AP English Language and Composition Vocabulary Glossary

A collection of vocabulary flashcards from the AP English Language and Composition glossary, covering key literary terms and definitions to assist in exam preparation.

abstract

An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research; also refers to dealing with a subject apart from a specific instance.

ad hominem

Directed to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason.

adage

A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience, often in metaphorical language.

allegory

A story in which a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface.

alliteration

The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines in a poem.

allusion

A reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea.

ambiguity

A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings or interpretations.

anachronism

A person, scene, or event that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.

analogy

A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things.

anecdote

A brief narrative often used to illustrate an idea or make a point.

annotation

A brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature.

antagonist

A character or force in a work of literature that opposes the protagonist, producing tension or conflict.

antecedent

A word to which a pronoun refers.

antithesis

A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words.

aphorism

A short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment.

Apollonian

Refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior.

apostrophe

A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present.

arch

Characterized by clever or sly humor, often saucy, playful, and somewhat irreverent.

archetype

An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example.

assonance

The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words in prose or poetry.

bard

A poet; traditionally, a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment.

bathos

Insincere or overdone sentimentality.

belle-lettres

A French term for the world of books, criticism, and literature in general.

bibliography

A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a particular subject.

bombast

Inflated, pretentious language.

burlesque

A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation.

cacophony

Grating, inharmonious sounds.

canon

The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied.

caricature

A grotesque or exaggerated likeness of striking qualities in persons and things.

carpe diem

Literally 'seize the day'; encourages enjoying life while you can.

circumlocution

Literally 'talking around' a subject; discourse that avoids direct reference.

classic

A highly regarded work of literature that has withstood the test of time.

classical, classicism

Derives from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture, implying formality, objectivity, simplicity, and restraint.

clause

A structural element of a sentence, consisting of a grammatical subject and a predicate.

climax

The high point, or turning point, of a story or play.

comparison and contrast

A mode of discourse in which two or more things are compared and contrasted.

conceit

A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea.

concrete detail

A highly specific, particular, often real, actual, or tangible detail.

connotation

The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase.

consonance

The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words.

critique

An analysis or assessment of a situation for the purpose of determining its nature and limitations.

cynic

One who expects and observes the worst of human conduct.

deductive reasoning

A method of reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions.

denotation

The dictionary definition of a word.

dénouement

The resolution that occurs at the end of a narrative or drama.

descriptive detail

Graphic and accurate presentation of characteristics about someone or something.

deus ex machina

The use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem in literature.

diction

The choice of words in oral and written discourse.

didactic

Having an instructive purpose, intending to convey information or teach a lesson.

digression

The portion of discourse that wanders or departs from the main subject.

Dionysian

Refers to sensual, pleasure-seeking impulses.

dramatic irony

A circumstance in which the audience knows more than a character.

elegy

A poem or prose selection that laments the passing or death of someone or something of value.

ellipsis

Three periods indicating the omission of words.

elliptical construction

A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words.

empathy

A feeling of association or identification with an object or person.

epic

A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero.

epigram

A concise but ingenious, witty, and thoughtful statement.

epithet

An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing.

eponymous

Term for the title character of a work of literature.

ethos

A speaker's or author's authority to express opinions on a subject.

euphemism

A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term.

euphony

Pleasing, harmonious sounds.

exegesis

A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work.

explication

The interpretation or analysis of a text.

exposé

A factual piece of writing that reveals weaknesses or faults.

exposition

The background and events leading to the presentation of the main idea.

extended metaphor

A series of comparisons between two unlike objects.

fable

A short tale from which a useful lesson or moral may be drawn.

fallacy, fallacious reasoning

An incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data.

fantasy

A story containing unreal, imaginary features.

farce

A comedy that disregards seriousness for humorous effect.

figure of speech, figurative language

Language that implies meanings, contrasting with literal language.

frame

A structure that provides a premise or setting for a narrative.

genre

A term used to describe literary forms, such as novel or play.

harangue

A forceful sermon, lecture, or tirade.

homily

A lecture or sermon on a religious or moral theme.

hubris

Excessive pride that often affects tone.

humanism

A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential.

hyperbole

Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect.

idyll

A lyric poem or passage describing an ideal life or place.

image

A word or phrase representing that which can be perceived by senses.

indirect quotation

A rendering of a quotation without stating actual words.

inductive reasoning

A method of reasoning in which specific facts are used to make a generalization.

inference

A conclusion drawn by considering facts or observations.

invective

A direct verbal assault or denunciation.

irony

A mode of expression where the intended meaning differs from the stated meaning.

kenning

A device in Anglo-Saxon poetry replacing the name of a thing with one of its functions.

lampoon

A mocking, satirical assault on a person or situation.

litotes

A form of understatement using the negative of the contrary.

logos

The logic used to support a claim or point of view.

loose sentence

A sentence that follows customary word order.

lyrical prose

Personal, reflective prose revealing the speaker's thoughts.

malapropism

A confused use of words replacing an appropriate word with a similar-sounding but inappropriate one.

maxim

A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom.

melodrama

A literary form where events are exaggerated for extreme emotional responses.

metaphor

A figure of speech that compares unlike objects.

metaphysical

Referring to poetry that uses elaborate conceits and expresses the complexities of life.

metonymy

A figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else associated with it.

Middle English

The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 A.D.