Words of the week #1 Flashcards
refers to language that describes concepts rather than the concrete images (Ideas and qualities rather than observable or specific things, people, or places). The observable or “physical” is usually described in concrete language
Abstract
In an argument, this is an attack on the person rather than on the opponent’s ideas. It comes from the Latin meaning “against the man”.
Ad Hominem
an extended narrative in prose or verse in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract qualities and in which the writer intends a second meaning to be read beneath the surface of the story ; the underlying meaning may be moral, religious, political, social, or satiric.
Allegory
repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words that are close to one another: Micky Mouse; Donald Duck.
Alliteration
a reference to a well known person, place, or thing from literature, history, etc. Ex. Eden
Allusion
Comparison of two similar but different things, usually to clarify an action or a relationship, such as comparing the work of a heart to that of a pump. An analogy is a comparison to a directly parallel case.
Analogy
Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences in a row. This is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer’s point more coherent. (Ex. “There was the delight I caught in seeing long straight rows. There was the faint, cool kiss of sensuality, There was the vague sense of the infinite…”)
Anaphora
a short, simple narrative of an incident; often used for humorous effect or to make a point.
Anecdote
Explanatory notes added to a text to explain, cite sources, or give bibliographical data.
Annotation
the presentation of two contrasting images, The ideas are balanced by word, phrase, clause, or paragraphs. “To be or not to be…”
Antithesis
a short, often witty statement of a principal or a truth about life “Early bird gets the worm”
Aphorism
usually in poetry but sometimes in prose; the device of calling out to an imaginary, dead, or absent person, or to a place, thing, or personified abstraction
Apostrophe
use of an older or obsolete form.
Archaism
writing that attempts to prove the validity of a point of view or an idea by presenting examples.
Argumentation
repetition of vowel sounds between different consonants, such as in neigh/fade
Assonance
harsh, awkward, or dissonant sounds used deliberately in poetry or prose; the opposite of euphony.
Cacophony
a word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing (y’all, ain’t).
Colloquialism
quality of a piece of writing which all of the parts contribute to the development of the central idea, theme, or organizing principal.
Coherence
language that describes specific, observable things, people, or places, rather than ideas or qualities
Concrete language
implied or suggested meaning of a word because of its association in the reader’s mind.
Connotation
repetition of identical consonants sounds within two or more words in close proximity, as in boost/best; it can also be seen within several compound words, such as fulfill and ping-pong.
Consonance
the process of moving from general rule to specific example
Deduction
literal meaning of a word as defined
Denotation
the picturing in words of something or someone through detailed observation of color, motion, sound, taste, smell, and touch; one of the four modes or discourse.
Description
word choice, an element of style; diction creates tone, attitude, and style, as well as meaning. Different types and arrangements of words have significant effects on meaning. An essay written in academic diction would be much less colorful, but perhaps more precise than street slang.
Diction
