Prose Words šŸ“ššŸ“–

šŸ” ANALYTICAL & REASONING TERMS

Term

Definition

Example Usage

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Analyze

Break down a text into parts to understand it better

The student analyzed the poem to uncover its deeper meaning.

Argument / Argue / Argumentative

A set of reasons presented to persuade or support a claim

Her argumentative essay defended the benefits of universal healthcare.

Assess / Assessment

Evaluate the nature or ability of something

The teacher assessed the effectiveness of the student's thesis.

Categorize / Categorization

Group items based on shared traits

The historian categorized the documents by decade.

Characterize / Characterization

Describe or depict qualities or traits

The author characterizes the protagonist as both stubborn and brave.

Claim / Posit

To assert as true without proof

The writer posited that economic inequality was the root of unrest.

Compare / Contrast

Note similarities and/or differences

The student compared the themes of justice in both novels.

Differentiate / Distinguish / Draw a Distinction

Identify differences

The essay distinguishes between literal and figurative language.

Interpret / Interpretation / Interpretative

Explain the meaning or significance

She interpreted the character’s silence as an act of resistance.

Reason / Reasoning / Reasonable

Logic used to form conclusions

His reasoning led him to reject the misleading evidence.

Suggest / Suggestion

Propose an idea for consideration

The author suggests a connection between memory and identity.

Speculate / Speculation

Form a theory without firm evidence

Scholars speculated about the true authorship of the manuscript.

Theorize / Theory

Create an explanatory idea based on evidence

Freud theorized that unconscious desires shape behavior.

🧠 COGNITIVE / VERBAL GESTURES

Term

Definition

Example Usage

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Conceive

Form an idea or concept

She conceived a plan to unify the two arguments.

Consider

Think about with care

He considered the opposing viewpoint before writing his rebuttal.

Imagine

Form a mental image or concept

The reader is invited to imagine a world without social barriers.

Intuit / Intuition

Instinctive knowing without reasoning

She intuited the character’s motives before they were revealed.

Reflect / Reflection

Think deeply or carefully

The essay reflects on the consequences of the war.

Suppress / Suppression / Withhold / Withholding

Intentionally prevent or restrain expression or information

The narrator withholds key facts to build suspense.

Adduce

Cite as evidence

He adduced several historical documents to support his claim.

Implore / Beseech / Entreat

Beg earnestly

The speaker implored the audience to take immediate action.

Espouse

Adopt or support an idea

The writer espouses a radical approach to climate reform.

Inveigh against / Lambaste

Criticize harshly

The critic lambasted the novel for its outdated stereotypes.

Equivocate / Obfuscate / Obfuscation

Use ambiguous language to conceal truth

The spokesperson obfuscated the details of the policy failure.

šŸ—£ COMMUNICATION & PRESENTATION

Term

Definition

Example Usage

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Communicate

Share or exchange information

The speaker communicated her vision clearly to the audience.

Convey

Make an idea or feeling known

The imagery conveys a sense of isolation.

Express / Expression of

Show thoughts or feelings

The poet expresses his longing through vivid metaphors.

Declare / Pronounce / Pronouncement / Declaration

Formally announce or proclaim

The president declared the initiative a success.

Report / Reporting

Give an account of events or information

The article reports on recent developments in the case.

Illustrate / Illustration

Explain using examples or images

The author illustrates the theme of freedom with historical anecdotes.

Narrate / Narration / Recount / Account

Tell a story or describe events

The narrator recounts his childhood experiences with clarity.

Note / Commentary / Comment

Observe and remark

The editor’s commentary clarifies the author’s main point.

Reveal / Revelation / Disclose / Disclosure

Make known or visible

The letter reveals her true feelings.

Indicate / Indication / Signal

Show or suggest indirectly

His hesitation indicates uncertainty.

Announce / Proclaim / Admit / Acknowledge / Concede / Concession

Formally state or recognize something

She conceded that her first impression was incorrect.

Appeal / Encouragement / Encourage

Attempt to persuade or support

The advertisement appeals to viewers' sense of nostalgia.

🧩 STRUCTURE & ORGANIZATION

Term

Definition

Example Usage

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Arrange / Arrangement

Organize elements methodically

The essay is arranged chronologically to reflect the character’s growth.

Sequence / Sequencing / Progression

Order of events or steps

The narrative’s sequence mirrors the protagonist’s emotional unraveling.

