AP Lang - Literary Definitions

Allegory

A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, often moral, spiritual, or political.

Alliteration

Repetition of the same beginning consonant sounds in a sequence of words.

Allusion

An indirect reference to a well-known person, event, text, or idea.

Ambiguity

When something has multiple meanings or interpretations, often intentionally.

Anadiplosis

Repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next.

Analogy

A comparison between two different things to show similarities.

Anaphora

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

Anecdote

A short, personal story told to illustrate a point.

Antecedent

The word, phrase, or clause that a pronoun refers back to.

Antithesis

The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases or clauses.

Aphorism

A short, memorable statement that expresses a general truth or principle.

Apostrophe

A figure of speech where a speaker addresses someone absent, dead, or an abstract idea.

Asyndeton

Omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence.

Atmosphere

The overall emotional feeling created by a literary work.

Chiasmus

Reversal of grammatical structures in successive phrases (e.g., “Ask not what your country can do for you…”).

Clause

A group of words with a subject and a verb; can be independent or dependent.

Conduplicatio

Repetition of a key word from one phrase in the next.

Colloquialism

Informal words or expressions used in everyday speech.

Coherence

Logical flow and clarity that makes writing easy to understand.

Conceit

An extended or surprising metaphor that makes an unusual comparison.

Connotation

The implied or suggested meaning of a word beyond its dictionary definition.

Denotation

The dictionary definition of a word.

Diction

An author’s choice of words and style of expression.

Didactic

Writing that is meant to teach or instruct, often moral or ethical lessons.

Enumeratio

Listing details or a process step by step for emphasis.

Expletive

A word or phrase used only to fill space or add emphasis (e.g., “in fact,” “of course”).

Euphemism

A mild or polite word used instead of something harsh or blunt.

Exposition

Background information that sets up a story or argument.

Extended metaphor

A metaphor developed at length and used throughout a work.

Figurative language

Language that goes beyond literal meaning (e.g., simile, metaphor).

Figure of speech

Any expression where words are used non-literally for effect.

Generic conventions

Traditional features that define each literary genre.

Genre

A category of literature or art defined by style, form, or content.

Homily

A serious speech or lecture offering moral or spiritual advice.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally.

Hypophora

A rhetorical technique where a speaker asks a question and then answers it.

Imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).

Inference

A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning.

Invective

Insulting, abusive, or critical language.

Irony

When the intended meaning is opposite of the literal meaning or outcome.

Juxtaposition

Placing two things side by side to highlight contrast.

Litotes

An understatement that uses double negatives or negation (e.g., “not bad”).

Loose sentence

A sentence that begins with the main clause and adds details after.

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”

Metonymy

Substitution of something closely related for the thing actually meant (e.g., “the crown” for a king).

Mood

The feeling or atmosphere a writer creates for the reader.

Narrative

A story or account of events.

Onomatopoeia

A word that imitates the sound it represents (e.g., “buzz,” “bang”).

Oxymoron

A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms (e.g., “bittersweet”).

Paradox

A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth.

Parallelism

Repetition of grammatical structures to create rhythm or balance.

Parody

An imitation of a work that exaggerates or mocks for comic effect.

Pedantic

Overly concerned with minor details or formal rules; often showy in learning.

Periodic sentence

A sentence where the main idea comes at the end after introductory details.

Personification

Giving human qualities to nonhuman things.

Polysyndeton

Using many conjunctions in close succession for effect.

Point of view

The perspective from which a story is told (first, second, third person).

Predicate adjective

An adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject.

Predicate nominative

A noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames the subject.

Prose

Ordinary written or spoken language without rhyme or meter.

Repetition

Using the same word, phrase, or idea multiple times for emphasis.

Rhetoric

The art of persuasive speaking or writing.

Rhetorical question

A question asked for effect, not to get an actual answer.

Sarcasm

Sharp, mocking language meant to ridicule or hurt.

Satire

A work that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize society or human flaws.

Semantics

The study or meaning of words and phrases in language.

Style

The way an author uses words, sentence structure, and literary devices.

Subject complement

A word (noun, pronoun, or adjective) that follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject.

Subordinate clause

A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on the main clause.

Syllogism

A logical argument with a major premise, minor premise, and conclusion.

Symbolism

Using objects, characters, or events to represent abstract ideas.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech where a part represents the whole (e.g., “wheels” for a car).

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences.

Theme

The central idea or message of a work.

Thesis

The main claim or argument in a piece of writing.

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience.

Transition

A word or phrase that links ideas and improves flow.

Understatement

Presenting something as smaller or less important than it really is.

Undertone

An underlying or hidden quality or attitude beneath the main tone.

Wit

Intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.