AP Lang Vocab #1

adage

n. a short common saying expressing conventional wisdom. Similar to a cliché, but without the negative connotation.

anaphora

n. repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses, sentences, or lines.

epistrophe

n. ending a series of lines, phrases, clauses, or sentences with the same word or words.

euphemism

n. the substitution of a more favorable term for a pejorative or socially delicate term; understatement

hyperbole

n. rhetorical exaggeration, often accomplished via comparisons, similes, and metaphors

irony

n. words that are meant to convey the opposite of their literal meaning

abrasive

adj. overly aggressive; tending to annoy or cause ill will

bemused

adj. bewildered or confused; mildly amused in a detached way

didactic

adj. intended for instruction; inclined to lecture too much; preachy

disparaging

adj. tending to belittle or bring reproach upon

indignant

adj. expressing strong displeasure at something considered unjust or offensive

irreverent

adj. without due respect; flippant

poignant

adj. evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret

exemplify

v. to show or illustrate by example

expand

v. to express in fuller form or detail; develop

imply

v. to indicate or suggest without explicitly stating

juxtapose

v. to place close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast

propose

v. to offer or suggest for consideration, acceptance, or action

recount

v. to relate or narrate; tell in detail; give the facts or particulars of

underscore

v. to stress or emphasize