English Terminology Flashcards
Allusion
When a reference is made to a text, event, person or place. By alluding to one of these, the writer relies on the reader’s contextual knowledge.
Analogy
When two unrelated objects are compared for their shared qualities so as to make a rational argument.
Anaphora
The repetition of the same word or phrase in a succession of phrases or sentences.
Aposiopesis
When a sentence is purposefully left incomplete or cut off. It’s caused by an inability or unwillingness to continue speaking. This allows the ending to be filled in by the reader’s imagination.
Colloquialism
A kind of expression of grammar that is associated with ordinary, everyday speech rather than formal language.
Conjunction
Words used to connect words, phrases and clauses. A contrasting conjunction (such as ‘but’) can indicate a tonal shift, especially if it is at the start of a sentence.
Connotation
A word’s connotation is the aura of emotion that is associated with the word through personal experience. Essentially, its what you think or feel when someone says that word.
Detonation
The literal, factual meaning of a word.
Diction
Word choice
Direct Speech
Also known as dialogue. Its opposite would be indirect speech where the writer summarises what the character says for the reader.
Double Entendre
Something that has two meanings on purpose, one that typically has sexual connotations. It is similar to a pun, but does not have to be sexual.
Ellipsis
Three full stops to indicate an omission of information or trailing off in the middle of saying something.
Epistrophe
The opposite of anaphora - where a certain phrase or words is repeated at the end of sentences that follow each other. This creates rhythm while emphasising the repeated phrase.
Expletive
Swear words
Euphemism
A word or phrase that makes something sound better than it actually is.
