AP Vocabulary Flashcards
1
Q
Anecdote
A
A short, simple narrative of an incident, often used for humorous effect or to make a point
2
Q
Argumentation
A
Writing that attempts to prove the validity of a point of view or an idea by presenting “reasoned” arguments; persuasive writing is a form of argumentation
3
Q
Allegory
A
An extended narrative of an incident in prose or verse in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract qualities and in which the writer intends a second meaning to be read beneath the surface of the story; the underlying meaning may be moral, religious, political, social, or static
4
Q
Annotation
A
Explanatory notes added to a text to explain, cite sources, or give bibliographic data
5
Q
Antithesis
A
The presentation of two contrasting images. The ideas are balanced by word, phrase, clause, or paragraphs; ex: “to be or not to be”
6
Q
Rhetoric
A
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques
7
Q
Colloquialism
A
A word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing (y’all, ain’t, can’t)
8
Q
Connotation
A
Words suggesting implied meaning because of its association in a reader’s mind
9
Q
Consonance
A
Repetition of consonant sounds within two or more words in close proximity; ex: boot, beat, best, brag, or full-fill, ping-pong
10
Q
Caricature
A
Descriptive writing that greatly exaggerates a specific feature of a person’s appearance or a facet of personality
11
Q
Coherence
A
The “quality” of a piece of writing in which all the parts contribute to the development of the central idea/theme of organizing principle
12
Q
Aphorism
A
A short, often witty, statement of a principle or truth about life; ex: “the early bird gets the worm” or “all for one and one for all”
13
Q
Apostrophe
A
Usually in poetry, but sometimes in prose; the device of calling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person or to a place, thing, or personified abstraction
14
Q
Cacophony
A
Hard, awkward, or dissonant sounds used deliberately in poetry or prose; the opposite of euphony
15
Q
Denotation
A
Self-explanatory
16
Q
Enumeration
A
A rhetorical device used for listing the details or a process of mentioning words or phrases step-by-step. It is a type of amplification or division in which a subject is further distributed into components or parts
17
Q
Analogy
A
A comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it. It aims at explaining the idea or thing by comparing it to something familiar
18
Q
Parallelism
A
The use of components in a sentence that is grammatically the same or similar in their construction, sound, meaning, or meter
19
Q
Allusion
A
A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers. It is just a passing comment and the writer expects the reader to possess enough knowledge to spot the allusion and grasp its importance in a text
20
Q
Metonymy
A
A figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated. Not to be confused with metaphor, as this is not creating a comparison
21
Q
Anaphora
A
In writing or speech, the deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect
22
Q
Epistrophe
A
The same word returns at the end of each sentence. This is a stylistic device that can be defined as the repetition of phrases or words at the end of clauses or sentences. Often found in literary pieces, in persuasive writing, or in speeches
23
Q
Asyndeton
A
A stylistic device used in literature and poetry to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases in a sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. This literary tool helps in reducing the indirect meaning of a phrase and presents it in a concise form. It also helps in speeding up the rhythm of words
24
Q
Polysyndeton
A
It makes use of coordinating conjunctions like “and,” “or,” “but,” or “nor,” which are used to join successive words, phrases, or clauses in such a way that these conjunctions are even used where they might have been omitted
25
Synecdoche
A literary device in which a part of something represents the whole or it may use a whole to represent a part
26
Tone
Tone, in a written composition, is an attitude of a writer toward a subject or an audience. It is important for the reader to "sense" to determine an argument. The tone is generally conveyed through the choice of words or the viewpoint of a writer on a particular subject
27
Process Analysis
A step-by-step breakdown of the phases of a process used to convey the details of each phase of thinking. It is often used to improve understanding and to break down an argument to make it more comprehensive
28
Syntax
The set of rules in a language, it dictates how words from different parts of speech are put together in order to convey a complete thought, how we choose to arrange our words
29
Provocative Diction
"Diction" is our choice of words. Thus, "provocative diction" is the purposeful choice of words serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate a provocative question that will frame a rhetorical argument
30
Classification
The action or process of classifying something according to shared qualities or characteristics. This often is a strategy of argumentation or an argumentative response in an effort to provide the reader with a structure to your argument
31
Understatement
For example, if you win $10 million in a lottery. When you tell a news reporter, "I am delighted," you are making an understatement. Similarly, suppose a team loses to its opponent 50-0 in a soccer match and the captain of the team says, "We did not do well," it is an understatement because he is trying to decrease the intensity of the loss. It is the opposite of hyperbole or overstatement.
