AP Lang Ericsson Terms + Vocab

Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton

a list or series of words, phrases, or clauses that is connected with the repeated use of the same conjunction for the purpose of "slow[ing] up the rhythm of the prose" so as to produce "an impressively solemn note."

Asyndeton

a literary scheme in which one or several conjunctions are deliberately omitted from a series of related clauses

Colloquialism

a word or phrase that is not formal or literary, typically one used in ordinary or familiar conversation

Rhetorical question

a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer

Cumulative sentence

a sentence that begins with an independent clause and then adds subordinate clauses

Periodic sentence

the main point (independent clause) occurs at the end of the sentence, after one or more side points (dependent clauses) lead up to the main point

Omission

the action of excluding or leaving out someone or something

Façade

an outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant or creditable reality

Lively

full of life and energy; active and outgoing

Didactic

a teaching method that follows a consistent scientific approach or educational style to present information to students

Moralistic

overfond of making moral judgements about others' behavior; too ready to moralize

Provocative

causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction, especially deliberately

Sarcastic

marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt

Acerbic

(especially of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright

Nonchalant

(of a person or manner) feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm

Confrontational

tending to deal with situations in an aggressive way; hostile or argumentative

Informal

of or denoting a style of writing or conversational speech characterized by simple grammatical structures, familiar vocabulary, and use of idioms; having a relaxed, friendly, or unofficial style, manner, or nature

Functional

of or having a special activity, purpose, or task; relating to the way in which something works or operates

Deflection

the act of attacking or blaming another person rather than accepting criticism or blame for your own actions

Groupthink

the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility

Cliché

a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought

Delusion

a false belief or judgment about external reality, held despite incontrovertible evidence to the contrary, occurring especially in mental conditions

Authoritative

commanding and self-confident; likely to be respected and obeyed, or able to be trusted as being accurate or true; reliable

Polysyndeton

a list or series of words, phrases, or clauses that is connected with the repeated use of the same conjunction for the purpose of "slow[ing] up the rhythm of the prose" so as to produce "an impressively solemn note."

Asyndeton

a literary scheme in which one or several conjunctions are deliberately omitted from a series of related clauses

Colloquialism

a word or phrase that is not formal or literary, typically one used in ordinary or familiar conversation

Rhetorical question

a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer

Cumulative sentence

a sentence that begins with an independent clause and then adds subordinate clauses

Periodic sentence

the main point (independent clause) occurs at the end of the sentence, after one or more side points (dependent clauses) lead up to the main point

Omission

the action of excluding or leaving out someone or something

Façade

an outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant or creditable reality

Lively

full of life and energy; active and outgoing

Didactic

a teaching method that follows a consistent scientific approach or educational style to present information to students

Moralistic

overfond of making moral judgements about others' behavior; too ready to moralize

Provocative

causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction, especially deliberately

Sarcastic

marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt

Acerbic

(especially of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright

Nonchalant

(of a person or manner) feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm

Confrontational

tending to deal with situations in an aggressive way; hostile or argumentative

Informal

of or denoting a style of writing or conversational speech characterized by simple grammatical structures, familiar vocabulary, and use of idioms; having a relaxed, friendly, or unofficial style, manner, or nature

Functional

of or having a special activity, purpose, or task; relating to the way in which something works or operates

Deflection

the act of attacking or blaming another person rather than accepting criticism or blame for your own actions

Groupthink

the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility

Cliché

a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought

Delusion

a false belief or judgment about external reality, held despite incontrovertible evidence to the contrary, occurring especially in mental conditions

Authoritative

commanding and self-confident; likely to be respected and obeyed, or able to be trusted as being accurate or true; reliable