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

AP Literature Mythological Allusions Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6642515777Achilles' heeltoday one spot that is most vulnerable; one weakness a person may have. Achilles was invulnerable except for his heel (achilles tendon)0
6642519394Adonishandsome young man; Aphrodite loved him1
6642520937Apolloa physically perfect male; the God of music and light; know for his physical beauty2
6642524960Athena/Minervagoddess of wisdom, the city, and arts; patron goddess of the city of Athens3
6642718410Atlanteanstrong like Atlas- who carried the globe (world) on his shoulders4
6642529859Bacchanalian(adj.) pertaining to a wild, drunken party or celebration from god of wine. Bacchus (Roman), Dionysus (Greek)5
6642535987Cassandraa person who continually predicts misfortune but often is not believed; from (Greek legends) a daughter of Priam cursed by Apollo for not returning his love; he left her with the gift of prophecy but made it so no one would believe her6
6642541879Chimeraa horrible creature of the imagination, an absurd or impossible idea; wild fancy; a monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail, supposed to breathe out fire7
6642546212Gorgona very ugly or terrible person, especially a repulsive woman; Medusa, any one or 3 sisters have snaked for hair and faces so horrible that anyone who looked at them turned to stone8
6642551021Halcyoncalm, peaceful, tranquil-- Archaic bur supposed to breed in a nest on the sea and calm the water, identified with the kingfisher (Latin< Greek halkyon)9
6642557897Helen (of Troy)Hellenistic; of or relating to Greece, or a Specialist of language or culture in Greece; symbol of a beautiful woman; from Helen of Troy, the daughter of Leda and Zeus-- the cause of the Trojan War10
6642563584Herculeanvery strong or of extraordinary power; from Hercules, Hera's glory, the son of Zeus. He performed the 12 labor imposed by Hera11
6642569212Jovialgood humored; from the word Jove, used to express surprise or agreement (Jupiter)12
6642571822Junoesquemarked by stately beauty; comes from the word Juno, the wife of Jupiter, the Goddess of light, birth, women, and marriage13
6642576319Martialsuited for way or a warrior; from Mars, the Roman God of War14
6642579086Medeasorceress or enchantress; from Medea who helped Jason and the Argonauts capture the Golden Fleece; known form her revenge against Jason when he spurned her for the princess of Corinth15
6642583878Mercurial(adj.) suddenly cranky of changeable; Roman Mythology, of or relating to the god Mercury16
6642588655Mercury/Hermesa carrer or tidings, a newsboy, a messenger; messenger of the gods, conductor of should to the lower world, and god of eloquence; the fabled inventor, wore winged hat and sandals17
6642593739Musesome creature of inspiration; the daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus, divine singers that presided over through in all its forms18
6642597697Narcissismbeing in love with our own self-image; named for Narcissus, a handsome young man who despised love. Echo, a nymph who was in love with him, was rejected and decreed, "Let he who loved not others, love himself." Hearing this, he fell in love with his image, while gazing in a pond, and drowned himself trying to capture it19
6642607813Neptunethe sea personified; the Roman god associated with Poseidon, god of the water and oceans20
6642610403Odysseya long journey; named for Odysseus, the character in The Odyssey, by Homer. Odysseus makes his long journey back from the Trojan War, encountering several obstacles along the way21
6642618509Olympianmajestic in manner, superior to mundane affairs' any participant in the ancient or modern Olympic games; named after 12 gods that were supposed to reside on Mount Olympus22
6642626417Pandora's Boxsomething that opens the door for bad occurrences, opened by someone known for curiosity; named for Pandora who was the first mortal, sent by Zeus, to punish man for Prometheus' theft of fire. For her curiosity in opening the box, Zeus gave her all human ills in the world, leaving only hope at the bottom23
6642635889Pegasuspoetic inspiration; named after a winged horse which sprang from the blood of Medusa at her death; a stamp of his hoof caused Hippocrene, the fountain of the Muses, to issue poetic inspiration form Mount Helicon24
6642643879Phoenixa symbol of immortality or rebirth; named after the Egyptian Mythology phonic, a long bird which lived in the Arabian desert and then consumed itself in fire, rising renewed from the flame to state another long life25
6642650583Prometheanlife-bringing, creative, or courageously original; named after a Titan who brought man the use of fire which he had stolen from heaven for their benefits26
6642655719Proteantaking many forms, versatile; named after Proteus, a god of the sea, charged with tending the flocks of the sea creatures belonging to Poseidon. He had the ability to change himself into whatever form he desired, using this power particularly when he wanted to elude those asking him questions27
6642664883Psychethe human soul, self, the mind; named after Psyche, a maiden who, after undergoing many hardships due to Aphrodite's jealousy, reunited with Cupid and was made immortal by Jupiter; she personified the should joined to the heart of love28
6642674517Pygmalionsomeone (usually male) who tried to fashion someone into the person he desires; form a myth adapted into a play by George Bernard Shaw; a woman-hating sculptor who makes a female figure of ivory who Aphrodite brings to life for him29
6642682833Sibyla witch or sorceress; a priestess who made known the oracles of Apollo and possessed the gift of prophecy30
6642686863Sisypheangreedy and avaricious; from the shrewd and greedy king of Corinth, Sisyphus, who was doomed forever in Hades to roll uphill a heavy stone, which always rolled down again31
6642701462Stygiandark and gloomy; named after the river Styx, a river in the Underworld. The water is poisonous form human and cattle and said to break iron, metal and pottery, through it is said a horse's hoof is unharmed by it32
6642706455Tantalizefrom King Tantalus, who reigned on Mount Sipylus and was condemned to reside in a beautiful river with sumptuous fruits just out of reach and the water undrinkable, always tempting his as punishment33
6642713815Zeusa powerful man; king of the gods, ruler of Mount Olympus, vengeful hurler of thunderbolts34

AP Literature: Poetry Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7142839363alliterationrepetition of similar consonant sounds0
7142839364allusiona reference in a work of literature to something outside the work, especially to a well-known historical or literary event person or work1
7142839365apostrophean address to either an absent person, some abstract quality, or nonexistent personage2
7142839366assonancethe repetition of similar vowel sounds3
7142839367ballada poem or song narrating a story in short stanzas.4
7142839368blank verseunrhymed iambic pentameter5
7142839369cacophonya harsh, unpleasant combination of sounds or tones6
7142839370conceitan ingenious and fanciful notion or conception, usually expressed through an elaborate analogy or extended metaphor and pointing to a striking parallel between two seemingly dissimilar things.7
7145229667Metaphysical Conceit*a figure of speech that employs unusual and paradoxical images in comparison *used in 17th century *an intricate and intellectual device *usually sets up an analogy between one entity's spiritual qualities and an object in the physical world and sometimes controls the whole structure of the poem. For example, in the following stanzas from "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning," John Donne compares two lovers' souls to a draftsman's compass: If they be two, they are two so As stiff twin compasses are two, Thy soul the fixed foot, makes no show To move, but doth, if the other do. And though it in the center sit, Yet when the other far doth roam, It leans, and hearkens after it, And grows erect, as that comes home.8
