AP Test Vocab

Question 0

Adage

Answer 0

A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in a metaphorical language.

Question 1

Abstract

Answer 1

An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research

Question 2

Allegory

Answer 2

A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic, metaphorical, or possibility in a meaning.

Question 3

Alliteration

Answer 3

The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose.

Question 4

Allusion

Answer 4

A reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea.

Question 5

Ambiguity

Answer 5

A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretation.

Question 6

Anachronism

Answer 6

A person, scene, event, or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time or era in which the work is set.

Question 7

Analogy

Answer 7

A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things.

Question 8

Annotation

Answer 8

A brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature.

Question 9

Antagonist

Answer 9

A character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist produces tension or conflict.

Question 10

Antithesis

Answer 10

A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences.

Question 11

Aphorism

Answer 11

A short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment.

Question 12

Apollonian

Answer 12

In contrast to Dionysian, it refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior.

Question 13

Apostrophe

Answer 13

A rhetorical device in which a speaker addresses a person or personified thing not present.

Question 14

Archetype

Answer 14

An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form.

Question 15

Assonance

Answer 15

The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines in poetry and prose.

Question 16

Ballad

Answer 16

A simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited.

Question 17

Bard

Answer 17

A poet; in olden times, a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment.

Question 18

Bathos

Answer 18

The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality.

Question 19

Bibliography

Answer 19

A list of works cited or other relevant work.

Question 20

Bildungsroman

Answer 20

A German word referring to a novel structured as a series of events that take place as a hero travels in a quest of a goal.

Question 21

Blank verse

Answer 21

Poetry written in iambic pentameter, the primary meter used in English poetry and the works of Shakespeare and Milton.

Question 22

Bombast

Answer 22

Inflated, pretentious language used for trivial subjects.

Question 23

Burlesque

Answer 23

A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation.

Question 24

Cacophony

Answer 24

Grating, inharmonious sounds.

Question 25

Caesura

Answer 25

A pause somewhere in the middle if a verse, often marked by punctuation.

Question 26

Canon

Answer 26

The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied.