AP Lang Set 1 (active voice - euphemism)

Active Voice

the subject of the sentence performs the action

Allusion

Indirect reference to something (usually a literary text, but it can sometimes be plays, songs, historical events) with which the reader is supposed to be familiar

Alter-Ego

A character that is used by the author to speak the author's own thoughts; when an author speaks directly to the audience through a character

Anecdote

A brief recounting of a relevant episode. Develops point or injects humor

Antecedent

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun

Classicism

Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world; sticks to traditional themes and structures

Comic Relief

When a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story, in order to lighten mood somewhat

Diction

Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types of words have significant effects on meaning.

Colloquial

Ordinary or familiar type of conversation

Connotation

Rather than the dictionary definition (denotation), the associations suggested by a word

Cenotation

The literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations

Jargon

The diction used by a group which practices a similar profession or activity

Vernacular

Language or dialect of a particular country, language or dialect of a regional clan or group, plain everyday speech

Didactic

A term used to describe fiction, nonfiction, or poetry that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking

Adage

A folk saying with a lesson

Allegory

A story, fictional or non fictional, in which characters, things, and events represent qualities or concepts. The interaction of these characters, things, and events is meant to reveal an abstraction or truth

Aphorism

A terse statement which expresses a general truth or moral principle. It can be a memorable summation of the author's point

Ellipsis

The deliberate omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author

Euphemism

A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts. Sometimes used for political correctness