RA Terms #4

Diction: Refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.

Didactic: From the Greek, meaning "teaching." Didactic works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially moral or ethical principles.

Euphemism: From the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.

Exposition: One of the four chief types of composition, the purpose of exposition is to explain something.

Extended Metaphor: A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout the work.

Figurative Language: Language that uses non-literal words or phrases to create meaning, often to simplify ideas, nuance, or make writing more engaging.

Generic Conventions: Traditions for each genre, helping to define each one.

Genre: The major category into which a literary work fits, such as prose, poetry, and drama.

Homily: This term literally means "sermon," but it can also refer to any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.

Hyperbole: A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement, often producing irony.

Hypophora: A figure of reasoning in which one or more questions are asked and then answered, often at length, by the same speaker.

Imagery: Sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.

Inference/Infer: To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.

Invective: An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.

Irony/Ironic: The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant.

Juxtaposition: When two words, phrases, images, ideas are placed close together or side by side for comparison or contrast.

Litotes: From the Greek word meaning "simple" or "plain," a figure of thought in which a point is affirmed by negating its opposite, often used as an understatement.

Loose Sentence: A sentence type in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units.

Rhetorical Question (Erotesis) – A question not answered by the writer because the answer is obvious, used for emphasis or effect. Ex – Could you be nourished if the food suffered no change?

Sarcasm – Bitter, caustic language meant to hurt or ridicule, often witty but can be cruel if poorly done.

Satire – Writing that ridicules human vices or social conventions, using irony, wit, parody, and hyperbole for insight or humor.

Semantics – The study of word meanings, their development, connotations, and relationships.

Style – Refers to an author’s unique blend of diction, syntax, and literary devices, or classification into historical/literary movements.

Subordinate Clause – A clause with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone. Ex – Although she smiled, she was upset.

Syllogism – Deductive reasoning with two premises leading to a conclusion. Ex – All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

Symbol/Symbolism – Concrete objects or actions representing abstract ideas. Categories – natural, conventional, and literary symbols.

Synecdoche – A metaphor where a part represents the whole or vice versa. Ex – "Wheels" for a car or "hands" for workers.

Syntax – How words are grouped into phrases and sentences, influencing tone and meaning.

Theme – The central idea or insight into life a work offers, often implied in fiction.

Thesis – A sentence or group of sentences expressing the main idea or argument in expository writing.

Tone – The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience, such as playful, serious, or sarcastic.

Understatement – Presenting something as less significant for humor or emphasis. Ex – The earthquake caused minor disruption.

Undertone – A hidden attitude beneath the apparent tone. Ex – A cheery surface with grim undertones.

Wit – Clever and surprising language that delights with its intellectual humor and pointed remarks.