7145242572The Petrarchan conceit* especially popular with Renaissance writers of sonnets * hyperbolic comparison most often made by a suffering lover of his beautiful mistress to some physical object—e.g., a tomb, the ocean, the sun. Edmund Spenser's Epithalamion, for instance, characterizes the beloved's eyes as being "like sapphires shining bright," with her cheeks "like apples which the sun hath rudded" and her lips "like cherries charming men to bite."9
7142839371couplet2 consecutive rhyming lines10
7142840469heroic coupletTwo rhymed lines written in iambic pentameter and used widely in eighteenth-century verse. See more at https://www.thoughtco.com/heroic-couplet-definition-414016811
7145355067mock heroic*imitating the style of heroic literature in order to satirize an unheroic subject. *used by Alexander Pope, especially in a Rape of the Lock * response to the deluge of epic, pastoral, heroic poems that were being written in the 17th century12
7142839372dictionauthor/poet's word choice13
7142839373didactic poema poem which is intended to teach a lesson14
7142839374dramatic poema poem which employs a dramatic form or some element of dramatic techniques (think theater drama)15
7142839375elegya formal poem that mourns the loss of someone, a lament for the dead16
7142839376enjambmentthe continuation from one line to the next with no pause17
7142839377epic poema long narrative poem that records the adventures of a hero18
7142839378extended metaphoran implied analogy, or comparison, which is carried throughout a stanza or an entire poem19
7142839379eye rhyme/slant rhymerhyme that appears correct from spelling, but is half-rhyme or slant rhyme from pronunciation20
7142839380free versepoetry which is not written in traditional meter or rhyme21
7142839381hyperboleexaggeration22
7142839382iambic pentameterfive sets of unstressed syllables followed by stressed syllables. Hint: Shakespeare is famous for using this. Read more at http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-iambic-pentameter.html#ILmjQe2gELeRQ5cZ.9923
7142839383imageryanything that appeals to at least one of the five senses,24
7142839384internal rhymerhyme that occurs within a line, rather than at the end25
7142839385lyric poema short poem that presents a single speaker who expresses thoughts and feelings, usually identified by its musical/lyrical quality26
7142839386metaphora direct comparison27
7142839387narrative poema poem which tells a story or presents a narrative (epics and ballads are examples)28
7142839388octavean eight line stanza29
7142839389odea lyric poem written in the form of an address to someone or something, often elevated in style30
7142839390onomatopoeiathe use of words whose sound suggests their meaning31
7142839391oxymorona form of paradox that combines a pair of contrary terms into a single expression32
7142839392paradoxa situation or action or feeling that appears to be contradictory but on inspection turns out to be true or at least to make sense33
7142839393personificationgiving inanimate objects or abstract ideas human characteristics34
7142839394quatrainfour line stanza35
7142839395refraina group of words forming a phrase or sentence and consisting of one or more lines repeated at intervals in a poem, usually at the end of a stanza36
7142839396rhymecorrespondence of sound between words or the endings of words, especially when these are used at the ends of lines of poetry37
7142839397rhythmthe recurrence of stressed and unstressed syllable38
7142839398rhyme schemethe ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of the lines of a poem or verse.39
7142839399sesteta six line stanza40
7142839400similea comparison of 2 seemingly unlike things using like, as or than41
7142839401sonneta fourteen line poem with a specific rhyme scheme42
7142839402speakerthe voice of the poem, not necessarily the poet43
7142839403stanzaa group of lines in a poem44
7142839404symbolsomething that represents something else45
7142839405syntaxthe ordering of words into patterns or sentences, sentence structure46
7142839406terceta stanza of three lines in which each lines ends with the same rhyme47
7142839407terza rimaa three line stanza rhymed aba, bcb, cdc, etc48
7142839408thememain thought expressed by a work49
7142839409tonethe author's attitude toward the subject50
7142839410understatementa kind of irony that deliberately represents something as being much less than it really is51
7142839411villanellea 19 line poem divided into five tercets and a final quatrain. Line 1 is repeated in lines 6, 12, and 18 and line 3 is repeated in lines 9, 15, 19.52
7142839412meterstressed and unstressed syllabic pattern in a verse or within the lines of a poem53

AP literature Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
6399867185Eddya current at variance with the main current in a stream of liquid or gas, especially one having a rotary or whirling motion.0
6399870782Cogentconvincing or believable by virtue of forcible, clear, or incisive presentation;telling1
6399872855Incontinenceunable to restrain natural discharges or evacuations of urine or feces2
6399875578Plumba small mass of lead or other heavy material, as that suspended by a line and used to measure the depth of water or to ascertain a vertical line3
6399879633Pilferto steal, especially in small quantities4
6399880762Waspishquick to resent a trifling affront or injury; snappish5
6399882310Rifeof common or frequent occurrence;prevalent; in widespread existence, activity, or use6
6399884679Indolenthaving or showing a disposition to avoid exertion; slothful7
6399885831Ruttinganimal mating8
6399885832Offalthe parts of a butchered animal that are considered inedible by human beings; carrion9
6399887630Rancorbitter, rankling resentment or ill will; hatred;malice10
6399888486Impregnablestrong enough to resist or withstand attack; not to be taken by force, unconquerable11
6399890306Shucka husk or pod, as the outer covering of corn, hickory nuts, chestnuts12
6399892471Malevolentwishing evil or harm to another or others; showing ill will; ill-disposed;malicious13
6399896359Cadencerhythmic flow of sequence of sounds or words14
6399897865Crotchetygiven to odd notions, whims, grouchiness15
6399898707Perfunctoryperformed merely as a routine duty: hasty and superficial16
6399901201Surreptitiouslyobtained, done, made, etc, by stealth; secret or unauthorized17
6399903878Cofflea line of animals, prisoners, or slaves chained and driven along together18
6399904773Raptdeeply engrossed or absorbed19

AP Literature Vocabulary Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
4385704500metaphysicalhighly intellectualized poetry marked by bold and ingenious conceits, incongruous imagery, complexity and subtlety of thought, frequent use of paradox, and often by deliberate harshness or rigidity of expression0
4385704502romanticcharacterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism as well as glorification of all the past and nature, preferring the medieval rather than the classical1
4385706224neoclassicalWestern movements in the decorative and visual arts, literature, theatre, music, and architecture that draw inspiration from the "classical" art and culture of Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome2
4385712239metonomythe substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant, for example suit for business executive, or the track for horse racing3
