AP Language Terms to Know

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key rhetorical and literary terms for AP Language.

Exigence

The issue, problem, demand, or circumstance that prompts, triggers, or causes a writer or speaker to create a rhetorical text.

Concession

A rhetorical tactic where a speaker or writer acknowledges the validity, truth, or reasonableness of an opposing argument or counter-claim.

Euphemism

A mild, indirect, or less offensive phrase used in place of a word or expression considered harsh, blunt, or taboo.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration or overstatement used for emphasis, dramatic effect, or comedic impact.

Understatement

A figure of speech in which a writer or speaker intentionally presents a situation or fact as less important, intense, or severe than it actually is.

Overstatement

The act of expressing or stating something too strongly, or exaggerating its significance.

Refute

To disprove an opposing argument or claim completely by offering evidence, logic, or proof of its falsity.

Rebut

To offer counter-arguments, evidence, or reasoning to dispute or argue against an opposing claim.

Irony

A contrast or incongruity between expectation and reality, or between what is explicitly said and what is actually meant.

Satire

A work or genre that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose, critique, or mock human vice, folly, or societal flaws.

Motif

A recurring idea, symbol, image, or element throughout a work that helps develop or emphasize the central theme.

Trope

A figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression, or a common, recognizable theme or convention in literature and rhetoric.

Parallel structure / parallelism / antimetabole / chiasmus

Rhetorical devices involving the repetition of similar grammatical patterns, structures, or inverted word order to create rhythm, balance, contrast, or emphasis.

Ethos

A rhetorical appeal based on the speaker or writer's character, credibility, authority, or moral standing.

Pathos

A rhetorical appeal directed at the emotions, values, or passions of the audience to persuade them.

Logos

A rhetorical appeal relying on logic, reason, factual evidence, statistics, and structured argumentation.

Antithesis

The direct juxtaposition of two opposing or contrasting ideas, often framed in balanced or parallel grammatical structures.

Argument

A spoken, written, or visual text that expresses a position or viewpoint backed by reasons, claims, and evidence.

Claim

An assertion, position, or thesis statement that states a main idea or argument requiring proof or support.

Analogy

A comparison between two different things or concepts to explain or clarify a complex idea based on shared similarities.

Figurative language

Language or writing used in a non-literal sense (such as metaphors, similes, and personification) to convey deeper meaning, imagery, or effect.

Imagery

Descriptive, sensory language that appeals to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) to create vivid mental pictures.

Connotation

The implied, emotional, or cultural association that a word carries beyond its literal definition.

Denotation

The literal, explicit dictionary definition of a word, free from emotional or implied associations.

Deductive reasoning

A logical process of reasoning from general premises or universal principles to arrive at a specific, necessary conclusion.

Inductive reasoning

A logical process of making multiple specific observations or gathering evidence to derive a broader general rule or conclusion.

Syllogism

A three-part deductive logical structure consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.

Logical fallacy

An error, flaw, or mistake in logical reasoning that weakens or invalidates an argument.

Allusion

An explicit or implicit reference to a well-known person, place, historical event, literary work, or cultural artifact.

Juxtaposition

The side-by-side placement of two or more things, ideas, or images to highlight contrast or emphasize comparison.

Rhetorical question

A question asked by a speaker or writer to emphasize a point or provoke thought rather than to elicit a direct response.

Hypophora

A rhetorical technique in which a speaker or writer poses a question and then immediately provides the answer.

Epiplexis

A rhetorical technique in which a series of questions is asked to reprimand, shame, or incite an audience rather than to gain information.

Polemic

A passionate, aggressive verbal or written attack against a specific opinion, doctrine, or belief.

Rhetoric

The art, study, and practice of using language effectively and persuasively in communication.

Diction

The specific, intentional choice and use of words and phrasing by a writer or speaker.

Syntax

The arrangement, structure, and ordering of words, phrases, and clauses to form sentences.

Tone

The author's or speaker's attitude toward their subject, topic, or audience, expressed through stylistic choices.