Language Devices

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about language devices.

Pathetic Fallacy

Attributing human emotions to nature or objects

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things

Zoomorphism

Giving animal traits to humans or objects

Chremamorphism

Giving object characteristics to humans

Simile

Comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'

Metaphor

Direct comparison without 'like' or 'as'

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor that continues throughout a passage

Oxymoron

Two contradictory words paired together

Juxtaposition

Placing two things side by side for contrast

Semantic Field

A group of words related in meaning

Sensory Writing

Using senses to describe vividly

Rhetorical Question

A question asked for effect, not an answer

Hyperbole

Exaggeration for effect

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds

Sibilance

Repetition of 's' or hissing sounds

Emotive Language

Words used to evoke emotion

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate sounds

Rule of Three

A trio of elements for emphasis

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses

Repetition

Repeating words or phrases for emphasis

Nouns

Words that name people, places, or things

Verbs

Words that describe actions

Adjectives

Words that describe nouns

Adverbs

Words that describe verbs

Colloquial Language

Informal, everyday speech

Euphemism

Mild phrase to replace a harsh one

Hypophora

Asking then answering a question

Satire

Humorous criticism of society or people

Symbolism

Using symbols to represent ideas

Anecdote

Short personal story to illustrate a point

Anaphora

Repetition at the start of sentences

Epistrophe

Repetition at the end of sentences

Tmesis

Splitting a word for emphasis

Cliché

Overused expression

Paradox

A self-contradictory statement that reveals truth

Imperative

Command or instruction

Plosive

Harsh consonant sounds (p, t, k, etc.)

Cacophony

Harsh, jarring sounds

Anastrophe

Reversed word order for effect

Humour

Writing meant to be funny

Anachronism

Out-of-place time reference

Aporia

Expressing doubt or uncertainty

Hubris

Excessive pride leading to downfall

Verbal Irony

Saying the opposite of what's meant

Structural Irony

Plot structure contradicts expectations

Dramatic Irony

Audience knows something characters don’t

Superlative

Highest or lowest degree of comparison

Motif

A recurring element or theme

Facts and Stats

Use of data to support a point

Opinion

A personal belief or view

Tautology

Needless repetition of meaning

Syntax

Sentence structure

Stream of Consciousness

Continuous flow of thoughts and feelings

Triadic Structure

Three-part structure

Dialogue

Conversation between characters

Amplification

Expanding on a word or idea to emphasize it

Showing, Not Telling

Describing actions/sensations instead of stating emotions

Asyndeton

Omission of conjunctions

Neologism

Newly coined word or expression

Jargon

Technical language specific to a field

Puns

Wordplay with multiple meanings

Point of View

Perspective from which story is told

Sentence Length

Short or long sentences for effect

Tense

Time reference in verbs (past, present, future)

Allusion

Reference to another work or event

Punctuation and Font

Stylistic use of marks or typography

Tone

Author’s attitude conveyed in text

Foreshadowing

Hinting at future events

Diction

Choice of words