Glossary #1 Flashcards
Definition - The subject of the sentence performs the action. This is a more direct and preferred style of writing in most cases.
Active Voice
Example - “Anthony drove while Toni searched for the house.”
Active Voice
Non-example - “The car was driven by Anthony”
Active Voice
Impact - This device is used to bring life into writing, as opposed to the overuse of its opposite, which can result in lifeless writing.
Active Voice
Definition - An indirect reference to something (usually a literary text, although it can be other things commonly known, such as plays, songs, historical events) with which the reader is supposed to be familiar.
Allusion
Example - “Stephen Nedoroscik is the Clark Kent of the men’s gymnastic team.”
Allusion
Impact - This device familiarizes and gives an idea of an unknown or uncertain concept by relating it to a well-known one.
Allusion
Definition - A brief recounting of a relevant episode. Are often inserted into fictional or non-fictional texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor.
Anecdote
Example - “Yesterday, I was walking through the forest by my house and saw a baby bear.”
Anecdote
Impact - Developing a point or injecting humor.
Anecdote
Definition - The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.
Antecedent
Example - “If I could command the wealth of all the world by lifting my finger, I would not pay such a price for it. (the device would be “the wealth of all the world”
Antecedent
Definition - Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world; sticks to traditional themes and structures.
Classicism
Example - “Les Miserables” is an example of a novel characterized under ______.
Classicism
Definition - When a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story, in order to lighten the mood somewhat.
Comic Relief
Example - Scenes with Timone and Pumba in The Lion King
Comic Relief
Impact - It is commonly inserted in a serious story to lighten the mood.
Comic Relief
Definition - Word choice, particularly as an element of style.
Diction
Definition - Ordinary or familiar type of conversation.
Colloquial
Example - “ain’t”
Colloquial
Impact - This device makes writing more informal and approachable.
Colloquial
Definition - Rather than the dictionary definition (denotation), the associations suggested by a word. Implied meaning rather than literal meaning.
Connotation
Definition - The literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations.
Denotation
Definition - The diction used by a group which practices a similar profession or activity.
Jargon
Example - Lawyer: “Hearsay”
Jargon
Impact - This device can create a sense of precision in language, especially in a specific field or group.
Jargon
Definition - 1. Language or dialect of a particular country. 2. Language or dialect of a regional clan or group. 3. Plain everyday speech
Vernacular
Definition - A term used to describe fiction, nonfiction or poetry that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.
Didactic
Example - Passages within the Bible that teach moral lessons
Didactic
Definition - A folk saying with a lesson.
Adage
Example - “A rolling stone gathers no moss.”
Adage
Impact - This device leaves the reader with an important message.
Adage
Definition - A story, fictional or non fictional, in which characters, things, and events represent qualities or concepts.
Allegory
Example - Animal Farm, by George Orwell
Allegory
Impact - This device is meant to reveal an abstraction or truth through symbolism.
Allegory
Definition - A terse statement which expresses a general truth or moral principle.
Aphorism
Example - “God helps them that help themselves,” (Poor Richard’s Almanac)
Aphorism
Impact - This device expresses a lesson or principle in a concise manner.
Aphorism
Definition - The deliberate omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author.
Ellipsis
Example - “The whole day, rain, torrents of rain.”
Ellipsis
Impact - This device can help express thought and add variety to the structure of a text through omission and simplicity.
Ellipsis
Definition - A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts. Sometimes they are used for political correctness.
Euphemism
Example - “Vertically challenged” in place of “short.”
Euphemism
Impact - This device can also be used to exaggerate correctness, add humor, or to express political correctness.
Euphemism
Definition - The opposite of “Literal Language.” Writing that is not meant to be taken literally.
Figurative Language
Definition - A comparison of one pair of variables to a parallel set of variables.
Analogy
Example - “America is to the world as the hippo is to the jungle.”
Analogy
Impact - This device increases the understanding of the relationship between two words through comparison.
Analogy
Definition - Exaggeration.
Hyperbole
Example - “My mother will kill me if I am late.”
Hyperbole
Impact - Can be used to emphasize and heighten feeling, as well as create humor.
Hyperbole
Definition - A common, often used expression that doesn’t make sense if you take it literally.
Idiom
Example - “I got chewed out by my coach.”
Idiom
Impact - This device allows for an expressive way of describing ideas, and can add humor and wit to writing.
Idiom
Definition - Making an implied comparison, not using “like,” as,” or other such words.
Metaphor
Example - “My feet are popsicles.”
Metaphor
Impact - Enhances sensory aspects of writing and the understanding of a concept through indirect comparison.
Metaphor
Non-example - “My feet are like popsicles.”
Metaphor
Definition - Replacing an actual word or idea, with a related word or concept.
Metonymy
Example -“Relations between London and Washington have been strained,”
Metonymy
Impact - This device allows for creativity when stating a subject through substitution. This can add to the imagery and complexity of the phrase.
Metonymy
Definition - A kind of metonymy when a whole is represented by naming one of its parts, or vice versa.
Synecdoche
Example - “Check out my new wheels.”
Synecdoche
Impact - This device can add a casual tone to writing, especially in dialogue.
Synecdoche
Definition - Using words such as “like” or “as” to make a direct comparison between two very different things.
Simile
Example - “My feet are so cold they feel like popsicles.”
Simile
Non-example - “My feet are popsicles.”
Simile
Impact - Enhances sensory aspects of writing and the understanding of a concept through direct comparison.
Simile
Definition - Description involving a “crossing of the senses.”
Synesthesia
Example - “A purplish scent filled the room.”
Synesthesia
Impact - This device enhances the description of a sensation, feeling, or action, and adds imagery.
Synesthesia
Definition - Giving human-like qualities to something that is not human.
Personification
Example - “The tired old truck groaned as it inched up the hill.”
Personification
Impact - This device can enhance the description of an object and engage readers with it.
Personification
