English Key Words Flashcards

1
Q

metaphor

A

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.

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2
Q

simile

A

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.

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3
Q

Point of view - POV

A

Your perspective on the situation.

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4
Q

setting

A

setting is the time and place where a story takes place

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5
Q

symbolism

A

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.

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6
Q

theme

A

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.

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7
Q

structure

A

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.

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8
Q

Alliteration

A

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.

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9
Q

Allusion

A

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.

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10
Q

Personification

A

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.

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11
Q

Detestable

A

deserving to be intensely disliked; abominable; hateful. It’s a strong word used to describe something or someone that is truly repulsive or offensive.

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12
Q

Obnoxious

A

extremely unpleasant or offensive. Someone who is obnoxious is often loud, rude, or irritating.

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13
Q

Distraught

A

eeply upset and agitated. Someone who is distraught is often so overwhelmed by emotion that they are unable to think clearly.

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14
Q

trivial

A

something of little importance or value. It’s often used to describe things that are insignificant, petty, or commonplace.

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15
Q

Monotonous

A

tediously uniform or unvarying. It implies a lack of variety or excitement, often leading to boredom.

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16
Q

Engrossed

A

completely focused or absorbed in something. It implies a deep level of concentration and attention.

17
Q

Adamant

A

immovable or unyielding. It describes someone who is determined to do something and refuses to change their mind, no matter what.

18
Q

Conspicuous

A

easily seen or noticed; attracting attention. It often implies something that stands out or is very noticeable.

19
Q

Pogrom

A

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.

20
Q

Ingenuity

A

the quality of being clever, original, and inventive. It’s the ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to problems.

21
Q

Orthodox

A

adhering to traditional or established beliefs, especially in religion. It can also refer to something that conforms to established doctrine or practice.

22
Q

Melancholy

A

a feeling of pensive sadness, often tinged with nostalgia. It’s a deeper, more sustained sadness than simple sadness.

23
Q

incoherent

A

not clear or logical. It can refer to speech, writing, or thought that is disorganized and difficult to understand.

24
Q

incessant

A

continuing without interruption; unending; ceaseless. It implies something that goes on and on, often in an annoying or tiresome way.

25
Q

Ludicrous

A

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.

26
Q

Reluctance

A

an unwillingness or hesitation to do something. It implies a feeling of hesitation or resistance.

27
Q

nuisance

A

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.

28
Q

Inconceivable

A

something that is impossible to imagine or believe. It’s something that is so unlikely or extraordinary that it seems impossib

29
Q

Industrious

A

diligent and hard-working. It describes someone who is consistently active and dedicated to their tasks.

30
Q

Exasperating

A

means extremely annoying or frustrating. It describes something or someone that irritates you to a great extent.