Word Choice

Question 1

Denotation

Answer 1

The dictionary definition of a word.

Question 2

Connotation

Answer 2

The emotional associations evoked by a word.

Question 3

Double Entendre

Answer 3

When a word/phrase has a secondary meaning.

Question 4

Euphemism

Answer 4

To use an inoffensive or more socially acceptable word for something that could be inappropriate or offensive to some.

Question 5

Malapropism

Answer 5

When one word is mistakenly substituted for another that sounds similar.

Question 6

Pun

Answer 6

A play on words that relies on the word’s having more than one meaning or sounding like another word.

Question 7

Figures of Speech

Answer 7

A word or phrase not meant to be taken literally.

Question 8

Simile

Answer 8

Comparing two unlike things using a connective (e.g. like, as, resembles).

Question 9

Metaphor

Answer 9

Comparing two unlike things directly.

Question 10

Implied Metaphor

Answer 10

A metaphoric comparison in which the terms being compared are not specifically being explained.

Question 11

Extended Metaphor

Answer 11

A sustained comparison in which part or all of a work contains a series of related metaphors.

Question 12

Controlling Metaphor

Answer 12

When the metaphor runs through an entire work and determines the form or nature of that work.

Question 13

Personification

Answer 13

Giving human qualities to objects, animals, plants or ideas.

Question 14

Apostrophe

Answer 14

A direct address to someone who is not present (e.g. a deity, muse or other power).

Question 15

Hyperbole (Overstatement)

Answer 15

Deliberate exaggeration.

Question 16

Understatement

Answer 16

Deliberately saying less than is intended.

Question 17

Paradox (Oxymoron)

Answer 17

A statement that seems self-contradictory on the surface, but upon closer examination may reveal an underlying truth.

Question 18

Synecdoche

Answer 18

When a part of something is used to represent the whole.

Question 19

Metonymy

Answer 19

When something closely associated with a subject is used to represent the subject.

Question 20

Imagery

Answer 20

Details that appeal to the senses; they trigger the imagination to form mental pictures.

Question 21

Onomatopoeia (Aural Imagery)

Answer 21

Words that sound like the sound they represent.

Question 22

Anaphora

Answer 22

The deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of several successive poetic lines, prose sentences, clauses or sentences.

Question 23

Epistrophe

Answer 23

The ending of a series of lines, phrases, clauses or sentences with the same word or words.

Question 24

Ploce

Answer 24

Repeating a line within the same line or clause.

Question 25

Refrain

Answer 25

A line, part of a line or group of lines repeated in the course of a poem, sometimes with slight changes.

Question 26

Language Registers

Answer 26

Language use for a particular purpose or a particular social setting.

Question 27

Frozen (Static)

Answer 27

Language that remains fixed or unchanged; often used for formal recitations; utilizes formal diction.

Question 28

Formal Diction

Answer 28

Dignified, impersonal, elevated language that follows the rules of syntax exactly and is characterized by complex word choice and loft tone.

Question 29

Formal (Academic)

Answer 29

Language used in formal settings for one way communication; utilizes formal diction.

Question 30

Consultative

Answer 30

Language used in standard two-way communication; utilizes middle diction.

Question 31

Middle Diction

Answer 31

Maintains correct language use, but is less elevated than formal diction.

Question 32

Casual

Answer 32

Language used in informal conversation between peers and friends; utilizes informal diction.

Question 33

Informal Diction

Answer 33

The plain language of everyday use which may include idioms, colloquialisms, slang and contradictions.

Question 34

Intimate

Answer 34

Language reserved for private communications; language where intonation is more important than diction or syntax and where private vocabulary and non-verbal communication is used.

Question 35

Detail

Answer 35

Literal or factual description.

Question 36

Allusion

Answer 36

An indirect reference, often to a person, event, statement, theme or work.

Question 37

Diction

Answer 37

Word Choice. (Single words of strong connotative power).