AP Glossary 1 Flashcards
Definition of Active Voice
The subject of the sentence preforms the action.
Example + Non example of Active Voice
Ex: The cat ate the rat.
Non Ex: The rat was eaten by the cat.
Impact of Active voice
Lively, concise, interesting writing
Definition of Allusion
An indirect reference to something with which the reader is supposed to be familiar.
Example of an Allusion
In the text Sarah calls her friend a “real Einstein”.
Impact of an Allusion
Make the text more interesting and relatable & to deepen the readers understanding.
Definition of Anecdote
A brief recounting of a relevant episode.
Example of an Anecdote
Telling a funny story about getting lost on a vacation.
Impact of an Anecdote
Develop points and inject humor.
Definition of an Antecedent
The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.
Example of an Anetcedent
“Mary brought her dog to the park” The word Mary is the Antedecedent
Definition of Classicism
Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world; sticks to traditional themes or structures.
Example of Classicism
Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam” painting on the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Definition of Comic Relief
When a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story.
Example of Comic Relief
The “gatekeeper scene” in Macbeth
Impact of Comic Relief
A lightened mood
Definition of Diction
Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types of words have significant effects on meaning.
definition of colloquial
Ordinary or familiar type of conversation. A “colloquialism” is a common or familiar type of saying, similar to an adage or an aphorism.
example of colloquial
“to lose one’s nerves”
impact of colloquial
Can make the writing more approachable and easier to understand.
Definition of Connotation
The implied meaning rather than the literal meaning.
Definition of denotation
The literal meaning of a word not accounting for the connotation.
Definition of jargon
The Diction used by a group that practices a similar profession or activity.
Example of jargon
Lawyers speak using a particular jargon.
Impact of Jargon
Creating barriers and an understanding of certain groups.
Definition of Vernacular
- Language or dialect of a particular country. 2. Language or dialect of a regional clan or group. 3. Plain everyday speech
Definition of Didactic
A term used to describe writing that teaches a specific moral/lesson or shows correct behavior or thinking.
Example of Didactic
Aesop’s fables because it teaches lessons.
Definition of adage
A folk saying with a lesson
Example of an adage
“The early bird gets the worm”
Impact of an adage
To concisely convey a widely accepted truth or piece of wisdom.
Definition of an Allegory
A story, fictional or non fictional, in which characters, things, and events represent qualities or concepts. The interaction of these characters, things, and events is meant to reveal an abstraction or a truth.
Example of an Allegory
The Wizard of Oz is an allegory
Impact of an Allegory
To convey complex ideas, political messages, or morals through symbolism.
Definition of Aphorism
A blunt statement that helps give a general truth or morals principle.
Example of an Aphorism
“A watched pot never boils.”
Impact of an Aphorism
Concisely convey a universal truth or piece of wisdom.
Example of Ellipsis
“I’m not sure… maybe we should wait and see.”
Definition of Ellipsis
The deliberate omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author. The term ellipsis is related to ellipse, which is the three periods used to show omitted text in a quotation.
Impact of Ellipsis
To indicate a pause, hesitation, or an unfinished thought.
Definition of Euphemism
A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts, sometimes used for political correctness.
Impact of an Euphemism
Avoiding offense, and making situations easier to understand.
Example of an Euphemism
” vertically challenged” in place of “short”
Definition of Figurative Language
Writing that is not meant to be taken literally, the opposite of “Literal Language”.
Definition of Analogy
The comparison of one pair of variables to a parallel set of variables.
Example of an Analogy
“yellow is to lemon as green is to lime”
Impact of an Analogy
Making concepts more understandable by drawing comparisons to familiar experiences.
Definition of Hyperbole
An exaggeration
Example of a Hyperbole
“I’m so hungry I could eat a whole cow.”
Impact of a Hyperbole
To add dramatic effect or a strong emphasis.
Definition on Idiom
An often used expression that is not meant to be taken literally.
Example of an Idiom
“Break a leg”
Impact of an Idiom
To amplify messages and show familiarity.
Definition of Metaphor
Making a comparison not using the words “like” or “as”.
Example + Non example of Metaphor
Ex: You have a heart of gold!
Non Ex: As cool as a cucumber.
Impact of a Metaphor
Creating a vivid mental image by comparing two seemingly unrelated things.
Definition of Metonymy
Replacing an actual word or idea, with a related word or concept.
Example of Metonymy
“Relations between Washington and London have been strained”.
Impact of Metonymy
Adding complexity, meaning, and vivid imagery to a text.
Definition of Synecdoche
A kind of metonymy when a whole is represented by naming one of its parts, or vice versa.
Example of Synecdoche
“Check out my new wheels.”
Impact of Synecdoche
Enriches language and helps create imagery.
Definition of Simile
Using the words “like” or “as” to compare two things directly.
Example + Non example of a simile
Ex: As cold as ice.
Non Ex: The exam was a piece of cake.
Impact of similes
To help create imagery, and enhance descriptions.
Definition of Synesthesia
A description involving the crossing of senses.
Example of Synesthesia
A reddish scent filled the room.
Impact of Synesthesia
To create a richer sensory experience for the reader.
Definition of personification
Giving human characteristics to a non-human thing.
Example of Personification
The leaves danced in the wind.
Impact of Personification
To help create vivid imagery and make the writing more engaging.