Structure / Structuring

Framework or form of a work

The structure of the novel shifts between past and present timelines.

Prioritize / Prioritization

Place in order of importance

The writer prioritizes ethical concerns over practical ones.

Placement / Place

Position within a text

The placement of the quote at the beginning sets the tone for the essay.

Emphasize / Emphasis / Stress

Highlight something for importance

The repetition emphasizes the urgency of the speaker’s message.

Juxtapose / Juxtaposition

Place side by side for contrast

The poet juxtaposes love and loss to heighten emotional tension.

Transition / Shift / Shifting / Switch / Switching / Alternate

Move from one idea or section to another

The paragraph shifts from personal anecdote to critical analysis.

Repetition / Repeat / Reiteration

Restate for emphasis

The chorus repeats a line to reinforce the central theme.

Elaborate / Elaboration / Extend / Extension / Dilation / Dilate upon / Prolong / Prolongation

Expand upon or develop in detail

The author elaborates on her argument with statistical evidence.

Downplay / Understatement / Undermine / Undercut

Make something seem less significant

He downplays the conflict to maintain a neutral tone.

Exaggerate / Overstate / Overstatement

Represent as more extreme than it is

The satirist exaggerates the politician’s mannerisms for effect.

šŸŽ­ RHETORICAL DEVICES & LITERARY FEATURES

Term

Definition

Example Usage

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Allude / Allusion

Refer indirectly to something

The poem alludes to classical mythology to elevate the narrative.

Invoke / Invocation

Call forth or appeal to

The speaker invokes the Constitution to support her argument.

Evoke / Evocation

Bring to mind or elicit feelings

The description evokes a sense of nostalgia for childhood.

Simulate / Simulation / Imitate / Imitation / Mirror / Mirroring

Reproduce or replicate something

The dialogue imitates real speech to enhance realism.

Symbol / Symbolize / Symbolism

Object representing an idea

The raven symbolizes death and mystery in Poe’s poem.

Metaphor / Metaphorical / Extended Metaphor

Figurative comparison between two things

Her heart is a locked room—an extended metaphor for emotional guardedness.

Analogy / Analogous

Comparison to clarify

The essay uses an analogy between war and chess to illustrate strategy.

Irony / Ironic / Paradox / Paradoxical

Contradiction between appearance and reality

It is ironic that the fire station burned down.

Personification

Human qualities given to non-human things

The wind whispered secrets through the trees.

Hyperbole / Understatement

Exaggeration / Minimization

Saying ā€œI’ve told you a million timesā€ is a classic hyperbole.

Satire / Satirical / Sarcasm / Sarcastic / Cynicism / Cynical / Mock / Mocking

Use of ridicule to criticize

The cartoon mocks political leaders through biting satire.

Allegory / Allegorize / Fable / Parable / Anecdote / Aphorism / Epigram

Narrative forms that teach, illustrate, or moralize

Orwell’s Animal Farm is an allegory of Soviet communism.

Euphemism / Euphemistic

Mild term for something harsh

ā€œPassed awayā€ is a euphemism for ā€œdied.ā€

Foreshadow

Hint at future events

The cracked mirror foreshadows the breakdown of the protagonist’s identity.

Echo / Echoing

Repetition or reflection of earlier elements

Her final line echoes the opening, creating a circular structure.

šŸ“˜ STYLE, DICTION & TONE

Term

Definition

Usage Example

Tone

Author’s approach or emotional stance

The tone of the poem is melancholic and reflective.

Attitude

The author's emotional or intellectual stance

The author’s attitude toward the subject is both critical and compassionate.

Diction

Author’s vocabulary and choice of words

The author’s diction is formal and precise throughout the essay.

Word Choice

The selection of specific words to convey meaning

Word choice such as ā€œlamentā€ rather than ā€œcomplainā€ deepens the emotional impact.

Type of Word

The category or kind of word used (noun, verb, adjective)

The use of abstract nouns adds philosophical depth.

Phraseology

The manner or style of phrasing

The phraseology is ornate, with complex clauses.

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases

The complex syntax reflects the character’s chaotic thoughts.

Syntactic

Pertaining to syntax; how words are ordered

The syntactic structure varies to mirror emotional shifts.

Sentence Structure

The construction of sentences

Short sentences increase the pace and tension.

Sentence Length

The number of words in a sentence

Lengthy sentences slow the narrative’s momentum.

Complex

Intricate or complicated in form

The author’s style is complex but rewarding.

