APLANG ALL VOCAB

ethos

An appeal to credibility or character; how an author establishes trust or authority.

pathos

An appeal to logic or reason, using facts, evidence, or rational arguments.

logos

An appeal to emotion meant to influence the audience’s feelings.

diction

An author’s choice of words, especially as it affects tone and meaning.

periodic sentence

A sentence that withholds its main idea until the end for emphasis.

cumulative sentence

A sentence that states its main idea early, then adds details or modifiers.

denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

connotation

The emotional or cultural associations attached to a word.

inductive reasoning

Drawing a general conclusion from specific examples or observations.

deductive reasoning

Starting with a general principle and applying it to reach a specific conclusion.

authority

The credibility or expertise of a source that makes an argument convincing or trustworthy.

analogy

A comparison used to clarify or explain an idea by showing similarity.

allusion

An indirect reference to a well-known person, event, text, or idea.

paradox

A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth.

irony

A contrast between expectation and reality (verbal, situational, or dramatic).

hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.

syntax

The arrangement of words and sentence structure in writing.

parallel structure

Using the same grammatical pattern to emphasize related ideas.

antithesis

The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases or clauses.

accuracy

The extent to which information is correct, precise, and free from errors.

candor

Honesty and openness in expression.

reverence

Deep respect or admiration.

avarice

Extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

disparity

A noticeable difference or inequality.

derision

Mockery or contemptuous ridicule.

precipitate

To cause something to happen suddenly or prematurely; or done too hastily.

relevance

The degree to which evidence or information directly supports the argument or purpose.

bias

A preference or prejudice that shapes how an author presents information or arguments.

verbal irony

When a speaker says one thing but means the opposite.

dramatic irony

When the audience knows something the characters do not.

situational irony

When the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected.

reversal satire

A form of satire that flips the normal order of things to expose flaws or hypocrisy.

incongruity satire

Satire that highlights absurdity by placing things in unexpected or mismatched contexts.

parody satire

Satire that imitates a specific work, style, or genre to mock or critique it.