AP Lang Rhetorical Vocab List 2

Denotation

The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.

Diacope

Repetition of a word or phrase after an intervening word or phrase; word/phrase X, ...word/phrase X.

Diction

The writer’s word choices related to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness, influencing the author's style.

Didactic

Works that aim primarily to teach or instruct, especially regarding moral or ethical principles.

Enumeration

A figure of amplification that divides a subject into parts or details, often listing causes, effects, or solutions.

Expletive

A figure of emphasis where a single word or short phrase interrupts normal speech to lend emphasis.

Euphemism

A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for an unpleasant word or concept, often used for social or political correctness.

Exposition

A type of composition aimed at explaining something; in drama, it introduces tone, setting, characters, and conflict.

Extended metaphor

A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently throughout a work.

Figurative language

Writing or speech intended to be imaginative and vivid, not meant to carry literal meaning.

Figure of speech

A device used to produce figurative language, including apostrophe, hyperbole, irony, metaphor, and more.

Generic conventions

Traditions that help define each genre, differentiating between types of writing.

Genre

The major category into which a literary work fits, such as prose, poetry, or drama, with many subdivisions.

Homily

A serious talk or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice, often synonymous with a sermon.

Hyperbole

A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement, often for comic or serious effect.

Hypophora

A figure of reasoning where one or more questions are asked and then answered by the same speaker.

Imagery

Sensory details or figurative language used to describe or represent abstractions, appealing to the five senses.