Literary Terms A-F Deck

Question 0

Alliteration

Answer 0

The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words

Question 1

Allegory

Answer 1

Device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstract in addition to the literal meaning

Question 2

Allusion

Answer 2

A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art

Question 3

Ambiguity

Answer 3

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage

Question 4

Analogy

Answer 4

A comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it. It aims at explaining that idea or thing by comparing it to something that is familiar. Metaphors and similes are tools used to draw an analogy. Therefore, analogy is more extensive and elaborate than either a simile or a metaphor.

Question 5

Anaphora

Answer 5

The opposite of epistrophe and means the repetition of the same phrase or word at the beginning of successive sentences.

Question 6

Anecdote

Answer 6

A short and interesting story or an amusing event often proposed to support or demonstrate some point and make readers and listeners laugh. Anecdotes can include a extensive range of tales and stories. In fact, it is a short description or an account of any event that makes the readers laugh or brood over the topic presented for the purpose.

Question 7

Antecedent

Answer 7

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun

Question 8

Antithesis

Answer 8

literal meaning opposite, is a rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are out together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect. Antithesis emphasizes the idea of contrast by parallel structures of the contrasted phrases or clauses. The structures of phrases and clauses are similar in order to draw the attention of the listeners or readers.

Question 9

Aphorism

Answer 9

A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle

Question 10

Apostrophe

Answer 10

A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love

Question 11

Asyndeton

Answer 11

Derived from a Greek word asyndeton which means unconnected. It is a stylistic device used to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in the sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. Asyndeton helps in speeding up the rhythm of words.

Question 12

Clause

Answer 12

A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb

Question 13

Colloquial

Answer 13

The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing

Question 14

Conceit

Answer 14

A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or a surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects

Question 15

Connotation

Answer 15

The non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied suggestive meaning

Question 16

Denotation

Answer 16

The strict, literal dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color

Question 17

Diction

Answer 17

Referring to style, diction refers to the writer’s word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, cleanness, or effectiveness

Question 18

Didact

Answer 18

From the Greek, literally meaning “teaching”

Question 19

Epistrophe

Answer 19

Derived from a Greek word that means turning upon, which indicates the same word returns at the end of each sentence.

Question 20

Ethos

Answer 20

the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations

Question 21

Euphemism

Answer 21

From the Greek for “good speech”, a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept

Question 22

Extended Metaphor

Answer 22

A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work

Question 23

Figurative Language

Answer 23

Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literally meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid

Question 24

Figure of speech

Answer 24

A device used to produce figurative language