32
Colorful Diction
It stands to reason that "colorful diction" is a very purposeful word choice that will serve to accentuate meaning and tone
33
Counterargument
An argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea or theory developed in another argument. When writing in the argumentative mode, it is mandatory that the writer acknowledges the other side to his or her argument. It is part of the reputation of someone else's claim to support your own side of the argument you are making
34
Claim
If someone gives an argument to support his or her position, it is called making a claim. Different reasons are usually presented to prove why a certain point should be accepted as logical
35
Evidence
A type of literary device that appears in different categories of essays and theses in the form of paraphrase and quotations. It is presented to persuade the readers and used with powerful arguments in the texts
36
Warrant
The glue that holds an argument together. It links the evidence to the claim. It says something like, "This evidence supports the claim because..." and it is always a similar form that is more of a statement of support of why your evidence supports your assertion/claim
37
Fallacy
A fallacy is an erroneous argument dependent upon an unsound or illogical contention. There are many fallacy examples that we can find in everyday conversations.
38
Logical Fallacy
In argumentation, a formal fallacy (also called deductive fallacy) is a pattern of reasoning/thinking rendered invalid by a flaw in its logical structure that can be neatly expressed in a standard logic system. For example, propositional logic. An argument that is formally fallacious is always considered wrong
39
Prophecy
Many believe that a prediction and a prophecy are the same, but they are mistaken. It is true that both "forecast" the future, but there is a significant difference. A prophecy has all the elements of a prediction except the element of time. Without the element of time, a prophecy is hard to determine. Prophecy has more of a religious connotation since there is an element of uncertainty about time.
40
Prediction
A forecast made by those who calculate the parameters of the subject involved after evaluating the odds they can predict the future. The weather forecast is a good example. A prediction is limited to a time element, unlike a prophecy
41
Adage
A short, pointed, and memorable saying based on facts and is considered a veritable truth by the majority of people. Famous adages became popular due to their usage over a long period of time. In fact, an adage expresses a general fact or truth about life. As it becomes popular, it is then accepted as a universal truth; ex: "a penny saved is a penny earned," or "well done is better than well said"
42
Pedantic
A pedantic is someone who is concerned with precision, formalism, accuracy, minute details in order to make an arrogant and ostentatious show of learning
43
Flippant
Lacking proper respect or seriousness. This is often associated with the impatience of youth; synonym: smart-aleck; antonym: sincere
44
Evocative
The use of language that suggests meanings other than the denotative. The language that connects with emotions or feelings not associated with the actual meaning of a word
45
Syntactical Inversion
Inversion, also called anastrophe, in literary style and rhetoric, the syntactic reversal of the normal order of the words and phrases in a sentence, as in English, the placing of an adjective after the noun it modifies
46
Apposition
A grammatical construction in which two elements, normally noun phrases, are placed side by side, with one element serving to identify the other in a different way
47
Didactic
Frequently used for literary texts which are overloaded with informative or realistic matter and are marked by the omission of graceful and pleasing details
48
Conceit
A figure of speech in which two vastly different objects are likened together with the help of similes or metaphors. Conceit can have a surprising or shocking effect on readers because they are novel comparisons unlike the conventional ones made in metaphors and similes
49
Periodic Sentence
A periodic sentence has the main clause or predicate at the end. This is used for emphasis and can be persuasive by putting reasons for something at the beginning before the final point is made. It can also create suspense or interest for the reader
50
Paradox
A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted or traditional ideas. A paradox is often used to make a reader think over an idea in an innovative way
51
Irony
Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. It may also be a situation that may end up in quite a different way than what is generally anticipated. In simple words, it is a difference between appearance and reality.