Simple

Easy to understand; not complicated

The simple language makes the story accessible.

Pithy

Concise and forcefully expressive

The pithy remarks convey sharp wit.

Convoluted

Extremely complex and difficult to follow

The convoluted syntax reflects confusion.

Concise

Expressing much in few words

The argument is concise and to the point.

Succinct

Brief and clearly expressed

The summary is succinct without losing meaning.

Elaborate

Involving many careful details

The elaborate descriptions create vivid imagery.

Register

Level of formality in language

The poem uses a high register to convey seriousness.

Point of View

The narrative perspective

The story is told from a first-person point of view.

Perspective

A particular attitude or way of viewing something

The novel explores multiple perspectives on justice.

Orientation

The position or stance taken

The narrative’s orientation shifts between optimism and despair.

Pacing

The speed of the narrative

The pacing slows during moments of introspection.

Rhythm

The pattern of sounds in language

The poem’s rhythm mimics a heartbeat.

Scope

The breadth or range of content

The story’s scope spans decades.

Degree of Focus

The intensity or narrowness of attention

The narrative has a narrow degree of focus on one character.

Modulation

The variation in tone or pitch

The author modulates the tone to match the changing mood.

Adjustment

A small change to adapt tone or style

The speaker makes a subtle adjustment in tone halfway through.

Monosyllabic

Words with one syllable

Monosyllabic words create a blunt, direct effect.

Polysyllabic

Words with multiple syllables

Polysyllabic vocabulary lends sophistication.

Fragment

An incomplete sentence used for effect

The poem’s fragmented sentences convey confusion and urgency.

Run-on

Sentences improperly joined

The run-on sentences suggest breathlessness.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds

The use of alliteration enhances the poem’s musicality.

Rhyme

Correspondence of sounds at the end of lines

The rhyme scheme provides structural unity.

Internal Rhyme

Rhyme within a single line

Internal rhyme gives a playful sound.

Consistency

Uniformity in style or tone

The author maintains consistency in tone throughout.

Variety

Diversity in expression or structure

The author employs a variety of sentence lengths for rhythm.

Mixed Diction

Combining different styles of language

The dialogue features mixed diction to capture class differences.

Dialect

Regional or social variety of language

The use of dialect grounds the story in a specific region.

Idiom

A phrase with a figurative meaning

Idiomatic expressions give cultural flavor.

Jargon

Specialized terminology

The technical jargon makes the text challenging for outsiders.

Terminology

Set of terms used in a particular field

Precise terminology establishes academic authority.


🧠 CHARACTERIZING QUALITIES & CONCEPTS

Term

Definition

Usage Example

Implicit

Suggested though not directly expressed

The implicit message is that change is inevitable.

Explicit

Stated clearly and directly

The author is explicit about the consequences of war.

Direct

Straightforward and clear

The narrative uses direct language to confront injustice.

Indirect

Not stated plainly; suggested

Indirect references allow for multiple interpretations.

Ambiguous

Open to more than one interpretation

The ambiguous ending invites debate.

Ambiguity

The quality of being unclear or inexact

Ambiguity creates suspense in the plot.

Obscure

Not clearly understood or expressed

Some references are intentionally obscure.

Obscurity

The state of being unknown or unclear

The poem’s obscurity challenges readers.

Profound

Very deep or insightful

Her profound insights reshape how we view identity.

Superficial

Shallow or lacking depth

The critique was superficial, lacking depth.

Authentic

Genuine and real

The dialogue feels authentic and true to life.

Fake

Not genuine or real

The villain’s charm is ultimately revealed as fake.

Sincere

Genuine in feeling

His sincere apology moved the audience.

Insincere

Not expressing genuine feelings

The politician’s insincere promises drew criticism.

Genuine

Truly what something is said to be

The genuine emotion in the poem is palpable.

Fraudulent

Deceptive and dishonest

The fraudulent narrator manipulates readers’ trust.

Pedantic

Overly concerned with minor details

The pedantic tone annoyed many readers.

Erudite

Having or showing great knowledge

The essay’s erudite style reveals deep scholarship.

Sophisticated

Complex or refined

The sophisticated argument challenges conventional wisdom.

NaĆÆve

Lacking experience or wisdom

The naĆÆve protagonist learns harsh lessons.

Elegant

Graceful and refined

The author’s elegant prose enchants the reader.

