AP Lang Vocabulary

adage

a short common saying expressing conventional wisdom.

anaphora

repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses, sentences, or lines.

epistrophe

ending a series of lines, phrases, clauses, or sentences with the same word or words.

euphemism

the substitution of a more favorable term for a pejorative or socially delicate term; understatement.

hyperbole

rhetorical exaggeration, often accomplished via comparisons, similes, and metaphors.

irony

words that are meant to convey the opposite of their literal meaning.

abrasive

overly aggressive; tending to annoy or cause ill will.

bemused

bewildered or confused; mildly amused in a detached way.

didactic

intended for instruction; inclined to lecture too much; preachy.

disparaging

tending to belittle or bring reproach upon.

indignant

expressing strong displeasure at something considered unjust or offensive.

irreverent

without due respect; flippant.

poignant

evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.

exemplify

to show or illustrate by example.

expand

to express in fuller form or detail; develop.

imply

to indicate or suggest without explicitly stating.

juxtapose

to place close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.

propose

to offer or suggest for consideration, acceptance, or action.

recount

to relate or narrate; tell in detail; give the facts or particulars of.

underscore

to stress or emphasize.