Vocab Flashcards
abstract
refers to language that describes concepts rather than concrete images
ad hominem
a fallacy of argument in which a writer’s claim is answered by irrelevant attacks on his or her character
ad populum
this fallacy occurs when evidence boils down to “everybody’s doing it, so it must be a good thing to do.”
allegory
The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning.The allegorical meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence.
reveal a hidden meaning
alliteration
The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in “she sells sea shells”).
allusion
A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical.
ambiguity
The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.
analogy
similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An analogy can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. Analogies can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging.
anaphora
a figure of speech involving repetition, particularly of the same word at the beginning of several clauses
anecdote
a brief story used to illustrate a point or claim
antagonist
a person or force which opposes the protagonist
antecedent
the word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun
anti hero
a notable figure in a story who lacks in heroic qualities (courage, physical prowess and fortitude), generally feel helpless in a world over which they have no control
antimetabole
repetition of words in reverse order
antithesis
the opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite. Ex: “It was the best of time, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” (Dickens).
aphorism
A short statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author’s point.
apology
a defense is the framework for a discussion
apostrophe
A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot answer. The effect may add familiarity or emotional intensity.
Logos
appeals to logic, use of facts, science statistics
Pathos
appeals to emotion; stimulates pity, sorrow, etc.
Ethos
appeal of text to credibility and character of the writer
