lang vocab 1

Absolute

A word free from limitations or qualifications (e.g., 'best,' 'all', 'unique,' 'perfect').

Allusion

A reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that the author assumes the reader will recognize.

Amplification

Repeating a word or expression while adding more detail to emphasize it.

Analogy

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

Anaphora

Repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses.

Anecdote

A brief narrative that focuses on a particular incident or event.

Antithesis

A statement in which two opposing ideas are balanced.

Aphorism

A concise statement that expresses succinctly a general truth or idea, often using rhyme or balance.

Asyndeton

A construction in which elements are presented in a series without conjunctions.

Balanced sentence

A sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast.

Chiasmus

A statement consisting of two parallel parts in which the second part is structurally reversed.

Cliché

An expression that has been overused to the extent that its freshness has worn off.

Colloquialism

Informal words or expressions not usually acceptable in formal writing.

Connotation

The implied or associative meaning of a word.

Deductive reasoning

Reasoning in which a conclusion is reached by stating a general principle and then applying that principle to a specific case.

Denotation

The literal meaning of a word.

Diction

The word choices made by a writer.

Didactic

Having the primary purpose of teaching or instructing.

Epigram

A brief, pithy, and often paradoxical saying.

Epistrophe

Repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses.

Ethos

The persuasive appeal of one’s character, or credibility.

Euphemism

An indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant.

Hyperbole

Intentional exaggeration to create an effect.

Hypophora

Asking a question and immediately answering it.

Imagery

The use of figures of speech to create vivid images that appeal to one of the five senses.

Implication

A suggestion an author or speaker makes without stating it directly.

Inductive reasoning

Deriving general principles from particular facts or instances.

Invective

An intensely vehement, highly emotional verbal attack.

Inverted syntax

A sentence constructed so that the predicate comes before the subject.

Irony

The use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning; or, incongruity between what is expected and what actually occurs.

Juxtaposition

Placing two elements side by side to present a comparison or contrast.

Litotes

A type of understatement in which an idea is expressed by negating its opposite.

Logos

Appeal to reason or logic.

Metaphor

A direct comparison of two different things.

Metonymy

Substituting the name of one thing with something closely related.

Mood

The emotional atmosphere of a work.

Parallelism

The use of corresponding grammatical or syntactical forms.

Parody

A humorous imitation of a serious work.

Pathos

An appeal to emotion.

Personification

Giving non-human objects or creatures human qualities or characteristics.

Polysyndeton

The use, for rhetorical effect, of more conjunctions than is necessary or natural.

Rhetorical question

A question asked merely for rhetorical effect and not requiring an answer.

Satire

The use of humor to emphasize human weaknesses or imperfections in social institutions.

Simile

A comparison of two things using 'like,' 'as,' or other specifically comparative words.

Solecism

Non-standard grammatical usage; a violation of grammatical rules.

Structure

The arrangement or framework of a sentence, paragraph, or entire work.

Style

The choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work.

Syntax

The manner in which words are arranged into sentences.

Tone

The attitude of a writer, usually implied, toward the subject or audience.

Understatement

The deliberate representation of something as lesser in magnitude than it.

Abate

To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity.

Aberration

A departure from what is normal or expected.

Abhor

To regard with disgust; to hate.

Acrimony

Bitterness or ill feeling.

Adulation

Excessive praise or flattery.

Aesthetic

Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.

Alacrity

Cheerful readiness or eagerness.

Ambivalent

Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas.

Anachronistic

Belonging to a period other than that being portrayed.

Anomaly

Something that deviates from the norm.

Apathy

Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

Arbitrary

Based on random choice rather than reason.

Arduous

Involving or requiring strenuous effort.

Assiduous

Showing great care and perseverance.

Astute

Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations.

Audacious

Showing a willingness to take bold risks.

Austere

Severe or strict in manner; plain and simple.

Banal

Lacking originality; boring.

Bellicose

Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.

Benign

Gentle; kindly; not harmful.

Bombastic

High-sounding but with little meaning.

Cacophony

A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

Cajole

To persuade someone by flattery or coaxing.

Candor

The quality of being open and honest.

Ephemeral

Lasting for a very short time.

Esoteric

Intended for or understood by a small group.

Facetious

Treating serious issues with inappropriate humor.

Fallacious

Based on a mistaken belief.

Fastidious

Very attentive to detail.

Fatuous

Silly and pointless.

Feasible

Possible to do easily or conveniently.

Fervent

Having or displaying passionate intensity.

Flippant

Not showing a serious or respectful attitude.

Fortuitous

Happening by chance rather than intention.

Fractious

Irritable and quarrelsome.

Garrulous

Excessively talkative.

Grandiose

Impressive or magnificent in appearance or style.

Hackneyed

Lacking significance through having been overused.

Harangue

A lengthy and aggressive speech.

Hedonistic

Engaged in the pursuit of pleasure.

Iconoclast

A person who attacks cherished beliefs.

Idiosyncratic

Peculiar or individual.

Impetuous

Acting quickly without thought.

Inchoate

Just begun and not fully formed.

Ineffable

Too great to be expressed in words.

Laconic

Using very few words.

Lethargic

Sluggish and apathetic.

Magnanimous

Generous or forgiving.

Malevolent

Having or showing a wish to do evil.

Mendacious

Not telling the truth; lying.