Lang And Comp vocab D-L

deductive reasoning

A method of reasoning by which specific definitions, conclusions, and theorems are drawn from general principles.

denotation

The dictionary definition of a word. Contrast with connotation.

dénouement

The resolution that occurs at the end of a narrative or drama, real or imagined.

descriptive detail

Graphic, exact, and accurate presentation of the characteristics of a person, place, or thing.

deus ex machina

In literature, the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem.

diction

The choice of words in oral and written discourse.

didactic

Having an instructive purpose; intending to convey information or teach a lesson, usually in a dry, pompous manner.

digression

That portion of discourse that wanders or departs from the main subject or topic.

Dionysian

As distinguished from Apollonian, the word refers to sensual, pleasure

dramatic irony

A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character.

elegy

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

ellipsis

Three periods (...) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation.

elliptical construction

A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words. In the sentence "May was hot and June the same," the verb was is omitted from the second clause.

empathy

A feeling of association or identification with an object or person.

epic

A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero.

epigram

A concise but ingenious, witty, and thoughtful statement. epithet An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing; sun

eponymous

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

ethos

A speaker's or author's authority to express opinions on a subject. The ethos of a professional wrestler, for instance, to speak credibly about, say, philosophy or metaphysics, is questionable.

euphemism

A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term. Example: pass away is a ____ for die.

euphony

Pleasing, harmonious sounds.

exegesis

A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of prose or poetry.

explication

The interpretation or analysis of a text.

exposé

A factual piece of writing that reveals weaknesses, faults, frailties, or other short comings.

exposition

The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of an essay or other work; setting forth the meaning or purpose of a piece of writing or discourse.

extended metaphor

A series of comparisons between two unlike objects.

fable

A short tale, often with nonhuman characters, from which a useful lesson or moral may be drawn.

fallacy, fallacious reasoning

An incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, false information, or flawed logic.

fantasy

A story containing unreal, imaginary features.

farce

A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness, although it may have a serious, scornful purpose.

figure of speech, figurative language

In contrast to literal language, figurative language implies meanings. Figures of speech include, among many others, metaphor, simile, and personification.

frame

A structure that provides a premise or setting for a narrative or other discourse. Example: a group of pilgrims exchanging stories while on the road is the frame for Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

genre

A term used to describe literary forms, such as novel, play, and essay.

harangue

A forceful sermon, lecture, or tirade.

homily

A lecture or sermon on a religious or moral theme meant to guide human behavior.

hubris

Excessive pride that often affects tone.

humanism

A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity.

hyperbole

Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect.

idyll

A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place.

image

A word or phrase representing that which can be seen, touched, tasted, smelled, or felt; imagery is the use of images in speech and writing.

indirect quotation

A rendering of a quotation in which actual words are not stated but only approximated or paraphrased.

inductive reasoning

A method of reasoning in which a number of specific facts or examples are used to make a generalization.

inference

A conclusion or proposition arrived at by considering facts, observations, or some other specific data.

invective

A direct verbal assault; a denunciation; casting blame on someone or something.

irony

A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated, often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected.

kenning

A device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities, as in "ring-giver" for king and "whale-road" for ocean.

lampoon

A mocking, satirical assault on a person or situation.

litotes

A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity. Example: He is not a bad dancer.

logos

The logic used by a speaker or writer to support a claim or point of view. In an argument in favor of more healthful food in the school cafeteria, for example, statistics about teenage obesity can be persuasive.

loose sentence

A sentence that follows the customary word order of English sentences, i.e., subject

lyrical prose

Personal, reflective prose that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject.