Language Arts Vocab Sets: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8

Onomatopoeia

The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named.

Personification

Giving inanimate objects or animals human-like qualities.

Metaphor

Comparing two things by saying something is something it is not.

Allusion

A reference to an outside work.

Hyperbole

An exaggeration in literature.

Idiom

Common, non-literal saying.

Alliteration

The repetition of beginning consonant sounds.

Oxymoron

Contradictory terms appear next to each other to highlight the contrast in the situations that they describe. Must create a new meaning.

Simile

Comparing two unlike things using “like” or “as”

Situational Irony

When the opposite of what you expect to happen happens.

Imagery

Language that helps readers imagine with their 5 senses (Sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch)

Pun

A play on words for humorous effect by using words’ multiple meanings and/or similar sounds.

Implied Metaphor

a type of metaphor that doesn’t compare two things directly, but implied a comparison

Assonance

The repetition of a vowel sound.

Understatement

Wording that downplays a situation, trait,  or emotion, usually in order to draw attention to it.

Protagonist

The character in a text that drives the plot forward; The main character

Verbal Irony

When someone says one thing but means the opposite.

Antagonist

A character that opposes someone or something by stopping the plot of the story

Propaganda

Information (sometimes exaggerated or biased) used to persuade people to believe or support something.

Ambiguous

Having a double meaning.

Collateral

Something valuable promised to a lender as security for a loan. If you don’t pay back, they can take it.

Venerable

Deserving respect because of age, wisdom, or achievements.

Conformity

Behaving in a way that matches what most people do or what society expects.

Ensconced

Settled in a safe, comfortable, or hidden place.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something that the characters don’t.

Benevolent

Kind and generous; wanting to do good for others.

Cynical

Believing people are only motivated by selfishness; distrustful of others’ motives.

Laborious

Requiring a lot of hard work and effort.

Comrade

A close friend, partner, or fellow member of a group.

Vivacious

Full of life, energy, and enthusiasm.

Expound

To explain something in detail.

Apathy

A lack of interest, emotion, or concern.

Gambol

To skip or jump around in a playful way.

Parasitical

Living off another person or thing without giving anything back.

Resolution

A firm decision to do something or solve a problem.

Obstinate

Stubborn; refusing to change your mind or actions.

Indefatigable

Never getting tired; able to keep going without giving up.

Maxim

A short saying that expresses a general truth or rule for life.

Motto

A phrase that expresses the beliefs or guiding idea of a group or person.

Shirk

To avoid doing work or responsibilities.

Implements

Tools or instruments used to do a task.

Acute

Very sharp or intense.

Contemptible

Deserving dislike or hatred.

Impromptu

Done without preparation or planning.

Ignominious

Shameful or disgraceful.

Preeminent

The best or most important in a group.

Posthumous

Happening after someone has died.

Sentiment

A feeling or opinion about something.

Eloquence

The ability to speak or write in a way that is smooth, powerful, and persuasive.

Faction

A small group within a larger group, often with different ideas or goals.

Disinter

To dig up something buried, usually a body.

Sordid

Dirty, unpleasant, or morally shameful.

Innovations

New ideas, methods, or inventions.

Malignity

Intense hatred or desire to harm others.

Intermediary

A person who acts as a middleman between two sides.

Repose

Rest, relaxation, or sleep.

Meticulous

Very careful and precise; paying close attention to small details.

Superintendence

The act of overseeing or managing something.

Solicitor

 A person whose job is to ask for or obtain something (like donations).

Countenance

A person’s face or facial expression.

Censured

Strongly criticized or blamed.

Retribution

Punishment given as payback for a wrong.

Surmounted

Overcame a difficulty or obstacle.