Meaning of Words Flashcards
Metaphor
Making a comparison of two or more things without using the words “like” or “as.” ex- Life is a bowl of cherries.
Semantic Mapping
a form of scaffolding which helps students to develop connections among words. ex- Semantic maps have a variety of formats. In one method, students write an example, a non-example, a synonym, and an antonym.
Homographs
words that have the same spelling as another word but have different meaning. ex- tired meaning fatigue (verb); tire meaning a rubber cushion that fits around a wheel of an automobile (noun)
Analogies
are used to compare two things that are usually thought of as different but have something in common. ex- hand is to glove as foot is to sock
Semantics
The study of word or symbol meaning. ex- “love” which has many different meanings in English
Literal vs figurative meaning of “Raining cats and dogs”
Simile
Making a comparison of two or more things including the use of the words “like” or “as.” ex- My brother was as strong as an ox.
Oxymoron
Using contradictory terms in conjunction with each other. ex- Walking dead or disgustingly delicious
Onomatopoeia
Using words that make the sound of what the text is describing. ex-
The buzzing bee flew into the room.
Synonyms
words with the same or a similar meaning. ex- angry/mad/furious; bad/evil/immoral/tainted; and fast/quick/rapid.
Idiom
a phrase or expression that does not mean the same as the literal words. ex-“Break a leg” “back to the drawing board” “spill the beans”
Hyperbole
To exaggerate or overstate something that is being described. ex-
Some of my clothes seem as old as the hills.
Symbolism
When an item stands for an idea or larger meaning. Usually used throughout a piece of literature. ex-
dove = peace, red rose = love and romance
Personification
Giving human traits to inanimate, non-living objects. ex- The stars seemed to dance in the glow of the moon.
Figurative Language
A word or phrase that does not have its normal everyday, literal meaning. ex- hyperbole: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!
Antonyms
words with the opposite meanings. ex- hot/cold; and big/little
Analogy
comparisons between two things, often to drive home a point. ex- “That’s as useful as rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic”
Denotative Meaning
a literal, dictionary meaning of a word
Homophones
words that are pronounced the same as another word but have a different meaning and may be spelled differently. ex- carat, carrot, caret: to, too, two
Irony
an incongruity between what the reader expects the author to mean and what they actually mean
Context Clues / Contextual Analysis
using the words before and after an unknown word to determine its meaning. ex- It was a beautiful day that made it idyllic for swimming.
Connotation
the implied meaning of a word; the feeling a word conveys. ex- Describing a person as “shrewd” may make them feel negatively, even though the definition (sharp-witted, intelligent) is positive.
Alliteration
A sentence or phrase in which most of the beginning letters or sounds begin with the same consonant sound. ex- Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
