AP Lang & Comp Rhetorical Terms Master List

A vocabulary flashcard deck covering the terms and categories from the AP Lang & Comp Rhetorical Terms Master List.

logos, ethos, pathos

logos=logic Pathos=emotion ethos=reason

parallelism

the use of matching grammatical structures, sounds, or meanings in neighboring phrases, clauses, or sentences to create balance and rhythm

asyndeton

When a writer leaves out coordinating conjunctions (such as "and," "but," or "or") between words, phrases, or clauses

chiasmus

where words, grammatical structures, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, forming an A-B-B-A pattern

anastrophe

where normal word order is flipped or reversed for a specific effect

(I saw a ship→ A ship I saw)

juxtaposition

two or more elements—such as characters, ideas, settings, or images—side by side to highlight their differences or unexpected similarities

antithesis

places two contrasting or opposite ideas side-by-side using a balanced, parallel grammatical structure

(It was the best of times, it was the worst of times)

polysyndeton

a literary and rhetorical device where a writer repeats coordinating conjunctions (like "and," "or," or "but") in close succession where they are not grammatically necessary

(We went for a walk and fed the ducks and had some ice cream and rode the Ferris wheel)

alliteration

where two or more nearby words repeat the same initial consonant sound

(The sly snake slithers slowly)

rhetorical question

A figure of speech posed to emphasize a point, introduce a theme, or prompt reflection rather than to elicit a literal answer

hypophora

a speaker or writer asks a question and then immediately answers it themselves

anaphora

intentional repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of consecutive lines, sentences, or clauses

metonymy

a figure of speech where an object or concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with it, rather than by its own name

(the White House issued a statement)

Synecdoche

A part of something represents the whole, or the whole represents a part

(like "the Crown" for royalty)

euphemism

A polite, mild, or indirect word or phrase used in place of one that feels too harsh, blunt, unpleasant, or taboo

(Nick Carraway describes his living area as "the least fashionable of the two,")

hyperbole

figure of speech that uses extreme exaggeration to make a point, add humor, or show strong emotion

(I have told you a million times)

understatement

intentionally makes a situation or idea seem less important, serious, or severe than it actually is

(calling a brilliant person "not a bad thinker")

connotation

refers to the emotional, cultural, or social associations a word carries

denotation

The dictionary definition of a word

colloquialism

an informal, everyday word or phrase used in ordinary conversation rather than formal speech or writing

(y’all, gonna, etc.)

parenthesis

an explanatory or qualifying word, phrase, or clause that is inserted into a passage

ellipsis

The deliberate omission of one or more words that are grammatically needed to complete a sentence, but whose meaning is easily understood from the surrounding context (…)

litotes

figure of speech that uses an understatement by denying the opposite of a word or idea to express an affirmative meaning

(saying "not bad" to mean "good")

Apostrophe

where a speaker or writer directly addresses an absent person, a dead person, an inanimate object, or an abstract idea as if it could respond

(In his poem Holy Sonnet 10, the speaker directly commands, "Death, be not proud".)

simile

directly compares two different, unrelated things using connecting words such as "like," "as,"

metaphor

a figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated things by stating that one thing is actually another

personification

writers give human traits, emotions, or actions to non-human things like objects, animals, or abstract ideas

onomatopoeia

word imitates, mimics, or resembles the natural sound of the thing it describes

(BANG, BOOM, ZAP)

anecdote

a very short, engaging story about a real or true-to-life incident, usually focused on a specific person or event to illustrate a point

allusion

a brief, indirect reference to a person, place, thing, event, or another work outside of the text that the reader is expected to recognize