52
Parenthesis
A stylistic device that comes from the Greek word meaning "to place" or "alongside." Parenthesis is a qualifying or explanatory sentence, clause, or word that writers insert into a paragraph or passage
53
Sardonic
Grimly mocking, sarcastic, satirical, mocking in a humorous manner
54
Satire
Satire is a technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society by using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule. It intends to improve humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles
55
Polemical
Relating to or involving strongly critical, conversational, or disputatious writing or speech. A polemical essay could be critical, hostile, or bitter
56
Ambiguity
Ambiguity or fallacy of ambiguity is a word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning. Skilled writers use ambiguity with purpose and intent
57
Archetype
An archetype, also known as a universal symbol, may be a character, a theme, a symbol, or even a setting. Many literary critics are of the opinion that archetypes, which have a common and recurring representation, in a particular human culture or entire human race, shape the structure and function of a literary work
58
Function of Archetype
The use of archetypical characters and situations gives a literary work a universal acceptance, as readers identify the characters and situations in their social and cultural context
59
Tragic Flaw
A literary device that can be defined as a trait in a character leading to his downfall and the character is often the hero of the literary piece. This trait could be the lack of self-knowledge, lack of judgment, and often is hubris (pride)
60
Assertion
When someone makes a statement investing his strong belief in it, as if it is true though may not be, he is making an assertion. Assertion is a stylistic approach or technique involving a strong declaration, a forceful or confident and positive statement regarding a belief or a fact
61
Autobiography
Autobiography is one type of biography, which tells a life story of its author, meaning it is a written record of the author's life. Rather than being written by somebody else, an autobiography comes through the person's own pen, in his own words
62
Memoir
A memoir is a record of memories and particular events that have taken place in the author's life. In fact, it is the telling of a story or an event from his life; an account that does not tell the full record of a life
63
Cumulative Sentence
A cumulative sentence is known as a loose sentence that starts with an independent clause or main clause, which is simple and straight, provides the main idea and then adds subordinate elements or modifiers. It adds subordinate or modifying elements after the subject and the predicate
64
Blank Verse
Blank verse is a literary device defined as un-rhyming verse written in iambic pentameter. In poetry and prose, it has a consistent meter with 10 syllables in each line (pentameter)
65
Bildungsroman
A bildungsroman is a story of the growing up of a sensitive person who looks for answers to his questions through different experiences. Generally, such a novel starts with a loss or a tragedy that disturbs the main character emotionally. He or she leaves on a journey to fill that vacuum.
66
Bildungsroman (cont.)
