AP LANG Vocab

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Allusion (noun.)

An indirect or brief reference to a person, event, place, phrase, piece of art, or literary work that assumes a common knowledge with the reader or listener.

The reader must be already familiar with the reference to understand it, hence, it is typically a well-known thing/person/place.

Analogy (noun.)

Analogy —

A similarity or likeness between things — events, ideas, actions, trends — that are otherwise unrelated. It is a comparison between two sets of variables and claiming that one is just as like the other.

Analogous (Adjective)

Comparable or (most) similar in certain aspects.

Wistful (Adjective.)

Longing and yearning, tinged with melancholy and pensiveness.

Earnest, Sincere (Adjective.)

Serious in intention or purpose ; showing depth and genuine feelings.

Disgruntled , Discontented (Adjective.)

Angry ; Dissatisfied ; Annoyed ; Impatient ; Irritated.

Example :

Rin’s disgruntled persona.

Authoritative (Adjective.)

Commanding and self-confident ; likely to be respected and obeyed, based on competent ( capability to successfully perform a task with high degree of skill / knowledge ) authority.

Frivolity ( noun.)

The trait of being Frivolous ; not serious or sensible.

Basically foolish.

Frivolous (adjective.)

lacking any serious purpose or value ; given to trifling (unimportant) or levity.

Acerbic, Acrid (adjective.)

Harsh, bitter, sharp, caustic. These words can both refer to the sharp and corrosive tone of acid-tongued critics. Acrid refers also to an unpleasantly sharp smell or taste.

Solemn, Somber (adjective.)

Not cheerful or smiling ; serious ; gloomy ; grave.

Example :

Benedict Grim’s personality.

Inquisitive (adjective.)

Curious ; inquiring ; — someone eager to discover.

Reflective , pensive (adjective.)

Engaged in , involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought, usually marked by sadness or melancholy.

Equivocal (adjective.)

Ambiguous, open to interpretation, having several equally possible meanings. It’s questionable or uncertain…

Equivocate (verb.)

To avoid making an explicit statement ; to hedge ; to use vague or ambiguous language as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself.

Example:

“Not that we were aware of, “ She equivocated.

Deferential

Respectful ; dutiful. To express high regard, obedience, or a courteous act to a superior.

Ebullient, Euphoric (adjective.)

Feeling or expressing great happiness or triumph ; elated.

Figurative / Metaphorical Language (noun.)

A general term referring to language that describes a thing in terms of something else.

The resemblance of that thing is FIGURATIVE and NOT LITERAL, as the reader is carried beyond the LITERAL meaning to consider the nuances (complexity) and connotations ( diction ; words that evoke an idea or feeling tied to its literal meaning ) of the word used in the comparison.

Metaphor (noun.)

A figure of speech in which one thing is described in terms of another using an implied comparison without the use of “like” or “as.”

Simile

An explicit figure of speech that is a comparison between two essentially unlike things, usually using the words “like” or “as,” which points out a FIGURATIVE way that the two things are alike.

Personification (noun.)

• A figure of speech in which an inanimate object is given human qualities or abilities. 

  • It’s often used in literary works to enhance the mood or power of an image.

Parallelism / Parallel Structure

Sentence construction which uses matching grammatical patterns to establish the equivalent relationship or importance of two or more items — and adds emphasis through comparison.

Example : “Love me, love me, say that you love me. Fool me, fool me, go on and fool me. “

“Lies are usually told to protect the teller and to deceive the listener.”

Ironic

Using words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of it’s literal meaning.

Synopsis

A brief summary of the major points of a thesis, theory, story, or literary word ; an abstract. It is comprehensive.

Satire, Lampoon, Paraody.

A work that ridicules human vice, follies, and foibles.

Caricature

Visual art or descriptive writing that deliberately exaggerates distinctive features or peculiarities of a subject for comic or absurd affect.

Or ; Imitation of a something.

Epic

a long narrative poem written in a grand style or celebrate the feats of a legendary hero. It is the deeds of legendary gods, divine intervention, vast settings, heroes.

Example :

The Odyssey

Saga

A long, detailed and complex narrative story ; a heroic tale

Anecdote

A short accounting of an interesting, relevant humorous incident.

Eulogy

A laudatory speech or written tribute, especially one praising someone who has died.