AP LANG TERMS

Ad hominem argument

“to or against the man,” this is an argument that appeals to emotion rather than reason

Allegory

Using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstract idea or moral.

Alliteration

The repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a sequence of words or syllables.

allusion

An indirect or passing reference to an event, person, place, or literary work that adds depth to the text.

ambiguity

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

analogy

A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

antecedent

A word, phrase, or clause that is referred to by a pronoun later in the text.

antithesis

a figure of speech involving a contradiction of ideas, words, clauses, or sentences within a balanced grammatical structure.

aphorism

A concise statement that expresses a general truth or principle, often in a witty or memorable way.

apostrophe

A figure of speech in which a writer addresses an absent or imaginary person, or a personified abstraction, often to elevate the subject or invoke emotional response.

atmosphere

The emotional setting or mood created by a literary work, often established through descriptive language and tone.

caricature

A humorous or exaggerated representation of a person or thing, highlighting certain features while downplaying others.

chiasmus

A rhetorical device in which two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures, often to produce an artistic effect.

clause

A group of words containing a subject and a predicate, used as a part of a sentence.

colloquialism

A word or phrase that is used in informal speech or writing, often specific to a particular region or group.

conceit

A fanciful expression or elaborate metaphor that makes a striking comparison between two unrelated things, often used in poetry.

connotation

The emotional or cultural associations that a word carries, beyond its literal meaning, which can influence how it is perceived in context.

denotation

The literal or primary meaning of a word, without any emotional or cultural associations.

diction

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing, which can convey tone, style, and meaning.

didactic

instructive; it works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing

euphemism

“good speech” more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts.

extended metaphor

A comparison between two unlike things that is sustained throughout a piece of writing, often adding depth and complexity to the overall meaning.

figurative language

Language that conveys meanings beyond the literal; it includes devices like metaphors, similes, and personification.

figure of speech

A word or phrase used in a non-literal sense to create rhetorical effect, such as hyperbole, simile, or metaphor.

generic conventions

The features and elements that define a specific genre of literature or art, such as style, structure, and themes.

genre

A category of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or drama.

homily

A religious discourse that is intended mainly for spiritual instruction rather than doctrinal teaching, often delivered during a sermon.

hyperbole

A figure of speech that involves exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, often used for emphasis or effect.

imagery

Visually descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental pictures.

inference/infer

The process of drawing logical conclusions from available evidence or premises. Inferences are often based on prior knowledge and observations.

invective

A strong verbal attack or denunciation that criticizes someone or something, often using insulting or harsh language.

irony/ironic

A literary technique where the intended meaning is different from the literal meaning, often highlighting contrasts between expectations and reality.

juxtaposition

The act of placing two or more elements side by side to compare or contrast them, often to highlight differences or create a specific effect.

loose sentence

A sentence structure that is grammatically complete before its end, often beginning with the main clause followed by additional phrases or clauses for elaboration.

metaphor

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things by stating that one is the other, often to highlight a particular quality or characteristic.

metonymy

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated, often used to create a vivid image or effect.

mood

The emotional atmosphere or feeling that a piece of writing evokes in the reader, often created through the setting, tone, and diction.

verbal irony

A figure of speech in which someone says the opposite of what they truly mean, often for humorous or emphatic effect.

situational irony

A literary device where there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs, often highlighting the unpredictability of life.

dramatic irony

A situation in a story where the audience knows more about the events than the characters do, creating tension or humor.

narrative

A spoken or written account of connected events; a story that includes a plot, characters, and a setting.

onomatopoeia

A figure of speech where words imitate natural sounds, enhancing the auditory experience in writing.

oxymoron

A figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction, often creating a unique meaning or effect.

paradox

A statement that contradicts itself but may contain a hidden truth, often used to provoke thought.

parallelism

The use of similar grammatical structures in a series of phrases or sentences to create rhythm and enhance the clarity of ideas.

parody

A humorous or satirical imitation of a particular genre, work, or style, often exaggerating its characteristics for comic effect.

pedantic

Characterized by an excessive concern for minute details and formal rules, often in a teacher-like manner.

periodic sentence

A long sentence that postpones its main clause until the end, creating suspense and emphasizing the final idea.

personification

A literary device where human traits or characteristics are attributed to non-human entities, objects, or abstract concepts, enhancing the expressiveness of the writing.

point of view

The perspective from which a story is narrated, influencing how events and characters are perceived by the audience.

predicate adjectives

Adjectives that follow linking verbs and describe the subject of the sentence, providing additional information about it.

predicate nominative

A noun or noun phrase that follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject of the sentence, providing clarity about what the subject is.

prose

Written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure, characterized by its straightforward style.

repetition

The deliberate use of the same words or phrases multiple times in a piece of writing or speech to emphasize a point or theme.

rhetoric

The art of effective or persuasive communication, often through the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.

rhetorical appeal

A persuasive strategy that uses ethos, pathos, and logos to convince an audience.

rhetorical modes

Various strategies used in writing and speaking to organize and present ideas effectively, such as narration, description, exposition, and argumentation.

rhetorical question

A question posed for effect rather than to elicit an answer, often used to make a point or provoke thought.

sarcasm

A form of verbal irony where someone says the opposite of what they really mean, often for humorous or emphatic effect.

satire

A genre of literature that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms, individuals, or institutions.

simile

A figure of speech that compares two different things using the words "like" or "as" to highlight similarities.

style

The way in which an author expresses their thoughts through word choice, sentence structure, and literary devices, reflecting their unique voice and perspective.

subject complement

A word or group of words that completes the meaning of a linking verb and refers to the subject, typically classifying or describing it.

subordinate clause

A group of words that has both a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.

syllogism

A form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises). It typically follows a structure where a major premise and a minor premise lead to a logical conclusion.

symbol

A character or glyph that represents an idea, object, or relationship in a logical argument.

syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.

theme

The central topic or underlying message in a literary work, often reflecting universal ideas or human experiences.

thesis

A statement or central idea that a writer puts forward in a text, which is supported by arguments and evidence throughout the piece.

tone

The author's attitude toward the subject matter or audience, conveyed through word choice and style.

transition

Words or phrases that connect ideas and help readers follow the flow of a text.

understatement

A rhetorical device that deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it actually is, often for ironic or humorous effect.

wit

The ability to express ideas in a clever and humorous way, often characterized by sharp repartee or quick thinking.

litotes

A figure of speech that uses understatement to express an idea by negating its opposite, often employing double negatives for emphasis, such as "not bad" to mean "good."

meiosis

A figure of speech that uses understatement for rhetorical effect, often implying irony by expressing something in a way that minimizes its impact.