4385712240synechdochea figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa, as in Cleveland won by six runs (meaning "Cleveland's baseball team")4
4385757909inverted syntaxwhen lines do not follow traditional sentence patterns, for example when the subject and verb or the object and subject are reversed5
4385763955imperativesrequests, suggestions, advice, or commands6
4385799587pathetic fallacythe attribution of human feelings and responses to inanimate things or animals, especially in art and literature7
4385801415tongue-in-cheekwithout really meaning what one is saying or writing; joking or kidding8
4385801416acrimoniousangry and bitter9
4385801417ruefulexpressing sorrow or regret, especially when in a slightly humorous way10
4385811552forebodingfearful apprehension; a feeling that something bad will happen11
4385818841anaphorathe repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses12
4385829537zeugmaa figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses (e.g., John and his license expired last week ) or to two others of which it semantically suits only one (e.g., with weeping eyes and hearts )13
4385831783panegyrica public speech or published text in praise of someone or something14
4385831784gerundsa form that is derived from a verb but that functions as a noun, in English ending in -ing, e.g., asking in do you mind my asking you?15
4385841214participlesan adjective or complement to certain auxiliaries that is regularly derived from the verb in many languages and refers to participation in the action or state of the verb; a verbal form used as an adjective. It does not specify person or number in English, but may have a subject or object, show tense, etc., as burning, in a burning candle, or devoted in his devoted friend16
4385843763intercessionthe action of intervening on behalf of another17
4385843764imprecationa spoken curse18
4385847982euphemisma mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing19
4385869645syllogisman instance of a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn (whether validly or not) from two given or assumed propositions (premises), each of which shares a term with the conclusion, and shares a common or middle term not present in the conclusion (e.g., all dogs are animals; all animals have four legs; therefore all dogs have four legs )20
4385884756purple proseprose that is too elaborate or ornate21

AP Literature Terms Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5904342624anaphorathe regular repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of two or more successive phrases or clauses.0
5904342625chiasmusa reversal in the word order of words in two otherwise parallel sentences1
5904342626apostrophethe direct address to an absent or dead person, or to an object, quality, or idea.2
5904342627hyperbolea rhetorical figure in which emphasis is achieved through exaggeration3
5904342628metaphorfigurative language that describes something as though it actually were something else4
5904342629metonymythe substitution of one term for another that is generally associated with it. (ex. the crown declared that the man would be executed.)5
5904342630synecdochea figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole (ex. all hands on deck)6
5904342631onomatopoeiathe use of words that sound like a noise7
5904342632paradoxa statement or expression so surprisingly self-contradictory but ends up being true on some level8
5904342633parallelismthe use of similar grammatical structures or word order.9
5904342634personificationthe use of human characteristics to describe animals, things, or ideas.10
5904342635point of viewthe perspective that a narrator takes toward the events it describes11
5904342636protagonistthe central character in a story12
5904342637puna witty word-play which reveals that words with different meanings have similar or even identical sounds13
5904342638satirewriting that ridicules or holds up to contempt the faults of individuals or groups14
5904342639polysyndetonthe repetition of conjunctions in a sentence15
5904342640asyndetonthe omission of conjunctions in a sentence16
5904342641archetypea symbol found in many cultures17
5904342642dramatic ironya situation where the audience knows something that the characters on stage are not aware of18
5904342643allusiona reference to a piece of literature, character, historical figure that the author assumes the reader will recognize19
5904342644dramatic climaxthe turning point in a Shakespearean tragedy where the action turns against the protagonist20
5904342645dictionthe word choices made by a writer21
5904342646didactichaving the primary purpose of teaching or instructing22
5904342647flat (static) charactera character who embodies a single quality and who does not develop in the course of a story23
5904342648dynamic (round) charactera character who undergoes a change or transformation in the course of a story24
5904342649expositionthe beginning portion of Freytag's pyramid where the background information, characters and setting are introduced25
5904342650exciting forcethe spark or complication that "gets the action going" in the play the event that sets the plot into motion26
5904342651rising actionEvents leading up to the climax27
5904342652denouement (catastrophe)The final outcome of the main dramatic complication in a literary work or the outcome of a complicated sequence of events28
5904342653omniscient narratora narrator who is able to know, see, and tell all, including the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters29
5904342654themeCentral idea of a work of literature30
5904342655toneA writer's attitude toward his or her subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization on the sentence and global levels.31
5904342656deus ex machinaan unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation, especially as a contrived plot device in a play or novel32

ap language Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
5488169402central oppositiona person or group opposing something or another group0
5488169403McCarthyisma campaign or practice that endorses the use of unfair allegations and investigations1
5488169404dictionthe choice of words used in a sentence or talking2
5488169405idiosyncraticdistinctive; unique3
5488169406puritansa person with high beliefs4
5488169407lethargicsluggish; inactive5
5488169408functionwork in a proper way6
5488169409penitencethe action of feeling sorrow and regret for doing something wrong7
5488169410rhetoric/rhetoricallanguage designed to have a persuasive effect on its audience8
5488169411satiricalmocking; sarcastic9
5488169412syntaxthe arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences10
5488169413covenantedan agreement11
5488169414tonethe general character or attitude of a place, piece of writing, situation, and etc12
5488169415deferencehumble submission and respect13
5488169416contentionheated disagreement14
5488169417piousreligious; godly15
5488169418diametricallycompletely; directly16
5488169419exudesdisplay an emotion or quality strongly17
5488169420depositionthe action of deposing someone18
5488169421incredulousskeptical; doubtful19
5488169422lecherylustfulness20
5488169423calamitycastastrophe21
5488169424ethospersuasion22
5488169425logoslogic23
5488169426pathosemotion24

Terms- AP English Language and Composition Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
4303243484AlliterationThe repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells"). Although the term is not frequently in the multiple choice section, you can look for _____ in any essay passage. The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage.0
4303243485AllusionA direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. _____s can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of _____.1
