Lang Lit terms

Allegory

A narrative that uses symbolic figures, events, and representations to convey deeper moral, social, or political meanings.

Hyperbole

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.

Metonymy

A figure of speech that replaces the name of one thing with the name of something closely associated with it, often used to create vivid imagery in literature.

Synedoche

A figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole or vice versa, enhancing the meaning and imagery in writing.

Apostrophe

A figure of speech in which a speaker addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing, often to express emotion or highlight significance.

Eponym

A word derived from the name of a person, often used to highlight their influence or contributions in a particular field.

Allusion

A reference to a person, place, event, or literary work, used to deepen meaning or create connections in writing.

Pun

A humorous play on words that exploits multiple meanings or similar sounds to create a comedic or rhetorical effect.

Conceit

A complex metaphor that establishes an imaginative link between two seemingly dissimilar things, often used to elaborate on a theme or idea in literature.

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, used to create emphasis or rhythm in writing.

Epistrophe

The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences, used to create emphasis or a memorable effect in writing.

Epanalepsis

A rhetorical device where the initial word or phrase of a sentence or clause is repeated at the end, used to create emphasis and enhance the overall impact of the statement.

Antimetabole

A rhetorical device in which a phrase or sentence is repeated in reverse order, often used for emphasis and to create a memorable effect.

Antimetabole example

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

Epanalepsis example

"Common sense is not so common."

Credibility

The quality of being trusted and believed in, essential for persuasive communication and arguments.

exigence

The issue or situation that prompts a writer or speaker to communicate. Exigence drives the need for discourse and can influence the arguments presented.

false dichotomy

A logical fallacy that presents two opposing options as the only possibilities, ignoring other alternatives. (basically giving an answer that isn’t the best option)

Simple sentence

A sentence consisting of only one independent clause, with a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought.

Colloquialism

A word or phrase that is informal and often specific to a particular region or group. Colloquialisms reflect everyday speech and can differ significantly from formal language.

Idiom

A phrase or expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements, often culturally specific.

Idiom examples

include "kick the bucket", "spilling the beans.", “Kill two birds with one stone”.

Dialect

A form of language specific to a particular region or social group, encompassing vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation variations.

Slang

Informal language often specific to a particular group or subculture, characterized by new or inventive vocabulary and alternative meanings.

Jargon

Specialized terminology used within a specific profession or group, often difficult for outsiders to understand.

Jargon example

includes medical terms like "hypertension" or legal phrases such as "tort" that may confuse laypersons.

Colloquialism example

Examples include "y'all" in the Southern United States or "bubbler" in Wisconsin.

Connotation

the implied or associated meaning of a word, beyond its literal definition.

Denotation

the literal or primary meaning of a word, contrasting with its connotation.

Formal vs Informal diction

Formal diction refers to a style of writing or speech that is sophisticated and adheres to conventional standards, while informal diction is more casual and conversational, often using colloquialisms and everyday language.

Cliche

a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.

Archaic diction

refers to words and phrases that are no longer in common use and may sound old-fashioned or antiquated.

Archaic diction example

includes words like 'thee', 'thou', and 'thine' that were popular in earlier forms of English.

Pedantic Diction

refers to a style of writing that is overly concerned with formalism, precision, and minute details, often to the point of being ostentatious or expository.

Pedantic diction example

might include phrases like 'utilize' instead of 'use' or excessive technical jargon that complicates rather than clarifies.

concrete diction

refers to the use of specific, tangible words that evoke sensory experiences and describe observable phenomena, making writing more vivid and relatable.

abstract diction

refers to language that expresses ideas, concepts, or qualities that are not tangible or concrete. It often deals with feelings, ideas, or theoretical concepts, making it less relatable or vivid.

concrete vs abstract diction

Concrete diction uses specific, sensory language to evoke imagery, while abstract diction conveys ideas or concepts that are more theoretical and intangible.

Onomatopoeia

is a literary device where a word's pronunciation imitates its sound, creating a vivid auditory effect.

Alliteration

is the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a series of words, often used to create rhythm or reinforce meaning in poetry and prose.

Assonance

is the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words, used to create rhythm, melody, or emphasis in poetry and prose.

Paradox

is a statement that seems contradictory but reveals a truth upon closer examination, often used to provoke thought or illustrate complex ideas in literature.

paradox example

"Less is more" is a common example that illustrates an apparent contradiction while conveying a deeper meaning.

juxtaposition

is a literary technique where two or more ideas, characters, or settings are placed side by side to highlight contrasts or similarities, often enhancing meaning or theme.

juxtaposition example

An example of juxtaposition is the contrast between the harsh realities of war and the innocence of childhood, which emphasizes the brutality of conflict in literature.

oxymoron

A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms, such as "deafening silence" or "bittersweet".

dramatic irony

occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, creating tension or humor.

verbal irony

the use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite of its literal meaning, often for humorous or emphatic effect.

verbal irony example

An example of verbal irony is saying "What a beautiful day!" during a storm.

situational irony

occurs when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens, often creating a surprising or humorous effect.

cosmic irony

the idea that fate or a deity brings about ironic events, often implying a sense of injustice.

ambiguity

the quality of being open to more than one interpretation, often leading to confusion or uncertainty in meaning.

euphemism

a mild or indirect word or expression used to replace one that may be considered harsh or blunt.

Epithet

A descriptive term or phrase expressing a characteristic of the person or thing mentioned, often used in literature to convey an additional layer of meaning.

Epithet example

For example, the "swift-footed Achilles" highlights both his speed and prowess in battle, showcasing the use of epithets to deepen character understanding.

Anecdote

a short and interesting story about a real incident or person, often used to illustrate a point.

Anecdote example

An example of an anecdote is a personal story about a childhood experience that highlights a lesson learned, often shared to connect with others or emphasize a message.