During the journey, the protagonist gains maturity gradually and with difficulty. Usually, the plot depicts a conflict between the protagonist and the values of society. Finally, he or she accepts those values and they are accepted by the society, ending the dissatisfaction
67
Illusion
(Not to be confused with allusion) A false illustration, a deceptive impression, or a false belief literally speaking, an illusion is something that is false and not factual, intended to mislead the perception of readers and deceive their senses
68
Free Verse
Literacy device that can be defined as poetry that is free from limitations of regular meter or rhythm and does not rhyme with fixed forms such as poems are without rhythms and rhyme schemes; do not follow regular rhyme scheme rules and still provide artistic expressions
69
Foil
In literature, the foil is a character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the qualities of another character with the objective to highlight the traits of the other character
70
Intertextuality
Intertextuality is a sophisticated literary device used in writing. In fact, it is a textual reference within some text that reflects the text used as a reference. Instead of employing referential phrases from different literary works, intertextuality draws upon the concept, rhetoric, or ideology from other texts to be merged in the new text
71
Litotes
Litotes, derived from a Greek word meaning "simple" is a figure of speech which employs an understatement by using double negatives or, in other words, positive statement is expressed by negating its opposite expressions. "Not too bad" instead of "pretty good" is an example
72
Utopia
The literary term utopia denotes an illusionary place that projects the notion of a perfect society to the reader. Here, there "perfect society" refers to ideal conditions achieved within the material world as opposed to the expected idealism of afterlife in Christianity and other religions
73
Sonnet
The word sonnet is derived from the Italian word "sonetto." It means a small or little song or lyric. In poetry, a sonnet has 14 lines and is written in iambic pentameter. Each line has 10 syllables. It has a specific rhyme scheme and a "volta" or a specific turn
74
Round Character
A round character in a novel, play, or story is a complex personality. Similarly, a round character has many layers, like onions. Writers define a round character fully, both physically and mentally
75
Situational Irony
Situational irony is a literary device that you can easily identify in literary works. Simply, it occurs when incongruity appears between expectations of something to happen, and what actually happens instead. Thus, entirely different happens from what the audience may be expecting or the final outcome is opposite to what the audience is expecting
76
Static Character
A static character is one that does not undergo inner changes or undergoes a little change. It is a character that does not develop or grow such as Sherlock Holmes or James Bond
77
Vernacular
Vernacular is a literary genre that uses daily-used language in writing and speaking. It is different from written works, as they normally follow the former variety of languages. The word "vernacular" refers to writing or speaking of the public. We find the origin of vernacular literature during the middle ages in different countries of Europe
78
Vernacular vs. Dialect
Vernacular is the use of ordinary, every day, and plain language in speaking or writing, such as corn is a common name of a plant, and its scientific name is Maize or Zea mays, whereas dialect is related to a particular region, geographic area, a particular social class, or an occupational group. Also, it uses a distinguished pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, such as people in Sanghi have different pronunciation or dialect than in Yunnan
79
Understatement
(See 31)
80
Eulogy
Known as a homily, the term eulogy originates from a Greek word "eulogia" which means to praise somebody or something. A eulogy is a literary device that is a laudatory expression in a speech, or a written tribute to a recently deceased person
81
Dialect
The language used by the people of a specific area, class, district, or any other group of people. The term dialect involves spelling, sounds, grammar, and pronunciation used by a particular group of people around them
82
Hubris
Hubris is extreme pride or arrogance shown by a character that ultimately brings about his downfall
83
Anti-hero
The anti-hero is a literary device used by writers for a prominent character in a play or book that has characteristics opposite to that of a conventional hero. The protagonist is generally admired for his bravery, strength, charm, ingenuity, etc, while an anti-hero is typically clumsy, unsolicited, and unskilled and has both good and bad qualities
84
Bandwagon
Bandwagon is a persuasive technique and a type of propaganda through which a writer persuades the readers, so that a majority could agree with the argument of the writer, suggesting that since majority agrees, the reader should too, such as "Everyone is voting for David, so definitely he is the best presidential candidate." The phrase bandwagon means, "Jump on the bandwagon" or to follow what others are conforming or doing. This type of reasoning is also considered a fallacy
85
Bandwagon- Function
The purpose of this technique is to make the audience think and act in a way that the majority follows. This tendency of following the beliefs and actions occurs when the audience sees others are also conforming. We see its usage in literature, politics, and advertisements, etc. Bandwagon is in fact a good approach for persuasive writing that successively works on human minds and psychology
86
Propaganda
We can easily find the use of propaganda techniques in mass media advertising, politics, and literature. It is very popular in academic commentary and is taken as an interchangeable form of communication.