4303243486AnalogyA similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An _____ can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. _____s can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.2
4303243487AntecedentThe word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for the _____ of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences. A question from the 2001 AP test as an example follows: "But it is the grandeur of all truth which can occupy a very high place in human interests that it is never absolutely novel to the meanest of minds; IT exists eternally, by way of germ of latent principle, in the lowest as in the highest, needing to be developed but never to be planted." The _____ of "IT" is...? (answer: all truth)3
4303243488AphorismA terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) An _____ can be a memorable summation of the author's point.4
4303243489AtmosphereThe emotional nod created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting and partly by the author's choice of objects that are described. Even such elements as a description of the weather can contribute to the _____. Frequently _____ foreshadows events. Perhaps it can create a mood.5
4303243490ConnotationThe non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. _____s may involve ideas, emotions or attitudes6
4303243491DenotationThe strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color. (Example: the _____ of knife- a utensil for cutting - Connotation - knife - such as knife in the back - anger fear violence betrayal)7
4303243492DictionRelated to style, _____ refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness. For the AP Exam you should be able to describe an author's _____ (for example, formal or informal) and understand how it compliments the author's purpose. _____, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., creates an author's style.8
4303243493DidacticFrom the Greek, _____ literally means "teaching." They have the primary aim of teaching or instructing,especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.9
4303243494Extended MetaphorA metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.10
4303243495Figurative LanguageWriting or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid11
4303243496Figure of speechA device used to produce figurative language. Many compare dissimilar things. Could include apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, synecdoche, understatement.12
4303243497ImageryThe sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. On a physical level, _____ uses terms related to the five senses: visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, and olfactory. On a broader, deeper level, however, one image can represent more than one thing. For example, a rose may present visual imagery while also representing the color in a woman's cheeks and/or symbolizing some degree of perfection. An author may use complex _____ while simultaneously employing other figures of speech, especially metaphor and simile. In addition, this term can apply to the total of all the images in a work. On the AP language exam, pay attention to how an author creates imagery and to the effect of this _____.13
4303243498Invectivean emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language. (For example, in Henry IV, Part hill of flesh.")14
4303243499Irony/IronicThe contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true. _____ is often used to create poignancy or humor. In general, there are three major types of _____ used in language: (1) verbal _____ - when the words literally state the opposite of the writer's (or speaker's) meaning (2) situational _____ - when events turn out the opposite of what was expected; when what the characters and readers think ought to happen is not what does happen (3) dramatic _____ - when facts or events are unknown to a character in a play or piece of fiction but known to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work.15
4303243500LitotesA form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite. _____ is the opposite of hyperbole. Examples: "Not a bad idea," "Not many," "It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain" (Salinger, Catcher in the Rye).16
4303243501MetaphorA figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity. _____ical language makes writing more vivid, imaginative, thought provoking, and meaningful.17
4303243502MetonymyA term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name," _____ is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. For example, a news release that claims "the White House declared" rather than "the President declared" is using metonymy; Shakespeare uses it to signify the male and female sexes in As You Like It: "doublet and hose ought to show itself courageous to petticoat." The substituted term generally carries a more potent emotional impact.18
4303243503MoodThe prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work. Setting, tone, and events can affect the _____. _____ is similar to tone and atmosphere.19
4303243504NarrativeThe telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.20
4303243505OnomatopoeiaA figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Simple examples include such words as buzz, hiss, hum, crack, whinny, and murmur. If you note examples of onomatopoeia in an essay passage, note the effect.21
4303243506OxymoronFrom the Greek for "pointedly foolish," an _____ is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Simple examples include "jumbo shrimp" and "cruel kindness." This term does not usually appear in the multiple-choice questions, but there is a chance that you might find it in an essay. Take note of the effect that the author achieves with the use of _____.22
4303243507ParadoxA statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity. (Think of the beginning of Dickens' Tale of Two Cities: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times....")23
4303243508PersonificationA _____ __ ______ in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions. Personification is used to make these abstractions, animals, or objects appear more vivid to the reader.24
4303243509Point of viewIn literature, the perspective from which a story is told. There are two general divisions of _____ __ _____, and many subdivisions within those. (1) first person narrator tells the story with the first person pronoun, "I," and is a character in the story. This narrator can be the protagonist, a secondary character, or an observing character. (2) third person narrator relates the events with the third person pronouns, "he," "she," and "it." There are two main subdivisions to be aware of: a. third person omniscient, in which the narrator, with godlike knowledge, presents the thoughts and actions of any or all characters b. third person limited omniscient, in which the narrator presents the feelings and thoughts of only one character, presenting only the actions of all the remaining characters. In addition, be aware that the term _____ __ _____ carries an additional meaning. When you are asked to analyze the author's _____ __ ____, the appropriate point for you to address is the author's attitude.25
4303243510SarcasmFrom the Greek meaning "to tear flesh," _____ involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something. It may use irony as a device, but not all ironic statements are _____stic (that is, intended to ridicule). When well done,_____can be witty and insightful; when poorly done, it is simply cruel.26
