English Key Words Flashcards
metaphor
A metaphor is a comparison between two things that are not alike. Instead of saying something is like something else, a metaphor says it is something else.
For example, “She’s a night owl” compares someone who stays up late to an owl.
simile
A simile is a comparison between two things using the words “like” or “as.” It’s a way to describe something by comparing it to something else.
For example: “Her eyes sparkled like stars.” This compares her eyes to stars, using the word “like” to make the connection.
Point of view - POV
Your perspective on the situation.
setting
setting is the time and place where a story takes place
symbolism
Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. A symbol is something that stands for something else, often something abstract or complex.
theme
A theme is the central idea or message of a story. It’s the underlying meaning that the author wants to convey to the reader. Themes are often universal ideas about life, love, loss, friendship, or good versus evil.
structure
structure refers to the framework or organization of a story. It’s how the different elements of a story (plot, characters, setting, etc.) are arranged to create a cohesive and engaging narrative.
Alliteration
Alliteration is a literary device where two or more words in a phrase or line of poetry share the same beginning consonant sound. It’s often used to create a memorable and rhythmic effect in writing.
Allusion
An allusion is an indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.
It’s like a literary wink to the reader, assuming they’ll recognize the reference and understand the deeper meaning it adds to the text.
Personification
Personification is a literary device where human qualities or characteristics are given to non-human things, such as objects, animals, or ideas. It’s a way to make non-living things seem more vivid and relatable.
Detestable
deserving to be intensely disliked; abominable; hateful. It’s a strong word used to describe something or someone that is truly repulsive or offensive.
Obnoxious
extremely unpleasant or offensive. Someone who is obnoxious is often loud, rude, or irritating.
Distraught
eeply upset and agitated. Someone who is distraught is often so overwhelmed by emotion that they are unable to think clearly.
trivial
something of little importance or value. It’s often used to describe things that are insignificant, petty, or commonplace.
Monotonous
tediously uniform or unvarying. It implies a lack of variety or excitement, often leading to boredom.
Engrossed
completely focused or absorbed in something. It implies a deep level of concentration and attention.
Adamant
immovable or unyielding. It describes someone who is determined to do something and refuses to change their mind, no matter what.
Conspicuous
easily seen or noticed; attracting attention. It often implies something that stands out or is very noticeable.
Pogrom
a violent riot or massacre against a specific ethnic or religious group, often targeting Jews. The term originated in Russia and was used to describe attacks on Jewish communities in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Ingenuity
the quality of being clever, original, and inventive. It’s the ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to problems.
Orthodox
adhering to traditional or established beliefs, especially in religion. It can also refer to something that conforms to established doctrine or practice.
Melancholy
a feeling of pensive sadness, often tinged with nostalgia. It’s a deeper, more sustained sadness than simple sadness.
incoherent
not clear or logical. It can refer to speech, writing, or thought that is disorganized and difficult to understand.
incessant
continuing without interruption; unending; ceaseless. It implies something that goes on and on, often in an annoying or tiresome way.
Ludicrous
something that is so absurd or ridiculous that it is laughable. It’s often used to describe ideas, suggestions, or actions that are clearly unreasonable or foolish.
Reluctance
an unwillingness or hesitation to do something. It implies a feeling of hesitation or resistance.
nuisance
something or someone that is annoying, unpleasant, or bothersome. It can refer to a person, a thing, or a situation that causes irritation or inconvenience.
Inconceivable
something that is impossible to imagine or believe. It’s something that is so unlikely or extraordinary that it seems impossib
Industrious
diligent and hard-working. It describes someone who is consistently active and dedicated to their tasks.
Exasperating
means extremely annoying or frustrating. It describes something or someone that irritates you to a great extent.