87
Propaganda-Transfer
Appeals to a person's imagination of something we like or trust. Trump: "Make America Great Again"
88
Propaganda-Glittering Generalities
These words are used to dupe us into accepting and approving of things without examining the evidence carefully. Ex: natural, organic, democratic, scientific, sustainable
89
Propaganda-Testimonial
This represents another type of propaganda that fits into a particular category of its own. When some respected celebrity claims that an idea or product is good (or bad). This technique is used to convince us without examining the facts more carefully
90
Propaganda-Plain Folks
This type of propaganda is used by a speaker to convince an audience that an idea is good because they are the same ideas of the vast majority of people like themselves. Very similar to bandwagon, but with the exception that the speaker or writer is convincing the audience that they are just "plain folks" like them
91
Propaganda- Distortion of Data or Out of Context or Card Stacking or Cherry Picking
This technique is used to convince the audience by using selected information and not presenting the complete story
92
Propaganda- Scapegoat
This is often used with guilt by association to deflect scrutiny away from those issues. It transfers blame to one person or group of people without investigating the complexities of the issue.
93
Propaganda- Artificial Dichotomy
When someone tries to claim there are only 2 sides to an issue and that both sides must have equal presentation in order to be evaluated. This technique is used to dupe us into believing there is only 1 way to look at an issue, when in fact there may be many alternative view points or "sides". Like most propoganda techniques similar it simplifies reality and therefore distorts it often to the advantage of the speaker.
94
Propaganda- Perfication
When an idea is appeared to be made holy, sacred, or very special and therefore above all law. Any opposite view points are viewed as bad.
95
Conceit
Develops a comparison which is exceedingly unlikely but is, none the less, intellectually imaginative. A comparison turns into a conceit when the writer tries to make us admit a similarity between this reason conceits are often surprising.
96
Claim
If somebody gives an argument to support his position, it is called making a claim. Different reasons are usually presented to prove why a point should be accepted as logical
97
Catharsis
Is an emotional discharge through through which one can achieve a state of moral or spiritual renewal or achieve a state of liberation from anxiety and stress. Catharsis is a Greek word and it means cleansing. In literature, it is used for cleansing of emotions of the characters. It can also be any other radical change that leads to emotional rejuvenation of a person.
98
Cliche
Refers to an expression that has been overused to the extent that it loses its original meaning or novelty. A cliche may also refer to actions and events which are predictable because of some previous events
99
Concession
Concession is a literary device used in argumentative writing where one acknowledges a point made by one's opponent. It allows for different opinions and approaches toward an issue, indicating an understanding of what causes the actual debate or controversy. It demonstrates that the writer is a mature thinker and has considered the issue from all angles.
100
Concession Pt. 2
Concession writing style also shows that the writer is a logical and fair minded person, able to realize that every argument has several sides to consider before it is presented. This type of writing can be considered strong as it finds common ground between you and your opponent.
101
Portmanteau
Literary device in which 2 or more words are joined together to coin a new word. A portmanteau word is formed by blending parts of two or more words, but it always refers to a single concept. Somewhat different than an oxymoron.
102
The coinage of Portmanteau
Involves linking or blending of 2 or more words and the new word formed in the process shares the same meanings as the original words. It is different from a compound word that in that it could have a completely different meaning from the words that it was coined from.
103
Litotes
understatement, especially that in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary, as in "not bad at all."
104
Chiasmus
a reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases
105
Anadiplosis
rhetorical term for the repetition of the last word of one line or clause to begin the next one. fear leads to anger. anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.
106
Invective
A verbally abusive attack
107
Circumlocation
the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea
108
Begging the question
supporting a claim with a reason that is really a restatement of the claim in different words
109
Adage
A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language.
110
Verisimilitude
similar to truth, quality of realism in a work that persuades the reader that he/she is getting a vision of life
111
Malapropism
a confused, comically inaccurate use of a long word or words
112
Cadence
The rising and falling rhythm of speech especially in free verse or prose.
113
False Analogy
Error in assuming that because two things are alike in some ways, they are alike in all ways.
