AP Barron's Week 1 Words

Abstract

An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research. (adj.) Dealing with or tending to deal with a subject apart from a particular or specific instance.

Ad hominem

Directed to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason

Adage

A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language. Example: "There is more than one way to skin a cat."

Allegory

A story in which a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface.

Alliteration

The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines in a poem.

Allusion

A reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea

Ambiguity

A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity to evoke multiple meaning or interpretations

Anachronism

A person, scene, event, or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era. Example: Columbus sailing to the United States

Analogy

A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things; a passage that points out several similarities between two unlike things is called an extended analogy

Anecdote

A brief narrative often used to illustrate an idea or make a point.

Annotation

A brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature,

Antagonist

A character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist, produces tension or conflict

Antecedent

A word to which a pronoun refers.

Antithesis

A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences, as in following: "They promised freedom but provided slavery." "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

Aphorism

A short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment. Also see adage and maxim

Apollonian

In contrast to Dionysian, it refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior.