AP Literature and Composition - Vocab Spring 2025

Euphony/Cacophony

(n.) pertaining to sound. Euphony is pleasant sounding, cacophony is harsh

(pleasant/harsh sound device)

Enjambment

(n.) literary device that refers to the continuation of a thought that extends over a line of poetic verse

(sentence over 2+ lines)

Caesura

(n.) poetic device in which a deliberate, long pause is inserted into the MIDDLE of a given line. Usually denoted by a giant blank space of punctuation

(break in the middle of a poem’s line)

Imagery

(n.) sensory details

visual - sight

auditory - sound

tactile - touch

gustatory - taste

olfactory - smell

kinesthetic - movement

Sycophant

(n.) a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to get an advantage

(a person who sucks up to someone to get something)

Malevolent

(adj.) wishing harm or evil to another or others; showing ill will, spite, or hatred

(bad thoughts/intentions)

Elucidate

(v.) make (something) clear; explain

(elaborate)

Unctuous

(adj.) (of a person) excessively or ingratiatingly flattering; oily

(intense, insincere sucking up)

Duplicitous

(adj.) deceitful; dishonest

(sly, liar)

Apostrophe

(n.) poetic device where someone talks to an object, idea, or non-living person to emphasize its importance

(talking to someone/something who can’t talk back/speaking to the dead)

Assuage

(v.) make (un unpleasant feeling) less intense

(alleviate)

Auspicious

(adj.) promising or suggesting a future with success; favorable

(bright future/ future success)

Renege

(v.) to go back on a contract on a promise, undertaking, or contract

(break a deal)

Patriarchy/Matriarchy

(n.) a patriarchy is a male-led social system, matriarchy is women-led (also relates to family traditions)