AP Seminar Vocabulary

Paradox

A statement that seems self-contradictory but reveals a deeper truth.

Personification

Giving human traits to non-human objects or abstract ideas.

Oxymoron

A figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear together.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech where a part represents the whole or vice versa.

Metonymy

Substituting the name of one thing with something closely related.

Allegory

A narrative in which characters, events, or settings represent ideas or moral qualities.

Anaphora

Repitition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

Anagram

A word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another.

Alliteration

Repitition of the same initial constant sound

Euphemism

A mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one considered harsh or blunt.

Forshadowing

Hinting at what will happen later.

Undermining

Deliberately making something seem less important or serious that it is.

Symbolism

Using symbols to represent ideas or qualities beyond their literal meaning.

Pun

A play on words that exploits multiple meanings or similar sounds.

Idiom

A phrase or expression whose meaning isn't deductible from the literal words.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality, often for humorous or emphatic effect

Metacognition

Awareness or analysis of one's own learning or thinking.

Syntax

A connected or orderly system; harmonious arrangements of parts or elements; the way in which linguistic elements (such as words) are put together to form constituents (such as phrases or clauses).

Diction

Choice of words; pronunciation and enunciation of words; vocal expression.

Philosophy

A discipline comprising as its core logic, aesthetics, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology.

Colloquion

Using conversational style.

Rhetoric

Skill in the effective use of speech; the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion.

Connotation

Something suggested by a word or thing; implication.

Premise

A proposition antecedently supposed or provided as a basis of argument or inference.

Anticipatory

Characterized by anticipation.

Commentary

A systemic series of explanations or interpretations (as of a writing); an expression of opinion.

Contextualization

To place (something, such as a word or activity) in a context; the process of situating something within its relevant background and circumstances to give it meaning and facilitate understanding.

Impoverished

Lack of resources (broke).

Unwieldy

Hard to handle due to size, shape, complexity.

Quarry

An animal or person being hunted; to take stones or minerals from somewhere.

Tyranny

Oppressive or harsh government or rule.

Unnerved

Causing someone discomfort.

Vast

Large in amount or size.

Avid

Showing interest in something.

Lethality

being able to cause harm or death

Solace

to give comfort (v) or comfort (n)

Retrospect

Reviewing post events

Labyrinthine

being complicated

Skittish

unpredictable in behavior

Warbling

singing with a melodic tune

Congenial

Pleasant and friendly

Proprietor

Person who owns property

Rendition

A performance or interpretation of a piece of music

Contortion

Twisted or bent condition of face or body

Coveted

strongly desired or longed for something others also want

Coalesced

to come together to form a group

Perpetuated

cause something to continue

Innnuendo

subtle or indirect remark, often negative

Provocative

causing stimulation or strong reaction

Indifference

lack of interest

Menial

lowly and repetitive work that doesn't require skill

Deduce

to draw a conclusion

Faux

not true; making something look like something else

Pervasive

spreading widely

Fervent

intense interest or enthusiasm

Omnipotent

having unlimited power