Ap Lang Vocab

Term	Definition	Example
Allegory	The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. In some allegories, for example, an author may intend the characters to personify an abstraction like hope or freedom.	Animal Farm by George Orwell because it uses animals as main characters with human characteristics
Paradox	A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.	Youth is wasted on the young
Didactic	From the Greek, didactic literally means “teaching.” Didactic words have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.	Aesop's Fables, because the tales end with important lessons that the characters learn in the story.
Irony	The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true. Irony is often used to create poignancy or humor.	The Titanic was touted as an “unsinkable” ship, yet it sank on its first voyage
Zeugma	The use of a word to modify or govern two or more words although its use may be grammatically or logically correct with only one.	She broke his car and his heart
Metonymy	A term from the Greek meaning “changed label” or “substitute name,” metonymy is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it	Dish as a substitute for a whole plate of food.
Ambiguity	The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.	Miners Refuse to Work After Death
Oxymoron	From the Greek for “pointedly foolish,” an oxymoron is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox	Jumbo shrimp, cruel kindness
Asyndeton	The omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence where they should normally be. This is done to speed up the rhythm of a passage to make things seem more immediate	Reduce, reuse, recycle
Litotes	A form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite	He isn’t the friendliest person
Invective	An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.	With such gallant bravery, you are sure to be alone for the rest of your days
Euphemism	From the Greek for “good speech” euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The euphemism may be used to adhere to standards or focal or political correctness or to add humor or ironic understatement.	Between jobs
Caricature	A verbal description, the purpose of which is to exaggerate or distort for comic effect, a person’s distinctive physical features or other characteristics.	The evil stepmother in fairy tales like Cinderella is a caricature of a cold, withholding woman
Synesthesia	When one kind of sensory stimulus, evokes the subjective experience of another. Ex: the sight of red ants makes you itchy. In literature, synesthesia refers to the practice of associating two or more different senses in the same image.	Tasting words
Colloquialism	The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Not generally acceptable for formal writing, colloquialisms give a work a conversational, familiar tone. Colloquial expressions in writing include local or regional dialects.	Wanna
Connotation	The non literal associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Connotation may involve ideas, emotions, or attitudes.	Strong, tough, sturdy, hard
Pedantic	An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone, that is overly scholarly, academic, or boolish language that might be described as “show-offy,” using big words for the sake of using big words.	You don't want to go antique-shopping with a pedantic friend, who will use the opportunity to bore you with his in-depth knowledge of 18th-century porcelain kitty-litter boxes.
Satire	A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule. Regardless of whether or not the work aims to reform human behavior, satire is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for writing	The simpsons
Aphorism	A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle	Actions speak louder than words
Wit	In modern usage, intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights. A witty statement is humorous, while suggesting the speaker's verbal power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. Wit usually uses terse language that makes a pointed statement. Historically, wit originally meant basic understanding.	Sarcasm?
Atmosphere	The emotional nod created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting and partly by the author’s choice of objects that are described. Even such elements as a description of the weather can contribute to the atmosphere. Frequently atmosphere foreshadows events. Perhaps it can create a mood.	In the haunted mansion
Homily	This term literally means “sermon,” but more informally, it can include any serious tall, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.	A sermon
Synecdoche	A figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole, or occasionally, the whole is used to represent a part.	Jack got some new wheels!
Parallelism	Also referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this term comes from Greek roots meaning “beside one another.” It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentence, or paragraphs to give structural phrase. This can involve but is not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal phrase.	Mother was very busy gathering the laundry, dusting the furniture, and washing the dishes.