9 ELA SEMESTER 2 FINAL

Premeditated

Intentional and planned in advance.

Circumstantial

Dependent on particular circumstances.

Diverge

To separate from another route and go in a different direction.

Abstain

To choose not to do something.

Sanctimonious

Making a show of being morally superior to others.

Characterization

The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.

Allusion

An indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things.

Simile

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

Personification

Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Theme

The central topic or idea explored in a text.

Imagery

Visually descriptive or figurative language.

Denotation/Connotation

The literal meaning of a word (denotation) and the associated meanings or feelings (connotation).

Diction

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

Tone

The general character or attitude of a place, piece of writing, situation, etc.

Rhetorical questions

Questions asked for effect rather than answers.

Antonym/Synonym

Words with opposite meanings (antonym) and words with similar meanings (synonym).

Alliteration

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

Commas, colons, semicolons

Punctuation marks used to clarify meaning in writing.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The grammatical rule that the subject and verb must agree in number.

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

The grammatical rule that a pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number and gender.

Idyllic

Charming in a rustic way; naturally peaceful.

Aghast

Filled with shock or horror.

Morose

Sullen and ill-tempered.

Contemplative

Expressing or involving prolonged thought.

Cynical

Believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity.

Bitter

Having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.

Sincere

Free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings.

Malicious

Characterized by malice; intending to do harm.

Alleged

Claimed or asserted without proof.

Condescension

An attitude of patronizing superiority.

Accentuate

Make more noticeable or prominent.

Congenial

Pleasant because of a personality, qualities, or interests that are similar to one's own.

Admonish

To warn or reprimand someone firmly.

Accusatory

Indicating or suggesting that one believes a person has done something wrong.

Tantamount

Equivalent in seriousness to; virtually the same as.

Entice

Attract or tempt by offering pleasure or advantage.

Egregious

Outstandingly bad; shocking.

Tact

Sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.

Temerity

Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity.

Anguish

Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.

Apprehensive

Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

Apathetic

Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

Nuance

A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.

Connoisseur

An expert judge in matters of taste.

Awe

A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.

Prejudice

Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.

Myriad

A countless or extremely great number.

Absolve

Set or declare (someone) free from blame, guilt, or responsibility.

Addled

Unable to think clearly; confused.

Amble

To walk or move at a slow, relaxed pace.

Arbitrary

Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

Bawdy

Humorously indecent.

Dexterity

Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands.

Inundate

To overwhelm someone with things or people to be dealt with.

Lament

A passionate expression of grief or sorrow.

Pernicious

Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

Portentous

Of or like a portent; ominously significant or indicative.

Uncouth

Lacking good manners, refinement, or grace.

Indignant

Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.

Contempt

The feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn.

Despair

The complete loss or absence of hope.

Relish

Great enjoyment.

Critical

Expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments.

Deliberate

Done consciously and intentionally.

Unanimous

Fully in agreement.