Linguistic devices Flashcards
Denotation
The literal or primary meaning of a word
Connotation
An idea or feeling associated with a word in addition to its primary meaning
Semantic field
A set of words grouped by meaning that refers to a specific subject
Metaphor
A figure of speech which describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true, but helps make a comparison
Simile
A figure of speech used to make a comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’
Personification
The application of human traits or qualities to an inanimate object
Onomatopoeia
A word that imitates the sound of the thing it is describing
Triplet
A set of three of the same, or similar, words or phrases
Juxtaposition
Placing two opposing ideas or words side by side to create a comparison
Sibilance
A specific for of alliteration using repetition of the s sound
Direct address
Using language to make it seem as if the reader is being spoken to directly
Sensory language
Language connected to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)
Symbol
An object or action that represents another, greater idea
