AP English Language and Composition Glossary

A comprehensive list of vocabulary terms commonly encountered in AP English Language and Composition, along with their definitions.

abstract

An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research.

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.

allegory

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

anachronism

A person, scene, event, or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.

antecedent

A word to which a pronoun refers.

antithesis

A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of grammatical arrangement.

aphorism

A short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment.

Apollonian

Referring to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature.

apostrophe

A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present.

arch

Characterized by clever or sly humor, often saucy and playful.

bathos

Insincere or overdone sentimentality.

belle-lettres

A French term for the world of books, criticism, and literature.

bombast

Inflated, pretentious language.

burlesque

A work meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation.

canon

The works considered most important in a national literature or period.

carpe diem

Literally, 'seize the day'; enjoy life while you can.

classic

A highly regarded work of literature that has withstood the test of time.

classical, classicism

Deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture.

conceit

A witty or ingenious thought; a highly fanciful idea.

concrete detail

A highly specific, tangible detail; the opposite of abstract.

cynic

One who expects and observes nothing but the worst of human conduct.

deductive reasoning

A method of reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions.

denotation

The dictionary definition of a word.

dénouement

The resolution that occurs at the end of a narrative or drama.

descriptive detail

Graphic, exact, and accurate presentation of characteristics.

deus ex machina

The use of an artificial device to solve a problem in literature.

diction

The choice of words in discourse.

didactic

Having an instructive purpose; intending to convey information.

digression

A portion of discourse that wanders from the main subject.

Dionysian

Referring to sensual, pleasure-seeking impulses.

dramatic irony

When the audience knows more about a situation than a character.

elegy

A poem or prose selection that laments the passing or death of someone.

ellipsis

Three periods indicating the omission of words.

elliptical construction

A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words.

empathy

A feeling of association or identification with an object or person.

epic

A narrative poem that tells of the adventures of a hero.

epigram

A concise, witty, and thoughtful statement.

epithet

An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality.

eponymous

A term for the title character of a work.

ethos

A speaker's or author's authority to express opinions.

euphemism

A mild or less negative usage for a harsh term.

euphony

Pleasing, harmonious sounds.

exegesis

A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work.

explication

The interpretation or analysis of a text.

exposé

A factual piece of writing revealing weaknesses.

exposition

The background and events leading to the main idea of a work.

extended metaphor

A series of comparisons between two unlike objects.

fable

A short tale, often with nonhuman characters, from which a moral may be drawn.

fallacy, fallacious reasoning

An incorrect belief based on faulty data.

fantasy

A story containing unreal, imaginary features.

farce

A comedy containing extravagant disregard for seriousness.

figure of speech

Language that implies meanings; includes metaphor, simile, and personification.

frame

A structure that provides a premise or setting for a narrative.

genre

A term used to describe literary forms such as novel or essay.

harangue

A forceful sermon, lecture, or tirade.

homily

A lecture on a religious or moral theme.

hubris

Excessive pride that often affects tone.

humanism

A belief emphasizing faith and optimism in human potential.

hyperbole

Gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect.

idyll

A lyric poem describing ideal life or place.

image

A word or phrase representing that which can be perceived by the senses.

indirect quotation

A rendering of a quotation not stated in actual words.

inductive reasoning

A method of reasoning using specific facts to make generalizations.

inference

A conclusion arrived at by considering facts.

invective

A direct verbal assault or denunciation.

irony

An expression where the intended meaning is opposite of what is stated.

kenning

A device in Anglo-Saxon poetry where a name is replaced by its function.

lampoon

A mocking, satirical assault on a person or situation.

litotes

A form of understatement using the negative of the contrary.

logos

The logic used to support a claim.

loose sentence

A sentence that follows customary word order of subject-verb-object.

lyrical prose

Personal, reflective prose revealing thoughts about the subject.

malapropism

A confused use of words replacing appropriate words with similar-sounding ones.

maxim

A saying expressing common wisdom or truth.

melodrama

A literary form where events are exaggerated for emotional response.

metaphor

A figure of speech that compares unlike objects.

metaphysical

Poetry using elaborate conceits and expressing complexities of love and life.

metonymy

A figure of speech using a name to represent something associated with it.

Middle English

The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 A.D.

mock epic

A parody of traditional epic form.

mock serious

Characterized by feigned or deliberately artificial seriousness.

mode

The general form, pattern, and manner of expression of a discourse.

montage

A quick succession of images used to express an idea.

mood

The emotional tone or prevailing atmosphere in a work.

moral

A brief lesson that a reader may infer from a work.

motif

A phrase or idea that serves to unify or convey a theme.

muse

One of the ancient Greek goddesses presiding over the arts.

myth

An imaginary story accepted as part of cultural or religious tradition.

narrative

A form of verse or prose that tells a story.

naturalism

A term used as a synonym for realism, emphasizing a bleak perspective.

non sequitur

An illogical statement or idea that fails to follow logically.

objective

Of or relating to facts and reality, as opposed to personal feelings.

ode

A lyric poem marked by serious, respectful feelings toward the subject.

Old English

The Anglo-Saxon language spoken from approximately 450 to 1150 A.D.

omniscient narrator

A narrator with unlimited awareness and insight into all story elements.

onomatopoeia

The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning.

oxymoron

A term consisting of contradictory elements juxtaposed.

parable

A story from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived.

paradox

A statement that seems self-contradictory but is true.