Crude

Lacking refinement or subtlety

The crude humor contrasts with the serious themes.

Vulgar

Offensive or coarse

The vulgar language shocks some readers.

Harsh

Severe or unkind in tone

The harsh diction underlines the narrator’s anger.

Smooth

Having a pleasingly even quality

The smooth flow of sentences creates calm.

Rough

Having an uneven or coarse quality

The rough narrative style reflects the protagonist’s turmoil.

Dense

Compact and hard to penetrate

The dense text requires careful reading.

Loose

Not tightly structured

The loose structure reflects the character’s wandering mind.

Bland

Lacking strong features or characteristics

The bland tone fails to engage the audience.

Salient

Most noticeable or important

The salient points are emphasized through repetition.

Pertinent

Relevant and applicable

Only pertinent details are included in the report.

Significant

Important and meaningful

The significant themes are woven throughout.

Emphatic

Showing emphasis or importance

The speaker’s emphatic tone commands attention.

Optimism

Hopefulness and confidence about the future

The story is filled with optimism for the future.

Optimistic

Expecting positive outcomes

The optimistic narrator sees hope everywhere.

Pessimism

Tendency to see the worst

Pessimism pervades the novel’s worldview.

Pessimistic

Expecting negative outcomes

The pessimistic tone dampens the mood.

Skepticism

Doubt about accepted beliefs

Skepticism toward authority is a central theme.

Skeptical

Doubting or questioning

The character remains skeptical of promises.

Reverence

Deep respect or awe

The poem expresses reverence for nature.

Irreverence

Lack of respect for things usually taken seriously

The irreverence challenges traditional values.

Fatalistic

Belief that all events are predetermined

A fatalistic attitude colors the story’s ending.

Notorious

Famous for a negative reason

The figure is notorious for corrupt practices.

Controversial

Giving rise to public disagreement

The book’s controversial ideas sparked debate.

Popular

Widely liked or appreciated

The novel remains popular among young adults.

Elite

Select and superior group

Elite audiences may appreciate the subtle references.

Populist

Appealing to ordinary people

The populist rhetoric appeals to everyday people.

Academic

Related to scholarly pursuits

The academic article uses technical language.

Journalistic

Related to reporting facts

The journalistic style focuses on facts.

Scientific

Based on science and evidence

The scientific tone emphasizes evidence and logic.

Intellectual

Related to intellect or reasoning

The intellectual arguments appeal to specialists.


🧠 GENRE, DEVICE & STRUCTURAL TERMS

Term

Definition

Usage Example

Dialogue

Conversation between characters

The dialogue reveals character dynamics clearly.

Monologue

Extended speech by one character

The monologue exposes the protagonist’s inner thoughts.

Dream Vision

Narrative involving a dream revealing truths

The dream vision symbolizes the character’s fears.

Episode

A distinct event or scene in a narrative

Each episode builds tension in the serialized story.

Episodic

Consisting of loosely connected episodes

The novel has an episodic structure with loosely connected parts.

Memoir

A personal narrative about one’s life

The memoir reflects on the author’s youth.

Journalistic

Related to news reporting

The journalistic tone presents the facts objectively.

Treatise

Formal written work on a subject

The treatise argues for reform in education.

Sermon

Religious or moral speech

The sermon urges moral reform through passionate rhetoric.

Tirade

Long angry speech

The character’s tirade criticizes societal corruption.

Diatribe

Bitter verbal attack

The diatribe attacks the hypocrisy of politicians.

Valediction

Farewell speech or statement

The valediction concludes the speech on a hopeful note.

Ode

Poem praising a subject

The ode celebrates the beauty of nature.

Pastiche

Work imitating another style

The novel is a pastiche of detective and horror genres.

History

Account of past events

The history traces the rise of industrialization.

Homage

Respectful tribute

The poem is an homage to classical literature.

Jeremiad

Prolonged lamentation or complaint

The jeremiad warns of impending doom if society fails.

Revelation

Surprising disclosure

The revelation changes the course of the plot.

Philosophy

Study of fundamental nature of knowledge

The philosophy underlying the text questions human nature.

Riddle

Puzzle or problem to solve

The riddle challenges the protagonist’s intellect.

Romance

Narrative focused on love

The romance subplot adds emotional depth.

Precept

Principle or rule of conduct

The story teaches a moral precept about honesty.

Cautionary Tale

Story warning of danger

The cautionary tale warns of the dangers of greed.