7155696618CadenceThe beat or rhythm of poetry in a general sense.29
7155696619CantoThe name for a section division in a long work of poetry.30
7155696620CaricatureA portrait (verbal or otherwise) that exaggerates a facet of personality.31
7155696621CatharasisThe cleansing of emotion an audience member experiences, having lived (vicariously) through the experiences presented on stage.32
7155696622ChorusIn drama, the group of citizens who stand outside the main action on stage and comment on it.33
7155696623ClassicCan mean typical, can also mean an accepted masterpiece.34
7155696624Coinage (neologism)A new word, usually one invented on the spot.35
7155696625ColloquialismA word or phrase used in everyday conversational English that isn't a part of accepted "schoolbook" English.36
7155696626Complex, DenseSuggesting that there is more than one possibility in the meaning of words; there are subtleties and variations; there are multiple layers of interpretation; the meaning is both explicit and implicit.37
7155696627ConceitRefers to a startling or unusual metaphor, or to a metaphor developed and expanded upon over several lines.38
7155696628Controlling ImageWhen an image dominates and shapes the entire work.39
7155696629ConnotationEverything else that the word suggests or implies.40
7155696630DenotationLiteral meaning of a word.41
7155696631ConsonanceThe religion of constant sounds within words rather than at the beginning.42
7155696632CoupletA pair of lines that end in rhyme.43
7155696633PathosWhen the writing of a scene evokes feelings of dignified pity and sympathy.44
7155696634DecorumA characters speech must be styled according to their social station, and in accordance with the occasion.45
7155696635DictionThe author's choice of words.46
7155696636SyntaxThe ordering and structuring of the words.47
7155696637DirgeA song for the dead.48
7155696638DissonanceThe grating of incompatible sounds.49
7155696639DoggerelCrude, simplistic verse, often in sing-song rhyme.50
7155696640Dramatic ironyWhen the audience knows something that the characters in the drama do not.51
7155696641Dramatic MonologueWhen a single speaker in literature says something to a silent audience.52
7155696642ElegyA type of poem that meditates on death or mortality in a serious, thoughtful manner.53
7155696643ElementsThe basic techniques of each genre of literature.54
7155696644EnjambmentThe continuation of a syntactic unit from one line or couplet of a poem to the next with no pause.55
7155696645EpicA very long narrative poem on a serious theme in a dignified style.56
7155696646EpitaphLines that commemorate the dead at their burial place.57
7155696647EuphemismA word or phrase that takes the place of a harsh, unpleasant, or impolite reality.58
7155696648EuphonyWhen sounds blend harmoniously.59
7155696649ExplicitTo say or write something directly and clearly.60
7155696650FarceBroad humor, a funny play, comedy.61
7155696651Feminine rhymeLines rhymed by their final two syllables.62
7155696652First person narratorNarrator is a character in the story and tells the tale from their point of view.63
7155696653FoilA secondary character who is the opposite of the main character.64
7155696654FootThe basic rhyming unit of a line of poetry.65
7155696655ForeshadowingAn event of statement that suggests a larger event that comes later.66
7155696656Free versePoetry written without a regular rhyme scheme or metrical pattern.67
7155696657GenreA subcategory of literature.68
7155696658GothicDark form of literature.69
7155696659HubrisThe excessive pride or ambition that leads to the main character's downfall.70
7155696660HyperboleExaggeration or deliberate overstatement71
7155696661ImplicitTo say or write something that suggests and implies but never says it directly or clearly.72
7155696662In medias resLatin for "in the midst of things".73
7155696663Interior monologueWriting that records the mental talking that goes on inside a character's head.74
7155696664InversionSwitching the customary order of elements in a sentence or phrase.75
7155696665IronyA statement that means the opposite of what it seems to mean.76
7155696666LamentA poem of sadness or grief over the death of a loved one or over some other intense loss.77
7155696667LampoonA satire.78
7155696668Loose sentenceComplete before its end.79
7155696669Period sentenceNot grammatically complete until it has reached its final phrase.80
7155696670LyricA type of poetry that explores the poet's personal interpretation of and feelings about the world.81
7155696671Masculine rhymeA rhyme ending on the final stressed syllable.82
