thayer ra vocab list 2

Understatement

When the speaker deliberately portrays the situation as less serious or important than it really is.

Paradox

A seemingly contradictory assertion that may have some truth behind it

Epithet

A descriptive word, phrase, title

Euphemism

Using a more polite term for a coarse or unpleasant term

Conceit

An extended metaphor - often the basis of an entire poem

Metonymy/Synecdoche

A figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another with which it is associated

Alliteration

Repetition of initial sounds

Onomatopoeia

The use of a word whose sound imitates the act of thing it names

Objective

A type of statement that is completely unbiased. Opposite of subjective.

Subjective

A type of statement riddled with bias. Opposite of objective.

Cliché

Overused statement or idea

Satire

corrective ridicule like South Park

Parody

Mocking imitation ex. Weird Al

Irony

The literal meaning is the opposite of the actual meaning

Archetype

The original pattern or model of a character or idea that is frequently copied or repeated

Histrionic

Deliberately dramatic or theatrical

Wry

Cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous

Juxtaposition

An act or instance of placing things/words/concepts close together or side by side for comparison or contrast

Deductive reasoning

Reasoning that moves from the general (rule or law) to the specific (instance)

Inductive reasoning

Reasoning that moves from the specific (instance) to the general (presumed rule or law). Often faulty reasoning

Anaphora

Repetition of the initial word or phrase in a series of clauses or phrases for emphasis and rhythm

Epistrophe

Repetition of the same word or words at the end of successive phrases or clauses. Opposite of anaphora.

Aphorism

A pithy (short yet effective) observation that contains a general truth