4303243511SatireA work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule. Regardless of whether or not the work aims to reform human behavior, _____ is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for writing. It can be recognized by the many devices used effectively by the _____ist: irony, wit, parody, caricature, often humorous, is thought provoking and insightful about the human condition. Some modern satirists include Joseph Heller (Catch 22) and Kurt Vonnegut (Cat's Cradle, Player Piano).27
4303243512SyllogismFrom the Greek for "reckoning together," a _____ (or _____istic reasoning or _____istic logic) is a deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises (the first one called "major" and the second called "minor") that inevitably lead to a sound conclusion. A frequently cited example proceeds as follows: major premise: All men are mortal. minor premise: Socrates is a man. conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is a mortal. A _____'s conclusion is valid only if each of the two premises is valid. _____s may also present the specific idea first ("Socrates") and the general second ("all men").28
4303243513Symbol/SymbolismGenerally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else. Usually a _____is something concrete -- such as an object, action, character, or scene - that represents something more abstract. However, _____s (1) natural _____s are objects and occurrences from nature to _____lize ideas commonly associated with them (dawn _____lizing hope or a new beginning, a rose _____izing love, a tree _____lizing knowledge). (2) conventional _____s are those that have been invested with meaning by a group (religious _____s such as a cross or Star of David; national _____s, such as a flag or an eagle; or group _____s, such as a skull and crossbones for pirates or the scale of justice for lawyers). (3) literary _____s are sometimes also conventional in the sense that they are found in a variety of works and are more generally recognized. However, a work's _____s may be more complicated, as is the jungle in Heart of Darkness. On the AP exam, try to determine what abstraction an object is a _____ for and to what extent it is successful in representing that abstraction.29
4303243514SyntaxThe way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences. _____ is similar to diction, but you can differentiate them by thinking of _____ as groups of words, while diction refers to the individual words. In the multiplechoice section of the AP exam, expect to be asked some questions about how an author manipulates _____. In the essay section, you will need to analyze how _____ produces effects.30
4303243515ThemeThe central idea or message of a work, the insight it offers into life. Usually _____ is unstated in fictional works, but in nonfiction, the _____ may be directly state, especially in expository or argumentative writing.31
4303243516ThesisIn expository writing, the _____ statement is the sentence or group of sentences that directly expresses the author's opinion, purpose, meaning, or position. Expository writing is usually judged by analyzing how accurately, effectively,and thoroughly a writer has proven the thesis.32
4303243517ToneSimilar to mood, _____ describes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both. ____ is easier to determine in spoken language than in written language. Considering how a work would sound if it were read aloud can help in identifying an author's ____. Some words describing ____are playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, ornate, sardonic, somber, etc.33
4303243518Understatementthe ironic minimalizing of fact, ___________ presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic. _____________ is the opposite of hyperbole. Example: Jonathan Swift's A Tale of a Tub: "Last week I saw a woman flayed, and you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse."34
4303243519AntiheroA protagonist (main character) who is markedly unheroic: morally weak, cowardly, dishonest, or any number of other unsavory qualities.35
4303243520ArchetypeA 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 response36
4303243521SimileA comparison using like or as37
4303243522AllegoryThe device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meanin. In some allegories, for example, an author may intend the characters to personify an abstraction like hope or freedom. The ________ meaning usually deals with the moral truth or a generalization about human existence.38
4303243523AntithesisThe opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite39
4303243524ApostropheA figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot answer. The effect may add familiarity or emotional intensity. William Wordsworth addresses John Milton as he writes, "Milton, thou shouldst be living at this hour:/ England hath need of thee." Another example is Keats' "Ode to Grecian Urn," in which Keats addresses the urn itself: "Thou still unravished bride of quietness". Many apostrophes imply a personification of the object addressed.40
4303243525CaricatureA verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort, for comic effect, a person's distinctive physical features and other characteristics.41
4303243526ClauseA grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent, or main ______ expresses complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate ______, cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent _____. The point that you want to consider is the question or what or why the author subordinates one element should also become aware of making effective use of subordination in your own writing.42
4303243527Colloquial/ColloquialismThe use of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Not generally acceptable for formal writing, ____________ give a work a conversational, familiar tones. __________ expressions in writing include local or regional dialects.43
4303243528ConceitA fanicful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects. A _______ displays intellectual cleverness as a result of an unusual comparison being made.44
4303243529EuphemismFrom the Greek for "good speech", ________s are a mor agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The _________ may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor or iroinic understatement. Saying "earthly remains" rather than "corpse" is an example of __________.45
4303243530Generic ConventionsThis term describes traditions for each genre. These conventions help to define each genre; for example, they differentiate an essay and journalistic writing or an autobiography and a political writing. On the AP Language Exam, try to distinguish the unique features of a writer's work from those dictated by convention.46
4303243531GenreThe major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama. However, _____ is a flexible term; within these broad boundaries exist many subdivisions that are often called _____s themselves. For example, prose can be divided into fiction (novels and short stories) or nonfiction (essays, biographies, autobiographies, etc.). Poetry can be divided into lyric, dramatic, narrative, epic, etc. Drama can be divided into tragedy, comedy melodrama, farce, etc. On the AP Language exam, expect the majority of the passages to be from the following _____s: autobiography, biography, diaries, criticism, essays, and journalistic, political, scientific, and nature writing. There may be fiction or poetry.47
4303243532HomilyThis term literally means "sermon", but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.48
4303243533HyperboleA figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. (The literal Greek meaning is "overshoot.") _________s often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often, _________ produces irony. The opposite of _________ is understatement.49
