AP Vocabulary 41-60

Question 1

adage

Answer 1

short, pointed and memorable saying based on facts, and is considered a veritable truth by majority of people. Famous adages become popular due to their usage over a long period of time. In fact, an adage expresses a general fact or truth about life. As it becomes popular, it is then accepted as a universal truth.

Question 2

pedantic

Answer 2

french word that means “to teach or act as pedagogue.” A pedantic is someone who is concerned with precision, formalism, accuracy, minute details in order to make an arrogant and ostentatious show of learning.

Question 3

flippant

Answer 3

lacking proper respect or seriousness. This is often associated with the impatience of youth. Here are some examples:

• synonyms: wisass / smart-ass
• antonyms: earnest/ sincere
• related words: cocky/ sassy/ disrespectful

Question 4

evocative

Answer 4

use of language that “suggest” meanings other than the denotative. Language that connects with emotions or feelings not associated with the actual meaning of a word.

Question 5

syntactical inversion

Answer 5

aka anastrophe, in literary style and rhetoric, the syntactic reversal of the normal order of the words and phrases in a sentence, as, in English, the placing of an adjective after the noun it modifies (“the form divine”), a verb before its subject (“came the down”)

Question 6

apposition

Answer 6

grammatical construction in which two elements, normally noun phrases, are placed side by side, with one element serving to identify the other in a different way. The two elements are said to be in apposition.

Question 7

didactic

Answer 7

frequently used for those literary texts which overload with informative or realistic matter and are marked by the omission of graceful and pleasing details. Didactic, therefore, becomes a derogatory term referring to the forms of literature that are ostentatiously dull and erudite. However, some literary texts are entertaining as well as didactic.

Question 8

conceit

Answer 8

figure of speech in which two vastly different objects re linked together with the help of similes or metaphors. Thus, conceit can have a surprising or shocking effect on the readers because they are novel comparisons unlike the conventional comparisons made in similes and metaphors.

Question 9

periodic sentence

Answer 9

has the main clause or predicate at the end. This is used for emphasis and can be persuasive by putting reasons for something at the beginning before the final point is made. It can also create suspense or interest for the reader. Here are some examples for reference. Consider what the strength of this type of sentence may be.
in spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued

Question 10

paradox

Answer 10

statement that appears to be self-contradicting or silly but may include a latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional ideas. A paradox is often used to make a reader think over an idea or another way.
all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.

Question 11

irony

Answer 11

figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is a different one from the actual meaning of the words. It may also be a situation that may end up in quite a different way than what is generally anticipated. In simple words, it is a difference between the appearance and the reality.

Question 12

parenthesis

Answer 12

stylistic device that comes from a Greek word, meaning to place or alongside. Parenthesis is a qualifying or explanatory sentence, clause or word that writers insert into a paragraph or passage.

Question 13

sardonic

Answer 13

grimy, mocking, sarcastic, satirical, mocking in a humorous manner. This is one of those “TONE” words that descries writing that fits meaning.

Question 14

satire

Answer 14

technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society by using humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule. It intends to improve humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles.

Question 15

polemical

Answer 15

relating to or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech. “a polemical essay” can be any of the following :
critical, hostile, bitter, sarcastic, devastating

Question 16

ambiguity

Answer 16

aka fallacy of ambiguity is a word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning. Skilled writers use ambiguity with a purpose and intent.

Question 17

archetype

Answer 17

aka a universal symbol, may be a character, theme, symbol, or even a setting. Many literary critics are of the opinion that archetypes, which have a common and recurring representation in a particular human culture or entire human race, shape the structure and function of literary work.

Question 18

function of archetype

Answer 18

use of archetypical characters and situations gives a literary work a universal acceptance, as readers identify the characters and situations in their social and cultural context

Question 19

tragic flaw

Answer 19

literary device that can be defined as a trait in a character leading to his downfall and the character is often the hero of the literary piece. This trait could be lack of self-knowledge, lack of judgement, and often it is pride.

Question 20

assertion

Answer 20

when someone makes a statement investing his strong belief in it, as if it is true though it may not be, he is making an assertion. Assertion is a stylistic approach or technique involving a strong declaration, forceful or confident and positive statement regarding a belief or fact.