Figurative Language and Other Terms Related to a Writer or Speaker's Use of Words Flashcards
Literal or Denotative Meaning
The meaning (definition of a term) commonly agreed on or found in a dictionary
Colloquialism
Informal language that is usually tied to a region or nation
Slang
Informal words or phrases that have a particular shared meaning within a social group. More common in speaking than writing.
Diction
An author’s word choice, particularly as it relates to the emotional effect on the audience.
-Vocabulary and patterns of expression
imagery
words or phrases that evoke the 5 senses
connotative meaning
An implied non-literal meaning of a word or phrase.
(referring to high-school students as children)
Figurative language/ Figures of speech
a literary of linguistic device that language is used in an unusual or non literal way to produce a stylistic or rhetorical effect.
Allusion
a reference to another text that the reader is already familiar with. (the bible)
Sarcasm
using a meaning other than the literal meaning of a work or phrases to mock or amuse someone.
metaphor
making an implied comparison without using “like” or “as.”
simile
comparing two things using the words “like” or “as.”
Hyperbole
an intentional or wild exaggeration
Understatement
An intentional and sarcastic minimizing of something to make a point.
personification
giving human qualities to a nonhuman thing.
euphemism
using a less offensive substitute for an unpleasant or harsh literal word or phrase. the “nice” or more polite way of saying something
pun
a play on words for humour. Usually takes advantage of Words having more than one meaning.
double entendre
a word or phrase that has two meanings with one that is risque or off-color. Usually used as a way to sneak in references to sex or potty jokes.
idiom
non-literal turns of a phrase (expressions) that are commonly used in language.
aphorisms
a well-known saying that expresses an accepted truth or moral.