4303243534Inference/InferTo draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented. When a multiple choice asks for an _________ to be drawn from a passage, the most direct, most reasonable _________ is the safest answer choice. If an __________ is implausible, it is unlikely to be the correct answeer. Note that if the answer choice is directly stated, it is not ______ed and it is wrong. You must be careful to note the connotation-negative or positive- of the choices.50
4303243535Loose Sentence/Non-Periodic SentenceA type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses. If a period were placed at the end of the independent clause, the clause would be a complete sentence. A work containing many _____ ________s often seems informal, relaxed, or conversational. Generally, _____ ________s create loose style. The opposite of a _____ ________ is the periodic sentence. Example: I arrived at the San Diego airport after a long, bumpy ride and multiple delays. Could stop at: I arrived at the San Diego airport.51
4303243536ParallelismAlso referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this terms 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. This can involve, but is not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as preposition or verbal phrase. (Again, the opening of Dickens' Tale of Two Cities is an example: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of believe, it was the epoch of incredulity...") The effects of ___________ are numerous, but frequently they act as an organizing force to attract the reader's attention, add emphasis and organization, or simply provide a musical rhythym.52
4303243537AnaphoraA sub-type of parallelism, when the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences. MLK used anaphora in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech (1963).53
4303243538ParodyA work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. It exploits peculiarities of an author's expression (propensity to use too many parentheses, certain favorite words, etc.) Well-written ______ offers enlightenment about the original, but poorly written parody offers only ineffectual imitation. Usually an audience must grasp literary allusion and understand the work being ______ed in order to fully appreciate the nuances of the newer work. Occassionally, however, ______es take on a life of their own and don't require knowledge of the original.54
4303243539PedanticAn adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, bookish (language that might be described as "show-offy"; using big words for the sake of big words).55
4303243540Periodic SentenceThe opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clause is preceded by a phrase of clause that cannot stand alone. The effect of the ________ ________ is to add emphasis and structural variety. It is also a much stronger sentence than the loose sentence. (Example: After a long, bumpy flight and multiple delays, I arrived at the San Diego airport.)56
4303243541ProseOne of the major divisions of genre, _____ refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms. In _____ the printer determines the length of the line; in poetry, the poet determines the length of the line.57
4303243542RepetitionThe duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.58
4303243543RhetoricFrom the Greek for "orator", this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.59
4303243544Rhetorical ModesThis flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the purposes of major kinds of writing. The four most common _________ _____ (often referred to as the modes of discourse) are as follows: 1) The purpose of 'exposition' (or expository writing) is to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion. The AP Language exam essay questions are frequently expository topics. 2) The purpose of 'argumentation' is to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convince the reader. Persuasive writing is a type of argumentation having an additional aim of urging some form of action. 3) The purpose of 'description' is to recreate, invent, or visually present a person, place, event, or action so that the reader can picture that being described. Sometimes an author engages all five senses in a description; good descriptive writing can be sensuous and picturesque. Descriptive imaging may be straightforward and objective, or highly emotional and subjective. 4) The purpose of 'narration' is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. This writing mod frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing.60
4303243545SemanticsThe branch of linguistics that studies the meanings of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.61
4303243546StyleThe consideration of _____ has two purposes: 1) An evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. Some authors' _____s are so idiosyncratic that we can quickly recognize works by the same author. we can analyze and describe an author's personal _____ and make judgments on how appropriate it is to the author's purpose. _____s can be called flowery, explicit, succinct, rambling, bombastic, commonplace, incisive, laconic, etc. 2) Classification of authors to a group and comparison of an author to similar authors. By means of such classification and comparison, we can see how an author's _____ reflects and helps to define a historical period, such as the Renaissance or the Victorian period, or a literary movement, such as the romantic, transcendental, or realist movement.62
4303243547Subject ComplementThe word (with any accompanying phrases) or clause that follows a linking verb and complements, or completes the subject of the sentence by either (1) renaming it(the predicative nominative) or (2) describing it (the predicate adjective). These are defined below: 1) The predicate nominative- a noun, group of nouns, or noun clause that renames the subject. It, like the predicate adjective, follows a linking verb and is located in the predicate of the sentence. Example: Julia Roberts is a movie star. movie star= predicate nominative, as it renames the subject, Julia Roberts 2) The predicate adjective- an adjective, a group of adjectives, or adjective clause that follows a linking verb. It is in the predicate of the sentence, and modifies, or describes, the subject. Example: Warren remained optimistic. optimistic= predicate adjective, as it modifies the subject, Warren63
4303243548Subordinate ClauseLike all clauses, this word group contains both a subjec and a verb (plus any accompanying phrases or modifiers), but unlike independent clauses, the ___________ ______ cannot stand alone; it does not express a complete thought. The ___________ ______ depends on a main clause (or independent clause) to complete its meaning. Easily recognized key words and phrases usually begin these clauses. For example: although, because, unless, if, even though, since, as soon as, while, who, when, where, how, and that. Example: Yellowstone is a national park in the West 'that is known for its geysers'. Parenthesed phrase= ___________ ______64
4303243549SynechdocheA figure of speech in which a part of something us used to represent the whorle, or occassionally, the whole is used to represent a part. Examples: To refer to a boat as a "sail"; to refer to a car as "wheels"; to referr to the violins, violas, etc. in an orchestra as "the strings". **Different tan metynomy, in whcih one thing is represented by another thing that is commonly physically associated withi it (but is not necessarily part of it), i.e., regerring to a monarch as "the crown" or the President as "The White House".65
