AP Language Vocabulary and Rhetorical Devices

Flashcards for AP Language exam review, focusing on rhetorical devices and vocabulary.

HYPERBOLE

Deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect; an overstatement to make a point.

IRONY

The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

JARGON

The technical terminology of a special activity or group.

JUXTAPOSITION

Connecting two different concepts/arguments and discuss them together.

PERSONIFICATION

Thing, idea, or animal is given human-like characteristics.

SYNTAX

Sentence structure.

UNDERSTATEMENT

To state or present with restraint, especially for effect.

ZEUGMA

The use of a word to govern two or more words usually in such a manner that it applies to each in a different sense or makes sense with only one.

ALLUSION

A reference.

ANALOGY

A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

ANAPHORA

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines.

ANECDOTE

Short story - usually true - to introduce an audience to a concept.

ANTITHESIS

Opposite ideas - usually words - in the same sentence.

CHIASMUS

Two clauses (or two sentences), the second switches the order of the clauses.

COLLOQUIAL

Using common, or stereotypical language. (Informal language)

CONNOTATION

Commonly accepted meaning/perception of a word (not dictionary definition)

DENOTATION

The formal dictionary definition of a word.

DICTION

Word choice.

EUPHEMISM

The substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant.

EXPLETIVE

An exclamatory word or phrase; especially: one that is obscene or profane