AP Lang Vocab 3

Exigence

an issue, problem, or situation that causes or prompts someone to write or speak.

Repetition

the deliberate use of a sound, word, phrase or sentence multiple times in near proximity, usually for emphasis (Ex. of the people, by the people, for the people)

parallelism

Grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, etc. to give structural similarity; repetition of syntactical patterns (ex. "She was terribly unhappy and tremendously smug about it." "The land of the free, the home of the brave.")

syntax

the arrangement of words in a sentence.

anaphora

the repetition of a word or words at the beginning of two or more successive verses, phrases, clauses, or sentences. (Birmingham paragraph, "When you have...")

diction

The choice and use of words in speech or writing

denotation

The literal meaning of a word; a definition

connotation

The association or feelings a word invokes in addition to its literal meaning

ambiguity

the quality of having double or multiple meanings; unclear (can be deliberate or accidental)

inference

a conclusion drawn from evidence given; understanding what is meant without being directly stated

rhetorical question

a question asked not to be answered but to make a point Ex. "need l say more?" "who among us can say we are without fault?"

anecdote

a short story about a person or incident; a short story used as an example

subjective

based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, opinions, etc.

objective

not based on feelings, tastes or opinions; impartial or neutral

juxtaposition

the placement of 2 things side by side to emphasize contrast (ex. So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows)

arduous

requiring exertion; laborious and difficult

catalyst

a substance causing or accelerating a chemical reaction without itself being affected; something that causes activity or sets something else into action

salient

most noticeable or conspicuous; prominent or important

altruistic

unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others

debunk

to expose or criticize (a claim, assertion, sentiment, etc.) as being pretentious, false, or exaggerated