Style Elements Flashcards
allusion
brief reference to a well known work of a person, event, place (real or fiction), or to a work of art
ambiguity
use of uncertain or unclear language
analogy
comparison between two seemingly dissimilar things. It often uses something simple or familiar to explain something complex
anaphora
repetition of word or phrases at the beginning of successive phrase, lines, or clauses
anecdote
brief story used to illustrate a point or claim
antecedent
word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun
antithesis
opposition, or contrast of ideas or words in parallel construction
archaic diction
old fashioned or outdated choice of words
coherence
use of logical and consistent language and syntax
colloquial
informal, non-academic, slang language
connotation
meanings or associations that readers have to a word beyond it’s literal meaning
denotation
literal, dictionary meaning of a word, excludes emotions or feelings that a word suggests
euphemism
milder version of a word or phrase substituted in place of one considered to be too harsh or unpleasant
figurative language
nonliteral language, sometimes referred to as a trope or metaphorical language to evoke strong imagery. Ex) simile, metaphor, personification, paradox, hyperbole, metonymy, synecdoche, irony, ect.
hyperbole
deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to produce a comic or ironic effect, an overstatement
irony
figure of speech that occurs when a speaker or character says or does one thing but means something else or the opposite
metaphor
compares two things using a “be” verb. Direct comparison
juxtaposition
placement of two things closely together to emphasize similarities or differences
paradox
paradox of two seemingly contradicting things on the surface, but delivers an ironic truth. Think use of words or phrases to create a sound effect
parallel structure
similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses
personification
attribution of a lifelike qualities to an inanimate object
POV
perspective in which the piece is told from. First, second, or third person
rhetoric
way of persuading an audience
onomatopoeia
words that imitate sounds