Studied by 3 people
abstract
not related to concrete properties of an object; idea, concept, or qualities
active voice
the subject of the sentence performs the action; no "by"
allusion
a figure of speech which makes a brief reference to a historical or literary figure or object
ambiguity
the use of language in which multiple meanings are possible. Can be an unintentional mistake or an intentional device.
anecdote
a brief recounting of a relevant episode
asyndeton
the omission of conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses. Suggests an incomplete list. Opposite of polysyndeton.
devices
a particular word pattern in a literary work to evoke a desired effect
diction
word choice, style
colloquial
commonplace, ordinary, familiar language
connotation
implied meaning rather than definition
denotation
dictionary definition
deductive
a conclusion is drawn from a set of premises and contains no more facts than premises
didactic
teaches a specific lesson or moral
epigraph
quote at the beginning of a work to set a tone, suggest a theme, provide context
euphemism
a more agreeable substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts
analogy
comparison of two things that are alike in some respects. metaphors and similes
hyperbole
overstatement characterized by exaggerated language
idiom
a common often used expression that doesn't make sense taken literally
metaphor
A comparison without using "like" or "as"
simile
A comparison using "like" or "as"
Personification
the giving of human qualities to an animal, object, or idea
formal language
Language that is lofty, dignified, or impersonal
genre
a major category or type of literature
imagery
Sensory details in a work; the use of figurative language to evoke a feeling
inductive
conclusion or type of reasoning where an observation or information about a part of a class is applied to the class as a whole
irony
the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning
verbal irony
when you say something but mean the opposite
situational irony
an incongruity in the plot between what the audience expects and what actually happens
juxtaposition
placing things side by side for comparison
motif
recurring idea
oxymoron
a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction (ex. jumbo shrimp)
paradox
a seemingly contradictory situation or statement that is true
parallelism
recurrent symmetry of syntax, looks the same on each side
anaphora
regular repetition of a word at the beginning of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases
antithesis
juxtaposition of sharply contrasting ideas or words in balanced
chiasmus
A statement consisting of two parallel parts in which the second part is structurally reversed (ex. fair is foul and foul is fair)
zeugma
correct linkage of one subject with multiple verbs or one verb and multiple objects
Polysyndeton
the use, for rhetorical effect, of more conjunctions than is necessary or natural, emphasize how many things are listed
rhetorical question
A question asked for effect, not in expectation of a reply
sentence
A group of words that expresses a complete thought
balanced sentence
a sentence consisting of two or more clauses that are parallel in structure
cumulative sentence
a sentence which begins with an independent clause and then adds on subordinate clauses
periodic sentence
sentence which withholds the main idea until the end
style
the choices in tone, diction, and syntax the writer makes
syntax
grammatical ordering of words
thesis
focus statement of the literary work
tone
attitude of the work, revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization
understatement
way of writing which minimizes the significance of something
voice
The acknowledged or unacknowledged source of words of the story; the speaker.
depict
(v.) to portray; to represent or show in the form of a picture
contradict
to speak against; to say the opposite
assert
(v.) to declare or state as truth, maintain or defend, put forward forcefully
divisive
(adj.) causing conflict, opposition
denounce
to condemn openly
embellish
to decorate, to make beautiful with ornamentation
imply
to indicate or suggest without being explicitly stated
substantiate
(v.) to establish by evidence, prove; to give concrete or substantial form to
sentiment
a feeling about something
rhetoric
the art of using language effectively and persuasively
bolster
support; prop up
contend
(v.) to fight, struggle; to compete; to argue
discern
to perceive or recognize
persuade
to convince
exemplify
To illustrate by being an example of
integrate
To bring together and make whole
inconsistent
not staying the same throughout
convey
to communicate
objective
unbiased; not subjective
Paradox
contradiction, puzzle, inconsistency
refute
to prove false
sustain
(v.) to support, nourish, keep up; to suffer, undergo; to bear up under, withstand; to affirm the validity of
contrast
to compare in order to show differences
arouse
to stir up; to excite
articlate
express clearly
commonplace
ordinary; undistinguished or uninteresting; without individuality
(v)anecdote
short account of event
idiosyncrasy
a peculiarity that serves to distinguish or identify
Irony
the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning
evoke
bring or recall to the conscious mind
tyrannical
exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way; having absolute authority
arbitrary
(adj.) unreasonable; based on one's wishes or whims without regard for reason or fairness
disposition
mental outlook; characteristic attitude
demagogue
(n.) a leader who exploits popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power
Note 
Flashcard (50)