AP Language Rhetorical Devices Flashcards

6673881721	Allegory	The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning.	0
6673881722	Alliteration	The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells).	1
6673881723	Allusion	A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.	2
6673881724	Ambiguity	The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase,sentence, or passage.	3
6673881726	Anaphora	One of the devices of repetition, in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences.	4
6673881727	Anecdote	A short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person.	5
6673881728	Antecedent	The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.	6
6673881729	Antithesis	Figure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure; a contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences.	7
6673881730	Aphorism	A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle.	8
6673881732	Asyndeton	Consists of omitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses. This can give the effect of unpremeditated multiplicity, of an extemporaneous rather than a labored account.	9
6673881734	Chiasmus	A figure of speech in which two successive phrases or clauses are parallel in syntax, but reverse the order of the analogous words.	10
6673881735	Clause	A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.	11
6673881736	Colloquialism	The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.	12
6673881738	Connotation	The non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.	13
6673881739	Denotation	The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion attitude, or color.	14
6673881740	Diction	writer's word choices, especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.	15
6673881741	Expletive	Figure of emphasis in which a single word or short phrase, usually interrupting normal speech	16
6673881742	Euphemism	A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.	17
6673881743	Exposition	The purpose is to explain something. In drama, it is the introductory material, which creates the tone, gives the setting, and introduces the characters and conflict.	18
6673881744	Extended Metaphor	A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout the work.	19
6673881745	Figurative Language	Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid.	20
6673881748	Hyperbole	A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement.	21
6673881749	Imagery	The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.	22
6673881750	Irony	The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant.	23
6673881751	Juxtaposition	When two words, phrases, images, ideas are placed close together or side by side for comparison or contrast.	24
6673881752	Litotes	a figure of thought in which a point is affirmed by negating its opposite. It is a special form of understatement, where the surface denial serves, through ironic contrast, to reinforce the underlying assertion. Ex. He's no fool (which implies he is wise).	25
6673881753	Metaphor	A figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.	26
6673881754	Metonymy	A figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. A news release that claims "the White House declared" rather that "the President"	27
6673881755	Mood	the feelings or emotions of the text for the reader	28
6673881756	Onomatopoeia	A 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.	29
6673881757	Oxymoron	A figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.	30
6673881758	Paradox	A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.	31
6673881759	Parallelism	It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity.	32
6673881760	Parody	A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.	33
6673881761	Personification	A figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions.	34
6673881762	Repetition	The duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.	35
6673881763	Sarcasm	Involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something.	36
6673881764	Satire	A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule.	37
6673881765	Syllogism	Deductive system of formal logic that presents two premises (the first one called "major" and the second, "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 mortal.	38
6673881766	Symbolism	Usually something concrete - such as object, action, character, or scene - that represents something more abstract.	39
6673881767	Syntax	The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.	40
6673881768	Tone	Describes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.	41
6673881769	Understatement	The ironic minimizing of fact	42
6673924603	synecdoche	a figure of speech in which a part stands for a whole	43