Basic Terms Starting w/A

Question 1

Define Alliteration

Answer 1

The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words.

Question 2

Define Allusion

Answer 2

A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known. It may be historical, literary, religious, mythical, or topical.

Question 3

Define Ambiguity

Answer 3

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

Question 4

Define Analogy

Answer 4

A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out it’s similarity to something more familiar.

Question 5

Define Antecedent

Answer 5

The word, phrase, or clause which the pronoun has referenced.

Question 6

Define Antithesis

Answer 6

The opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.

Question 7

Define Aphorism

Answer 7

A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle. An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author’s point.

Question 8

Define Apostrophe

Answer 8

A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is address to someone or something that cannot answer.

Question 9

Define Atmosphere

Answer 9

The emotional nod created by the entirety of a literary work, established partly by the setting and partly the author’s choice of objects that are described.

Question 10

Define Allegory

Answer 10

The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning.