ap lang vocab

Allegory

A story or character used symbolically to represent abstract ideas (like hope or freedom); usually conveys a moral truth or generalization about life.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words (“she sells sea shells”); adds rhythm or emphasis.

Allusion

A reference to something commonly known (event, book, myth, place, or art); can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.

Ambiguity

When a word, phrase, or passage has multiple meanings (intentional or unintentional).

Analogy

A comparison between two different things to explain or clarify something unfamiliar or complex.

Anaphora

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

Antecedent

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun (ex

Antithesis

The direct opposite; the contrast of ideas (“Speech is silver, but silence is golden”).

Aphorism

A brief statement expressing a general truth or moral principle (“Actions speak louder than words”).

Apostrophe

Directly addressing an absent or imaginary person or personified idea (“O Death, where is thy sting?”).

Asyndeton

The omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence (“I came, I saw, I conquered”).

Caricature

Verbal description that exaggerates or distorts characteristics for comic effect.

Colloquialism

Use of informal or slang language in writing or speech; gives a conversational tone.

Conceit

An elaborate or surprising comparison between two very different things; an extended metaphor.

Connotation

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

Denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word (contrast with connotation).

Diction

The author’s word choice, affecting tone, clarity, and style (formal, informal, ornate, plain).

Epistrophe

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

Euphemism

A mild or less offensive term for something harsh or unpleasant (“passed away” instead of “died”).

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor developed at length throughout a work or passage.

Figure of Speech

Language that is not literal; includes simile, metaphor, irony, hyperbole, personification, etc.

Homily

A sermon or serious speech offering moral or spiritual advice.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or comic effect (“I’m so hungry I could eat a horse”).

Imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the senses; creates pictures or emotions for the reader.

Irony

A contrast between appearance and reality; includes verbal, situational, and dramatic irony.

Litotes

Understatement that affirms something by denying its opposite (“Not bad” meaning “good”).

Metaphor

A comparison saying one thing is another to show similarity (“Time is a thief”).

Metonymy

Substituting the name of one thing with something closely related (“The White House said” instead of “The President said”).

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate natural sounds (“buzz,” “crack,” “hiss”).

Juxtaposition

Placing two contrasting ideas or images close together for effect (good vs. evil).

Oxymoron

Combining contradictory terms to reveal a paradox (“jumbo shrimp,” “deafening silence”).

Paradox

A statement that appears self-contradictory but reveals a deeper truth (“I must be cruel to be kind”).

Parallelism

Repetition of grammatical structure for rhythm or emphasis (“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”).

Anaphora (parallelism subtype)

Repetition of words at the beginning of successive lines (“I have a dream…”).

Parody

An imitation of another work for comic effect or ridicule; may reveal insight into the original.

Personification

Giving human qualities to animals, objects, or abstract ideas.

Point of View

The perspective from which a story is told (first person, third-person limited, or omniscient).

Polysyndeton

Repeated use of conjunctions for emphasis (“He ran and jumped and laughed for joy”).

Repetition

Duplication of elements such as words or phrases for emphasis or rhythm.

Sarcasm

Harsh or cutting language meant to mock or ridicule; may use irony.

Satire

Writing that exposes human flaws or social issues through humor, irony, or exaggeration.

Symbol/Symbolism

When something concrete (object, character, or event) represents something abstract (love, freedom, etc.).

Synecdoche

A part representing a whole or vice versa (“all hands on deck” refers to sailors).

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences; affects pace and emphasis.

Theme

The central idea or message of a work; the insight into life or human nature.

Thesis

The author’s main claim or argument in expository or persuasive writing.

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience (serious, playful, sarcastic, etc.).

Understatement

Presenting something as less important than it is; the opposite of hyperbole.

Wit

Clever and insightful humor that delights or surprises with intelligence or wordplay.