4303243550SynesthesiaWhen one kind of sensory stimulus the subjective experience of another. Ex: The sight of the red ants makes you itchy. In literature, __________ refers to the practice of associating two or more different senses in te same image. Red Hot Chili Pepper's song title,"Taste the Pain" is an example.66
4303243551TransitionA word or phrase that links different ideas. Used especially, although not exclusively, in expository and argumentative writing, __________s effectively signal a shift from one idea to another. a few commonly used __________al words or phrases are furthermore, consequently, nevertheless, for example, in addition, likewise, similarly, on the contrary,etc. More sophisitcated writers use more subtle means of __________.67
4303243552WitIn modern usage, intllectually amusing language that surprises and delights. A ___ty statement is humorous, while suggesting the speakers verbal power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. ___ usually uses terse language that makes a pointed statement. Historically, ___ originally meant basic understanding. Its meaning evolved to include speed of understanding, and finally, it grew to mean quick perception including creating fancy and a quick tongue to articulate an answer that demanded the same quick perception.68
4303243553RHETORICAL STRATEGIESAny tools used by the author to make his/her point more convincing. Rhetorical strategies help the author to make his claim (Logos) more convincing by appealing to Pathos and Ethos.69
4303243554Assertion/claim (noun)/ assert (verb)Assertions are opinions stated as facts—the basis of all arguments. Assertions are always arguable. Another word for an assertion that controls an argument is claim."America has long had a love affair with violence and guns"(x). Canada begins his book by claiming, or asserting that an important part of America's experience has been their love of violence and guns.70
4303243555Qualification (noun)to modify, restrict or limit. A qualification of an assertion or claim means that you agree in part, or you wish to redefine or reshape the assertion. If you were asked your opinion of Canada's assertion, or claim, you might agree that guns have held an important place in the defense of America, but that "love affair" is too strong a term to describe Americans' feelings for guns. So you would express your opinion as a qualification of Canada's argument: while it is true that guns have played an important part in American history, the reason is not Americans' love for guns but rather their desire for safety and security.71
4303243556Speaker's Stancea "stance" is a position, where you stand on an issue. You might, for example, disagree with Bush's stance on Iraq and believe instead that we should withdraw our troops. That belief, then, would be your stance.72
4303243557Rebuttal/Refutation(nouns) rebut/refute (verbs)an opposing argument; a contradiction. To prove an argument wrong.73
4303243558Recapitulateto repeat briefly; to summarize. Often when you write an argument essay or give a speech, you recapitulate, or sum up your points, in your conclusion. After describing his experience as a teacher with some difficult students (Ch. 4), Canada recapitulates by comparing these students to those he had grown up with in the Bronx and restating his claim that "Violence is a learned response"(28).74
4303243559Appeals to authorityusing the endorsement , approval or voice of an authority to make an argument seem more convincing. When students voice their opinions in a synthesis essay, they often quote from authority figures to support their opinions.75
4303243560Anecdotethe retelling of a brief incident that may illustrate or prove a point made in an argument.76
4303243561Juxtapositiona device by which a writer or speaker juxtaposes, or places two items side by side. This is done to create an ironic contrast or effect. A famous photograph from the Depression shows a long line of men waiting for bread who are standing in front of a billboard that says, "America, Land of Opportunity." The picture of men who are out of work and must rely on food hand-outs is juxtaposed with the message that America provides opportunities for all.77
4303243562Litotes (understatement)deliberately representing something as less than it is in order to create a particular effect. Canada relates an incident which begins with the claiming of a basketball and escalates into the confrontation of a man with a gun. He watches as the older boys reach for their knives and face down an opponent who has a much more powerful weapon. Later, when Geoffrey wants to talk about this incident, Mike and Junior deliberately understate the severity of what happened: '"He was an *******. Forget it."'(42). Their use of litotes or understatement is meant to teach an important lesson: you must keep your emotions under control in order to survive on the streets78
4303243563Doublespeaklanguage used to distort and manipulate rather than to communicate. "Not doing so well" instead of very sick or injured79
4303243564EllipsisThe omission of a word or words necessary for complete construction but understood in the context. "The eyes of others our prisons; their thoughts our cages."80
4303243565EthnocentricThe belief in the inherent superiority of one's own group and culture.81
4303243566Euphemismthe substitution of an inoffensive, indirect, or agreeable expression for a word or phrase perceived as socially unacceptable or unnecessarily harsh. "overweight" rather than "fat," "disadvantaged" rather than "poor"82
4303243567Jargonrefers to a specialized language providing a shorthand method of quick communication between people in the same field. The basis of assessment for Schedule D Case I and II, other than commencement and cessation, is what is termed a previous year basis. (legal jargon)83
4303243568Lending CredenceIn arguing her point, a writer or speaker should always give the opponent some credit for his / her ideas.84
4303243569Logical Fallaciesmethods of pseudo-reasoning that may occur accidentally or may be intentionally contrived to lend plausibility to an unsound argument.85
4303243570Shift or Turna change or movement in a piece resulting from an epiphany, realization, or insight gained by the speaker, a character, or the reader86
4303243571Spintwist and turn so as to give an intended interpretation"The President's spokesmen had to spin the story to make it less embarrassing"87
4303243572Parallel syntactic structuresusing the same part of speech or syntactic structure in (1) each element of a series, (2) before and after coordinating conjunctions (and, but, yet, or, for, nor), and (3) after each of a pair of correlative conjunctions (not only...but also, neither...nor, both...and, etc.). Below are examples for definitions (1) and (3):Over the hill, through the woods, and to grandmother's house we go. (3) That vegetable is both rich in vitamins and low in calories.88
4303243573Antithesisthe contrast of opposites within parallel clauses or phrases. Canada uses antithesis to point out the contrast between his innocent belief that the police would help him and his growing awareness that they didn't care about people in his neighborhood: "It was nothing they did, it was what they didn't do"(14).89

AP English Literature and Composition Crash Course Chapter 5 Tone Words Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
7428057936DidacticIntended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.0
7428057937ObjectiveNot influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.1
7428057947ToneThe attitude of the speaker toward another character, a place, an idea, or a thing2
7559723012ApprehensiveAnxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.3
7559725076ElegiacRelating to or characteristic of an elegy (lament for the dead)4
7559731672QuizzicalIndicating mild or amused puzzlement.5