114
Hasty Generalization
Unsound inductive inference based on insufficient, inadequate, unspecified evidence.
115
Non Sequitir
a statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before
116
Post Hoc
because one thing follows another, it is held to cause the other
117
Ad Hominem
Instead of attacking an assertion, the argument attacks the person who made the assertion
118
Polyphasic
excessive talking
119
Diatribe
a bitter, sharply abusive denunciation, attack, or criticism
120
Appeal to Authority
A fallacy in which a speaker or writer seeks to persuade not by giving evidence but by appealing to the respect people have for a famous person or institution.
121
Appeal to Ignorance
fallacy based on the assumption that a statement must be true if it cant be proved false
122
Concession
argumentative strategy by which a speaker or writer acknowledges the validity of an opponents point.
123
Ecomium
A tribute or eulogy in prose or verse glorifying people, objects, ideas, or events.
124
False Dilemma
A fallacy of oversimplification that offers a limited number of options (usually two) when in fact more options are available.
125
Running Style
Sentence style that appears to follow the mind as it worries a problem through, mimicking the "rambling, associative syntax of conversation"--the opposite of periodic sentence style.
126
Explication
an explanation; interpretation
127
Imperative tone
Commanding
128
Interrogative tone
Questioning
129
Exclamatory Sentence
a sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark
130
Declarative Sentence
Declaring a statement or fact
131
Infinitives
"To be" verbs
132
Implacable
not to be appeased, mollified, or pacified; inexorable
133
Eclectic
not following any one system, as of philosophy, medicine, etc, but selecting the best elements of all systems.
134
Opprobrium
the disgrace or the reproach incurred by conduct considered outrageously shameful; infamy
135
Aberrant
deviating from the ordinary, usual, or normal type; exceptional; abnormal
136
Stymie
to hinder, block, or thwart
137
Nascent
beginning to exist or develop
138
Avarice
insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain and hoard wealth
139
Urbane
having the polish and suavity regarded as characteristic of sophisticated social life in major cities
140
Onerous
burdensome; heavy; hard to endure
141
Axiom
a universally recognized principle
142
Burgeon
to grow rapidly or flourish
143
Ubiquitious
present or existing everywhere
144
Disabuse
(v.) to free from deception or error, set right in ideas or thinking
145
Heretical
violating accepted dogma or convention
146
Vilify
to defame, to characterize harshly
147
Dogmatic
expressing a rigid opinion based on unproved or improvable principles
148
Perennial
(adj.) lasting for a long time, persistent; (n.) a plant that lives for many years
149
Fallacy
erroneous argument dependt upon an unsound or illogical contentior
150
Appeal to Ignorance
A fallacy that uses an opponent's inability to disprove a conclusion as proof of the conclusion's correctness.
151
Appeal to authority
This sort of error is known as "argumentum verecundia" instead of concentrating on the benefits of an argument, the arguer will attempt to append their arugment to an indiviual
152
Association Fallacy
Sometimes called "guilt by affiliation." This happens when somebody connects a particular thought or drill to something or somebody negative so as to infer blame on another individual.
153
Attacking the Person
"Ad Hominem" (argument against the man). This is a common fallacy used during debates where an individual substitutes a rebuttal with a personal insult.
154
Appeal to Popular Opinion
a fallacy based on the premise that the listener should think or act the same way as a substantial group of people
155
Association Fallacy
Sometimes called "guilt by affiliation." This happens when somebody connects a particular thought or drill to something or somebody negative so as to infer blame on another individual.
156
Attacking the person
Also regarded as "argumentum ad hominem", this is a common fallacy used during debates, where an individual substitutes a rebuttal with a personal insult
157
Begging the Question
The conclusion of a contention is accepted as a statement of inquiry itself
158
Circular Argument
This fallacy is also known as "circulus in probando." This error is committed when an argument takes its evidence from an element inside the argument itself, instead of from an outside source
