APN 41-50 Flashcards
Adage
s a short, pointed and memorable saying based on facts, and is considered a
veritable truth by the majority of people. Famous adages become 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. For instance, “God helps those who help
themselves” is now considered a universal truth because of its usage throughout the human
history. Often repeated sayings and quotes become adages that pass on to many generations.
Pedantic
comes from a French word, pedant, means “to teach or to act as pedagogue.” A
pedantic is someone who is concerned with precision, formalism, accuracy, minute details in
order to make an arrogant and ostentatious show of learning. He could be a writer, a character,
feelings, tone or words. Sigmund Freud defines pedantic as, “The pedant is he who finds it
impossible to read criticism of himself without immediately reaching for his pen and replying to
the effect that the accusation is a gross insult to his person.”A pedant often corrects small
mistakes that are not very important in grand matters and, therefore, may annoy others around
him.
Flippant
lacking proper respect or seriousness. This is often associated with the
impatience of youth.
Evocative
the use of language that “suggests” meanings other than the denotative. Language that
connects with emotions or feelings not associated with the actual meaning of a word.
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 (“the form divine”), a verb before its subject (“Came the dawn”).
Apposition
is 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. The two elements are said to be in apposition
Didactic
is frequently used for those literary texts which are overloaded with informative or realistic matter and are marked by the omission of graceful and pleasing details. Didactic, therefore, becomes a derogatory term referring to the forms of literature that are ostentatiously dull and erudite. However, some literary texts are entertaining as well as didactic.
Conceit
is a figure of speech in which two vastly different objects are likened together with the help of similes or metaphors. Thus, conceit examples have a surprising or shocking effect on the readers because they are novel comparisons unlike the conventional comparisons made in similes and metaphors
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. Here are some examples for reference. Consider what the strength of this type of sentence might be.
In spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.
With low taxes, beautiful views and a mild climate, this city is a great place to live.
By helping us stay focused and maintaining a good attitude, positive thinking is important for a happy life.
Because of adding a pool, spa and restaurant, the hotel is experiencing an increase in guests.
Presenting, the winner of seven Academy Awards and two Tony Awards, I present the star of tonight’s play, Herbert Smith.
After shopping at the mall, walking the dogs and washing the car, I finally got to stay in and relax.
Paradox
It is 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 traditional ideas. A paradox is often used to make a reader think over an idea in innovative way. Some memorable examples are: “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”. “I must be cruel to be kind.” Your enemy’s friend is your enemy