7559738766RapturousFeeling, or expressing great pleasure or enthusiasm.6
7559742304ReproachfulExpressing disapproval or disappointment. Synonyms = disapproving, reproving, critical, censorious, disparaging, withering, accusatory, admonitory7
7559819755Satiricsarcastic, critical, and mocking another's weaknesses. Synonyms = mocking, ironic, ironical, satiric, sarcastic, sardonic; More8
7559859205DidacticSynonyms = instructive, instructional, educational, educative, informative, informational, edifying, improving, preceptive, pedagogic, moralistic9
7559860781ObjectiveSynonyms = impartial, unbiased, unprejudiced, nonpartisan, disinterested, neutral, uninvolved, even-handed, equitable, fair, fair-minded, just, open-minded, dispassionate, detached, neutral10
7559862657ApprehensiveSynonyms = anxious, worried, uneasy, nervous, concerned, agitated, tense, afraid, scared, frightened, fearful11
7559864637ElegiacSynonyms = mournful, melancholic, melancholy, plaintive, sorrowful, sad12
7559867358QuizzicalSynonyms = inquiring, questioning, curious; puzzled, perplexed, baffled, mystified; amused, mocking, teasing13
7559869195RapturousSynonyms = ecstatic, joyful, elated, euphoric, enraptured, on cloud nine, in seventh heaven, transported, enchanted, blissful, happy14
7559872913ReproachfulSynonyms = disapproving, reproving, critical, censorious, disparaging, withering, accusatory, admonitory15
7559878158SatiricSynonyms = mocking, ironic, ironical, satiric, sarcastic, sardonic; More16
7559880284SolemnFormal and dignified; Not cheerful or smiling; serious; Characterized by deep sincerity.17
7559887710SolemnSynonyms = dignified, ceremonious, serious, grave, sober, somber, unsmiling, stern, grim, dour, humorless,18
7559911425CandidTruthful and straightforward; frank.19
7559911426CandidSynonyms = frank, outspoken, forthright, blunt, open, honest, truthful, sincere, direct, plain-spoken, straightforward, ingenuous, bluff20
7559911427Cynical1. doubtful as to whether something will happen or whether it is worthwhile. 2. Believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.21
7559912378CynicalSynonyms = skeptical, doubtful, distrustful, suspicious, disbelieving22
7559912380DetachedSynonyms = dispassionate, disinterested, objective, uninvolved, outside, neutral, unbiased, unprejudiced, impartial, nonpartisan, separate, disconnected23
7559912379Detached1. Separate or disconnected, in particular. 2. Aloof and objective.24
7559914560MelancholicSynonyms = depressed, sad, gloomy25
7559914561NostalgicHaving a a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations26
7559914562SanctimoniousMaking a show of being morally superior to other people.27
7559916734SanctimoniousSynonyms = self-righteous, pious, priggish, churchy, moralizing, preachy, smug, superior, hypocritical, insincere;28
7559916735SardonicGrimly mocking or cynical.29
7559916736SardonicSynonyms = mocking, satirical, sarcastic, ironical, darkly ironic30
7559918098SpeculativeEngaged in, expressing, or based on conjecture rather than knowledge.31
7559918099SpeculativeSynonyms = conjectural, suppositional, theoretical, hypothetical32
7559919675AmbivalentHaving mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.33
7559919676AmbivalentSynonyms = equivocal, uncertain, unsure, doubtful, indecisive, inconclusive, irresolute, of two minds, undecided, torn, in a quandary, on the fence, hesitating, wavering, vacillating, equivocating,34
7559921411CausticSarcastic in a scathing and bitter way35
7559921412CausticSarcastic, cutting, biting, mordant, sharp, bitter, scathing, derisive, sardonic, ironic, scornful, trenchant, acerbic, abrasive, vitriolic, acidulous36
7559922805EffusiveExpressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.37
7559924029EffusiveSynonyms = gushing, gushy, unrestrained, extravagant, fulsome, demonstrative, lavish, enthusiastic, lyrical38
7559927004RibaldReferring to sexual matters in an amusingly rude or irreverent way.39
7559927005RibaldSynonyms = bawdy, coarse, foul-mouthed, lewd, naughty, off-color, racy, rude, base40
7559928556Capriciousgiven to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.41
7559928557CapriciousSynonyms = fickle, inconstant, changeable, variable, mercurial, volatile, unpredictable, temperamental42
7559929574RidiculingSubjecting (someone or something) to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior.43
7559929575RidiculingSynonyms = derisive, taunting, taunting44
7559929576ReverentFeeling or showing deep and solemn respect.45
7559929577ReverentSynonyms = respectful, reverential, admiring, awed, deferential46
7559931021PetulantChildishly sulky or bad-tempered.47
7559931022PetulantSynonyms = peevish, bad-tempered, querulous, pettish, fretful, cross, irritable, sulky, snappish, crotchety, touchy, tetchy, testy, fractious, grumpy, disgruntled, crabby48
7559931023ObsequiousObedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.49
7559932139ObsequiousSynonyms = servile, ingratiating, sycophantic, fawning, unctuous, oily, oleaginous, groveling, cringing, subservient, submissive, slavish50
7559932140PatronizingTreating with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.51
7559932141PatronizingSynonyms = condescending, disdainful, supercilious52
7559933597EarnestResulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction.53
7559933598EarnestSynonyms = serious, solemn, grave, sober, humorless, staid, intense;54
7559934680IndignantFeeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.55
7559936074IndignantSynonyms = aggrieved, resentful, affronted, disgruntled, displeased, cross, angry, mad, annoyed, offended, exasperated, irritated, piqued, nettled, in high dudgeon, chagrined56
7559936075BitterAngry, hurt, or resentful because of one's bad experiences or a sense of unjust treatment.57
7559936076BitterSynonyms = Resentful, embittered, aggrieved, begrudging, rancorous, spiteful, jaundiced, ill-disposed, sullen, sour, churlish, morose, petulant, peevish, with a chip on one's shoulder58
7559937082ConciliatoryIntended or likely to placate (make somebody less angry) or pacify (to make somebody calm down).59
7559937083ConciliatorySynonyms = propitiatory, placatory, appeasing, pacifying, mollifying, peacemaking60
7559938052CallousShowing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.61
7559938053CallousSynonyms = heartless, unfeeling, uncaring, cold, cold-hearted, hard, hard-hearted, insensitive, lacking compassion, hard-bitten, hard-nosed, hard-edged, unsympathetic62
7559938054CholericBad-tempered or irritable.63
7559938055CholericSynonyms = irascible, irritable, angry, grumpy, grouchy, crotchety, testy, cranky, crusty, cantankerous, curmudgeonly, ill-tempered, peevish, cross, fractious, crabbed, crabby, waspish, prickly, peppery, touchy, short-tempered64
7559939555ChurlishRude in a mean-spirited and surly way.65
7559939556ChurlishSynonyms = rude, ill-mannered, ill-bred, discourteous, impolite, unmannerly, uncivil66
7559939557DerisiveExpressing contempt or ridicule.67
7559939558DerisiveSynonyms = mocking, jeering, scoffing, teasing, derisory, snide, sneering68
7559940563ContemptuousShowing contempt; scornful.69
7559940564ContemptuousSynonyms = scornful, disdainful, disrespectful, insulting, insolent, derisive, mocking70
7559942952AccusatoryCasting blame; hinting that somebody has done something wrong71
7559944748ObsequiousObedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.72
7559944749ObsequiousSynonyms = servile, ingratiating, sycophantic, fawning, unctuous, oily, oleaginous, groveling, cringing, subservient, submissive, slavish73
7559985772MelancholicFeeling or expressing pensive sadness.74
7560036706NostalgicSynonyms = wistful, evocative, romantic, sentimental, maudlin;75

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!