AP Lang Vocab

Abstract Diction

Language that denotes ideas, emotions, conditions, or concepts that are intangible.

Archaic Diction

Old-fashioned or outdated choice of words.

Colloquial Expressions

Nonstandard, often regional ways of using language suitable for informal or conversational speech and writing.

Concrete Diction

Specific words that describe physical qualities or conditions.

Connotation

The implicit meaning of a word, including suggestions, associations, and emotional overtones.

Denotation

The exact, literal definition of a word, independent of any emotional context.

Dialect

A nonstandard subgroup of a language with its own vocabulary and grammatical features.

Formal Diction

Language that creates an elevated tone, free of slang and idioms, often containing sophisticated syntax.

Jargon

Words and expressions characteristic of a particular trade or profession.

Slang

Recently coined words often used in informal situations, changing quickly in usage.

Analogy

Comparison of two things that share a similarity, making one easier to understand.

Euphemism

An inoffensive substitute for an unpleasant or embarrassing notion.

Metonymy

A figure of speech substituting one word or phrase for another closely associated with it.

Paradox

A statement that seems untrue or impossible through contradiction.

Synecdoche

A part referring to the whole, or the whole referring to a part.

Alliteration

The repetition of initial consonant sounds.

Assonance

The repetition of the same vowel sound in nearby words.

Consonance

The repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words.

Antithesis

Clear contrasting relationship between two ideas, often through juxtaposition.

Simile

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

Extended Metaphor

A drawn-out comparison of unlike things, often using multiple comparisons.

Anadiplosis

A syntactic strategy where the last word of one phrase is repeated at the beginning of the next.

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases or clauses.

Cumulative Sentence

A sentence where the main subject and verb come first, followed by additional constructions.

Declarative Sentence

A sentence that makes a statement.

Epistrophe

Repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences.

Asyndeton

The omission of a conjunction between parts of a sentence.

Exclamatory Sentence

A sentence that makes an exclamation.

Fragment

An intentional break in grammar rules to emphasize and draw attention.

Imperative Sentence

A sentence that gives a command.

Parallelism

Two or more phrases or clauses that balance each other by likeness of structure.

Periodic Sentence

A sentence where the main subject and verb are delayed until the end.

Polysyndeton

The use of a conjunction between each word, phrase, or clause.

Repetition

Repeating words, sounds, and ideas to generate balance and emotional response.

Rhetorical Question

A question posed not to seek an answer but to affirm or deny a point.

Telegraphic

Concise message characterized by the use of short three-word phrases.

Tricolon

A group of three similar phrases, words, clauses, or sentences.

Zeugma

A figure of speech exemplified through juxtaposition.