Enrichment Vocabulary #5

diction (n.)

 an author’s deliberate choice of words and phrases, which shapes tone, style, and connotative meaning in a text.

denotation (n.)

 the literal or primary meaning of a word as defined in a dictionary (as opposed to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests)

connotation (n.)

 the ideas or feelings that a word evokes (as opposed to its literal or primary meaning)

thimble (n.)

a pitted cap or cover worn on the finger to push the needle in sewing

heresy (n.)

an opinion, belief, practice (especially a religious one) that is profoundly at odds with what is generally accepted.

metaphor (n.)

figurative language in which a word or phrase that denotes one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them (as in “”drowning in money”)

Personification (n.)

when human qualities, such as emotions, actions, and characteristics, are attributed to non-human things like animals, objects, or abstract ideas.

Allusion (n.)

A reference made to someone or something without explaining how it relates to the context, so that the audience must realize the connection in their own minds.

cacophony (n.)

 a mixture of loud, discordant, unpleasant sounds

peer (v.)

 to look intently or curiously (at something)

Cataract (n)

A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye that leads to a decrease in vision; Also, a large waterfall.

Digest (n.)

A short summary of longer texts. A periodical (magazine) consisting of condensed versions of pieces of writing or news published elsewhere.

Torrent (n.)

A rushing, forceful flow of fluid (like rain or a river). Also, a sudden, violent outpouring of emotion.

subside (v.)

to become less intense, violent, or severe; to reduce in intensity

teem (v.)

to become full of (something) or swarming with (something)

Sieve (n.)

a utensil with a wire or plastic mesh held in a frame, used for straining one substance from another (solids from liquids, finer from coarser particles, etc.)

liberal arts (n.)

Originally, an education worthy of a free person. Studies that encompass art, literature, philosophy, history, mathematics, and science.

Centrifuge (n.)

a device that spins at high speed around a central axis to separate a mixture into its components based on differences in density.