Vocab Flashcards
Allegory
noun
a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
Alliteration
noun
the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
Allusion
noun
an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.
Ambiguity
noun
uncertainty or inexactness of meaning in language.
Analogy
noun
a comparison between two things, typically on the basis of their structure and for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
Antecedent
noun
a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another.
Antithesis
noun
a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.
Aphorism
noun
a pithy observation that contains a general truth, like “actions speak louder than words”.
Apostrophe
noun
a punctuation mark ( ’ ) used to indicate either possession or the omission of letters or numbers.
Atmosphere
noun
the envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet.
Caricature
noun
a picture, description, or imitation of a person or thing in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated in order to create a comic or grotesque effect.
Clause
noun
a unit of grammatical organization next below the sentence in rank and in traditional grammar said to consist of a subject and predicate.
Colloquial
adjective
used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.
Conceit
noun
excessive pride in oneself.
Connotation
noun
an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.
Denotation
noun
the literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests.
Diction
noun
the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.
Didactic
adjective
intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.
Euphemism
noun
a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
Extended Metaphor
a.k.a. a sustained metaphor, is when an author of a poem or book exploits a metaphor throughout the length of the said poem or book.
Figurative Language
the use of figures of speech to be more effective in expression and persuasion.
Figure of Speech
a word or phrase used in a non-literal sense to add rhetorical force to a spoken or written passage.
Generic Conventions
characterization due to particular style and/or genre.
Genre
noun
a category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.
Homily
noun
a religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction; a sermon.
Imagery
noun
visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work.
Implication
noun
the conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly stated.
Inference/infer
noun
a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
Invective
noun
insulting, abusive, or highly critical language.
Irony/ironical (verbal, situational, dramatic)
noun
the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result.
a literary technique, originally used in Greek tragedy, by which the full significance of a character’s words or actions are clear to the audience or reader although unknown to the character.
