A-E Vocab

Abstract (style)

Typically complex writing that discusses intangible qualities like good and evil, seldom using examples.

Academic (style)

Dry and theoretical writing that drains life from its subject through analysis.

Accent

The stressed portion of a word in poetry.

Aesthetic

An adjective meaning "appealing to the senses."

Allegory

A literary work where characters represent abstract ideas; a symbolic representation.

Alliteration

The repetition of initial consonant sounds.

Allusion

A reference to another work of literature, person, or event.

Anachronism

Something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred.

Analogy

A comparison of two different things that are similar in some way.

Anecdote

A short narrative.

Antecedent

The word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers.

Anthropomorphism

The attribution of human characteristics to animals or inanimate objects.

Anticlimax

A disappointing end to an exciting or impressive series of events.

Antihero

A protagonist who lacks the characteristics of a traditional hero.

Aphorism

A brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.

Apostrophe

Address to an absent or imaginary person.

Archaism

The use of deliberately old-fashioned language.

Aside

A line spoken by an actor to the audience, not intended for others on stage.

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds.

Atmosphere

The emotional tone or background that surrounds a scene.

Ballad

A popular narrative poem, often with epic subject and usually in lyric form.

Black humor

The use of disturbing themes in comedy.

Bombast

Speech or writing that sounds grand but has little meaning.

Burlesque

Theatrical entertainment characterized by broad and earthy humor.

Cacophony

Harsh, jarring, discordant sound; dissonance.

Cadence

The rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words.

Canto

A major division of a long poem.

Caricature

A drawing or description that exaggerates peculiarities or defects.

Catharsis

An emotional or psychological cleansing that brings relief or renewal.

Chorus

In Greek drama, the group of citizens commenting on the main action on stage.

Colloquialism

Informal words or expressions not usually acceptable in formal writing.

Conceit

A fanciful expression, often an extended metaphor or surprising analogy.

Connotation

The implied or associative meaning of a word.

Consonance

The repetition of consonant sounds.

Couplet

Two consecutive lines of poetry that rhyme.

Decorum

Conformity to accepted standards of conduct; proper behavior.

Denotation

The dictionary definition of a word.

Diction

A writer's or speaker's choice of words.

Dirge

A song or hymn of mourning for a deceased person.

Dissonance

Harsh or grating sounds that do not go together.

Doggerel

Badly written or trivial verse, often with a singsong rhythm.

Dramatic Irony

Irony understood by the audience but not by the characters in a play.

Dramatic monologue

A single speaker in literature addressing a silent audience.

Elegy

A formal poem meditating on death or another solemn theme.

Enjambment

The continuation of a syntactic unit from one line of verse to the next without a pause.

Epic

A long narrative poem in elevated style presenting the adventures of high-position characters.

Epitaph

A brief statement written on a tomb or gravestone.

Euphemism

A mild or vague term substituting for a harsh or offensive term.

Euphony

Agreeable, pleasing, and harmonious sounds.