Vocab #2 Flashcards
Connotation (noun) (connotations, connotative, connotatively, connote)
An idea or feeling that a word invoked in addition to its literal or primary meaning; meaning of the word that can only be described by the emotional associations it evokes in the listener.
Nuance, undertone
Denotation (noun) (denotations, denotative, denotatively, denote)
The literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests; meaning of the word is independent from cultural or situational context.
Definition, meaning
Euphemism (noun) (euphemisms, euphemistic, euphemize)
A mild or indirect word or expression that do not call direct attention to the actual nature of the situation at hand being substituted in for one considered to be harsh or blunt to cover up an unpleasant reality.
Underplaying, understatement
Diatribe (noun) (diatribes)
A forceful and bitter verbal attack or piece of writing against someone or something; prolonged discourse, abusive or bitter opinion piece, or satirical or ironic criticism.
Tirade, harangue
Calamitous (adj.) (calamity, calamities, calamitously)
Being, causing, or accompanying catastrophe or disaster.
Cataclysmic, grievous
Degeneration (noun) (degenerations, degenerate, degenerative)
The state or process of being or becoming worse
Debasement, retrogression
Debutant (noun) (debutants)
A person making a first appearance in a career or in fashionable society.
N/A
Semantics (noun) (semantic, semanticist)
The branch of linguistics and logic concerned with meaning; meaning of a word, phrase, sentence, or text.
Definition, interpretation
Exigence (noun)
The moment or event that motivates someone to write or to speak about a specific issue, problem, or situation.
Imagery (noun)
The use of figurative language to convey and represent ideas, objects, character types, and actions in order to appeal to our physical senses; enhances the vividness of writing.
Diction (noun)
The linguistic choices a writer makes to effectively convey an idea, a point of view, or tell a story.
Hyperbole (noun) (hyperbole, hyperbolic)
Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Embellishment, overstatement
Flaunt (verb) (flaunts, flaunted, flaunting)
Display (something) ostentatiously, especially in order to provoke envy or admiration or to show defiance.
Parade, brandish
Garner (verb) (garners, garnered, garnering)
Gather or collect (something, especially information or approval)
Accumulate, amass
Enumerate (verb) (enumerates, enumerated, enumerating)
Mention (a number of things) one by one.
Itemize, list
