Rolling Vocab All Combined

ambiguity

the multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage

antithesis

a figure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure; a contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences

concession

An acknowledgment that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable. In a strong argument, a concession is usually accompanied by a refutation challenging the validity of the opposing argumen

polemic

Greek for “hostile.” An aggressive argument that tries to establish the superiority of one opinion over all others. Polemics generally do not concede that opposing opinions have any merit

pedantic

 an adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish (language that might be described as “show-offy”; using big words for the sake of using big words). It’s a term used to describe writing that borders on lecturing. It is scholarly and academic and often overly difficult and distant

Anaphora

a figure of repetition that occurs when the first word or set of words in one sentence, clause, or phrase is/are repeated at or very near the beginning of successive sentences, clauses, or phrases; repetition of the initial word(s) over successive phrases or clauses.

Asyndeton

a figure of omission in which normally occurring conjunctions (FANBOYS [for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so]) are intentionally omitted in successive phrases, or clauses; a string of words not separated by normally occurring conjunctions.

Epistrophe

a figure of repetition that occurs when the last word or set of words in one sentence, clause, or phrase is repeated one or more times at the end of successive sentences, clauses, or phrases

Syntax

the way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences. Syntax is similar to diction, but you can differentiate them by thinking of syntax as groups of words, while diction refers to the individual words. In the multiple-choice section of the AP exam, expect to be asked some questions about how an author manipulates synta

Zeugma

a figure of speech in which two or more parts of a sentence are joined with a single common verb or noun

contemplative

studying, thinking, reflecting on an issue

forthright

directly frank without hesitation

morose

gloomy, sullen, surly, despondent

reverent

 treating a subject with honor and respect

pragmatic

relating to matters of fact or practical affairs; practical as opposed to idealistic

Bandwagon Effect

 the tendency to make decisions on the basis of the majority opinion

Clustering Illusion

 the tendency to perceive patterns where no pattern exists

Confirmation Bias

the tendency to view information in a way that validates our existing opinions and beliefs

Framing Bias

when an individual presents two options that are described in different terms

Gambler’s Fallacy

the tendency to believe that the results of a random event will affect the probability of future outcomes

Halo Effect

the tendency to attribute multiple desirable traits to an individual after being exposed to a person who has one positive quality

Illusory Superiority

the tendency to view oneself as superior to others

Self-Serving Bias

 the tendency to claim an undue amount of credit for a positive situation or an inadequate amount of blame for a negative condition

Syllogism

a deductive argument composed of two premises (major and minor) and a conclusion in which the conclusion is a logical consequence of the premises

Wishful Thinking

the tendency to form conclusions based on idealized imagined outcomes rather than objectively examining the evidence at hand

apathetic

indifferent due to lack of energy or concern

choleric

easily angered, hot-tempered

indignant

marked by anger aroused by injustice

patronizing

air of condescension

sardonic

scornful, mocking, and bitterly sarcastic

Persona

Greek for “the mask.” The face or character that a speaker or writer shows to the audience

Antimetabole

a figure of emphasis in which the words in one phrase or clause are replicated, exactly or closely, in reverse grammatical order in the next phrase or clause; an inverted order of repeated words in adjacent phrases or clauses (A-B, B-A)

Colloquial/Colloquialism

the use of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Not generally acceptable for formal writing, colloquialisms give a work a conversational, familiar tone. Colloquial expressions in writing include local or regional dialects

Exigence

The aspects of the rhetorical situation, including its occasion, that prompted the writer or speaker to create the text

Parody

a work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. It exploits peculiarities of an author’s expression (propensity to use too many parentheses, certain favorite words, etc.) Well-written parody offers enlightenment about the original, but poorly written parody offers only ineffectual imitation. Usually an audience must grasp literary allusion and understand the work being parodied in order to fully appreciate the nuances of the newer work. Occasionally, however, parodies take on a life of their own and don’t require knowledge of the original