Interpretation vocab - English

Abstract ideas

Concepts that are not tangible or concrete, such as love, justice, or freedom.

Allegory

A story or work of art that has a hidden meaning, often moral or political.

Allusion

A reference to another work of literature, person, or historical event.

Concrete ideas

Specific, tangible concepts that can be observed with the senses.

Contrast

Highlighting differences between two or more ideas, characters, or things.

Compare

Identifying similarities between two or more things.

Deductive thinking

A logical process where conclusions follow from general premises.

Dramatic irony

When the audience knows something the characters do not.

Dualism

The concept of two opposing forces, such as good and evil.

Expressionism

A style in art and literature that emphasizes emotion and subjective experience.

Fact

A statement that can be proven true.

Figurative language

Language that uses figures of speech, such as metaphors and similes.

Generalization

A broad statement based on limited evidence.

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration for effect.

Inductive thinking

A logical process where specific observations lead to general conclusions.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality.

Logical fallacies

Errors in reasoning that weaken arguments.

Metonymy

A figure of speech where something is referred to by something closely associated with it (e.g., 'the White House' for the U.S. government).

Parody

A humorous imitation of a serious work.

Purpose of literature

The reason an author writes, such as to entertain, inform, or persuade.

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things.

Extended metaphor

A metaphor that extends over several lines or throughout an entire work.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech where a part represents the whole (e.g., 'wheels' for a car).

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unrelated things (e.g., 'time is a thief').

Motif

A recurring theme, symbol, or idea in a work of literature.

Opinion

A personal belief or judgment that is not based on proof.

Parallel

Similar structures or ideas placed side by side for effect.

Paradox

A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth.

Realism

A literary movement that aims to represent life as it truly is.

Simile

A comparison using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'as brave as a lion').

Situational irony

When the opposite of what is expected occurs.

Surrealism

A movement that explores dream-like and irrational elements in art and literature.

Symbol

An object, character, or event that represents a deeper meaning.

Theme

The central idea or message of a literary work.

Tone (diction or syntax)

The author’s attitude toward the subject, shaped by word choice and sentence structure.

Universality

The quality of being relevant to all people, regardless of time or place.

Verbal irony

When a speaker says something but means the opposite.

Verisimilitude

The appearance of truth or realism in a work of literature.

Satire

Humor or irony used to criticize or expose flaws in people or society.