#1-100 Flashcards
Abstract
Existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment
Ad hominem
A flawed argument that attacks the person rather than the position they are maintaining
Ad populem
A flawed argument that concludes that a claim is true because many or most people believe it (similar to bandwagon appeal)
Allegory
An expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances; an extended metaphor
Allusion
A passing reference or indirect mention
Ambiguity
Unclearness by virtue of having more than one meaning; an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its context
Analogy
Drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect
Anaphora
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive claims to achieve effect
Anecdote
Short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)
Antagonist
Someone who offers opposition
Aphorism
A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle, can be a memorable summation of the author’s point
Apostrophe
Figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified object such as liberty or love
Archetype
An original model on which something is patterned
Argumentation
The action or process of reasoning systematically in support of an idea, action, or theory
Atmosphere
The emotional nod created by the entirety of a work established partly by the setting and the author’s style
Attitude
The writer’s feelings toward his subject matter, revealed through diction, figurative language, and organization
Begging the question
A flawed argument where someone attempts to prove a proposition based on a premise that itself requires proof
Casual relationship
When one factor or variable in a specific circumstance has a direct influence on another
Characterization
The act of describing distinctive characteristics or essential features; a graphic or vivid verbal description
Claim
An assertion of the truth of something, typically one that is disputed or in doubt
Cliché
A phrase or opinion that is overused and displays a lack of original thought
Climax
The decisive moment in a novel or play, the turning point in a story or piece of literary work
Coherence
The quality of being logical and consistent by forming of a unified whole
Colloquialism
The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing, not generally accepted for formal writing
Comparison/contrast
To look at the differences and the similarities between two things
Concrete
Capable of being perceived by the senses; not abstract or imaginary
Conflict
An open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)
Conclusion
The end or finish of a piece, an event, a process, or a judgement reached through reasoning
Connotation
An idea that that is implied or suggested; what you must know in order to determine the references of an expression
Description
A spoken or written representation or account of a person, object, or event
Denotation
The most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression
Denouement
The final resolution of the main complication of a literary or dramatic work; the outcome of a complex sequence of events
Dialect
The usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people
Diction
The manner in which something is expressed in words; the articulation of speech regarded from the point of view of its intelligibility to the audience
Dramatic irony
When the audience knows something that the characters don’t
Emphasis
Special importance, value, or prominence given to something or stress laid on a word or words to indicate special meaning or particular importance
Epic
A long narrative poem telling of a hero’s deeds
Ethos
Rhetorical appeal when the author/speaker uses their beliefs, ideals, or credibility to gain the support of their audience
Euphemism
A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing
Evidence
The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief of proposition is true or valid