Language Terminology for AP English 11 Exam

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key literary terms for AP English 11 exam preparation.

abstract

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

adage

A saying containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language.

allegory

A device using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning.

alliteration

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words.

allusion

A direct or indirect reference to something commonly known, such as an event, book, or work of art.

ambiguity

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

anachronism

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

analogy

A similarity or comparison between two different things or their relationship.

anecdote

A brief narrative often used to illustrate an idea or make a point.

annotation

A brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature.

antecedent

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.

aphorism

A terse statement of known authorship that reveals a truth or moral principle.

Apollonian

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

apostrophe

A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction.

arch

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

archetype

An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example or model.

assonance

The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words.

atmosphere

The emotional mood created by a literary work, established by setting and author’s choice of objects.

attitude

A writer’s intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of the writing.

bathos

Insincere or overdone sentimentality.

bard

A poet or performer who tells heroic stories, often accompanied by music.

belle-lettres

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

bibliography

A list of works cited or relevant to a particular subject.

bombast

Inflated, pretentious language.

burlesque

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

cacophony

Grating, inharmonious sounds.

caricature

A grotesque or exaggerated likeness of striking qualities.

carpe diem

A Latin phrase meaning 'seize the day'; urging enjoyment of life.

circumlocution

Discourse that avoids direct reference to a subject.

classic

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

classical/classicism

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

clause

A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and verb; an independent clause expresses a complete thought.

colloquialism

The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing that gives a conversational tone.

conceit

A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor.

concrete detail

A highly specific or tangible detail.

connotation

The nonliteral, associative meaning of a word.

consonance

The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words.

critique

An analysis or assessment of a thing or situation.

cynic

One who observes nothing but the worst of human conduct.

denotation

The strict, literal definition of a word.

denouement

The resolution that occurs at the end of a narrative.

descriptive detail

Accurate presentation of characteristics of a person, place, or thing.

devices

Figures of speech and stylistic elements producing a particular artistic effect.

deus ex machina

An artificial device or gimmick used in literature to solve a problem.

diction

A writer’s word choices, relating to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.

didactic

Works that aim primarily at teaching or instructing.

digression

Portion of discourse that wanders from the main topic.

Dionysian

Referring to sensual, pleasure-seeking impulses.

elegy

A poem or prose selection that laments or meditates on the passing of someone or something.

epic

A narrative poem detailing the exploits of a hero.

epithet

An adjective or phrase expressing a striking quality of a person or thing.

eponymous

A term for the title character of a work of literature.

euphemism

A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for an unpleasant word.

euphony

Pleasing, harmonious sounds.

exegesis

A detailed analysis or interpretation of prose or poetry.

explication

The interpretation or analysis of a text.

extended metaphor

A metaphor developed at great length throughout a work.

farce

A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness.

figurative language

Language not intended to be taken literally; meant to be imaginative.

figure of speech

A device used to produce figurative language.

genre

The major category into which a literary work fits.

harangue

A forceful lecture or tirade.

homily

This term literally means “sermon,” but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice. 

humanism

A belief emphasizing faith and optimism in human potential.

hyperbole

A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration.

idyll

A lyric poem or passage describing an ideal life or place.

imagery

Sensory details or figurative language that arouse emotion or represent abstractions.

inference/infer

To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.

invective

An emotionally violent verbal denunciation using strong language.

irony

The contrast between what is stated and what is really meant; can be verbal, situational, or dramatic.

lampoon

A mocking, satirical assault on a person or situation.

language

The combination of elements to form a whole; includes diction, syntax, etc.

litotes

An understatement emphasizing a point by using the negative of its contrary.

loose sentence

A sentence where the main idea comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units.

kenning

A device in Anglo-Saxon poetry replacing the name of a thing with one of its functions.

malapropism

A confused use of words in which the appropriate word is replaced by a similar-sounding one with an inappropriate meaning.

maxim

a saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth. Maxims are distinguished from aphorisms in that they give behavioral advice. 

metaphor

A figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things.

metonymy

A figure of speech where the name of one object is substituted for another closely associated with it.

Middle English

The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 AD.

mood

The emotional aura of a work; also refers to grammatical mood (indicative, subjunctive).

motif

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

muse

One of the Greek goddesses presiding over the arts; also means to reflect deeply.

narrative

The telling of a story or an account of events.

narrative device

Tools of the storyteller; includes event ordering and information withholding.

ode

A lyric poem marked by serious feelings toward the subject.

Old English

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

onomatopoeia

A figure of speech imitating natural sounds with words.

oxymoron

A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms.

paradox

A statement that appears self-contradictory but contains truth.

parallelism

The grammatical framing of words or phrases to give structural similarity.

parody

A work that imitates another with the aim of comic effect.

pastoral

A work of literature dealing with rural life.

pedantic

An adjective describing overly scholarly, academic, or bookish language.

periodic sentence

A sentence that presents its central meaning at the end.

persona

The role or façade a character assumes for the audience.

personification

A figure of speech representing concepts or objects by giving them human attributes.

persuasive devices

Words with strong connotations that complement a writer's argument.

point of view

The perspective from which a story is told.

predicate adjective

An adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject.