Glossary Of Terms Flashcards
Alliteration
The repetition of sounds, usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words
Allegory
The device if using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to literal meaning. In some allegories, for example, an author may intend the characters to personify an abstraction like hope or freedom. The allegorical meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence.
Allusion
A direct/indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, etc.
Ambiguity
Multiple meanings of a word, sentence, phrase, or passage
Analogy
A similarity or comparison b/w 2 different things or the relationship b/w them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it w/ or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar.
Antecedent
The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.
Aphorism
A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (A memorable summation of the author’s point)
Apostrophe
A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or an imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. An address to someone or something that cannot answer.
Clause
A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent cannot.
Colloquial/colloquialism
The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Conversational, familiar tone
Conceit
A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy b/w seemingly dissimilar objects.
Connotation
The nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied suggesting meaning