7155696672MeaningWhat makes sense, what's important.83
7155696673MelodramaA form of cheesy theater in which the hero is very good, the villain mean and rotten, and the heroine very pure.84
7155696674MetaphorA comparison, or analogy that states one thing is another.85
7155696675SimileA comparison using "like" or "as".86
7155696676Metaphysical conceitUnusual metaphor for metaphysical poems only.87
7155696677MetonymA word that is used to stand for something else that it has attributes of or is associated with.88
7155696678NemesisThe protagonist's archenemy or supreme and persistent difficulty.89
7155696679ObjectivityImpersonal and outside view of events.90
7155696680SubjectivityPersonal and interior view of events.91
7155696681Omniscient narratorAll knowing narrator who sees into every character's thoughts.92
7155696682OnomatopoeiaWords that sound like what they mean.93
7155696683OppositionA pair of elements that contrast sharply.94
7155696684OxymoronA phrase composed of opposites; a contradiction.95
7155696685ParableA story that instructs.96
7155696686ParadoxA situation or statement that seems to contradict itself but does not.97
7155696687ParalellismRepeated syntactical similarities used for effect.98
7155696688ParaphraseTo restate phrases and sentences in your own words.99
7155696921Parenthetical phraseA phrase set off by commas that interrupts the flow of a sentence with some commentary or added detail.100
7155696922ParodyThe work that results when a specific work is exaggerated to ridiculousness.101
7155696923PastoralA poem set in tranquil nature.102
7155696924PersonaThe narrator in a non-first-person novel.103
7155696925PersonificationGiving an inanimate object human qualities or form.104
7155696926PlaintA poem or speech expressing sorrow.105
7155696927MoodThe overall feeling or prevailing atmosphere evident in a work of literature.106
7155696928Point of viewThe perspective from which a story is told.107
7155696929Limited Omniscient NarratorThird person narrator who reports only what one character sees and thinks.108
7155696930Objective, or camera eye, narratorReports only what would be visible to a camera; no thoughts.109
7155696931Stream of consciousness techniqueThe author places the reader inside the main character's ear and makes the reader aware of all the thoughts.110
7155696932PreludeAn introductory poem to a longer work of verse.111
7155696933ProtagonistThe main character of a novel or play.112
7155696934PunThe usually humorous use of a word in such a way to suggest two or more meanings.113
7155696935RefrainA line or set of lines repeated several times over the course of a poem.114
7155696936RequiemA song of prayer for the dead.115
7155696937RhapsodyAn intensely passionate verse or section of verse, usually of love or praise.116
7155696938Rhetorical questionA question that suggests an answer.117
7155696939SatireExposes common character flaws to the cold light of humor, attempts to improve things by pointing out people's mistakes in hopes that they will change.118
7155696940SoliloquyA speech spoken by a character alone on stage.119
7155696941StanzaA group of lines roughly analogous in function in verse to the paragraph's function in prose.120
7155696942Stock charactersStandard or cliched character types.121
7155696943Subjunctive moodUsed to express doubt or a conditional attitude.122
7155696944SuggestTo imply, infer, indicate.123
7155696945SummaryA simple retelling of what you've just read. It's mechanical and superficial.124
7155696946Suspension of disbeliefThe demand made of a theater audience to accept the limitations of staging and supply the details with imagination.125
7155696947SymbolismA device in literature where an object represents an idea.126
7155696948TechniqueThe methods and tools of the author.127
7155696949ThemeThe main idea of the overall work; the central idea.128
7155696950ThesisThe main position of an argument.129
7155696951Tragic flawThe weakness of character in an otherwise good individual that leads to their downfall.130
7155696952TravestyA grotesque parody.131
7155696953TruismA way-too-obvious truth.132
7155696954Unreliable narratorWhen the narrator cannot be trusted, is usually young, crazy, a liar.133
7155696955UtopiaAn idealized place.134
7155696956ZeugmaThe use of a word to modify one or two more words but used for different meanings.135
7155696957ToneThe implied attitude toward the subject.136
7155696958StyleThe manner in which and author writes or tells a story. Involves repeated patterns and includes various literary techniques.137
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