Selective Entry Verbal Reasoning - Important Terms

allegory

a story, poem or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a political/moral one.

allusion

an expression calling something to mind without mentioning it explicitly. It can refer to a place, person or event.

consonance

the repetition of consonant sounds within a sentence.

assonance

the repetition of vowel sounds within a sentence.

epithet

a word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe a attributed quality.

euphemism

an expression substituted for one considered too harsh. Eg. Instead of saying he kicked the bucket, he died, you say he passed away.

litotes

where an understatement is used to emphasize a point by using a negative to further affirm a positive. Eg. "It's not rocket science" – Meaning: It is easy.

metonymy

a term referring to the use of a word related to another concept. Eg. Lend me your ears: "Ears" stands for paying attention or listening.

paradox

a contradictory statement that leads to a truth. Eg. Deep down, she was really shallow.

oxymoron

similar to a paradox, but usually TWO WORDS together are contradictory. Eg. the living dead, an icy fire or deafening silence.

sardonic

a dry, mocking remark showing bitter amusement/disbelief

synecdoche

a figure of speech in which a part is used to substitute a whole. Eg. “Nice wheels!” -“Wheels meaning the entire car.

ballad

a poem narrating a story in short stanzas

free verse

a poem which does not follow a set structure

sonnet

a specific genre of poetry which consists of 14 lines, including a couplet and 3 quatrains.