AP Glossary Flashcards
Active Voice
The subject of the sentence performs the action.This is a more direct and preferred style of writing in most cases.
Allusion
An indirect reference to something with which the reader is supposed to be familiar.
(usually a literary text, although it can be other things commonly known, such as plays, songs, historical events)
Alter-ego
A character that is used by the author to speak the author’s own thoughts; when an author
speaks directly to the audience through a character.
Anecdote
A brief recounting of a relevant episode. Are often inserted into fictional or nonfictional texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor.
Antecedent
The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.
Classicism
Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world;sticks to traditional themes and structures
Comic relief
When a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story, in order to lighten the mood somewhat.
Diction
Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types of words have significant effects on meaning.
Colloquial
Ordinary or familiar type of conversation.Is a common or familiar type of saying, similar to an adage or an aphorism.
Connotation
Rather than the dictionary definition (denotation), the associations suggested by a word. Implied meaning rather than literal meaning.
Denotation
The literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations.
Jargon
The diction used by a group which practices a similar profession or activity. Lawyers speak using particular ______as do soccer players.
Vernacular
- Language or dialect of a particular country. 2. Language or dialect of a regional
clan or group. 3. Plain everyday speech
Didaction
A term used to describe fiction, nonfiction or poetry that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.
Adage
A folk saying with a lesson.
Similar to aphorism and colloquialism.
Allegory
A story, fictional or non fictional, in which characters, things, and events represent qualities or concepts. The interaction of these characters, things, and events is meant to reveal an abstraction or a truth.
Aphorism
A terse statement which expresses a general truth or moral principle. An aphorism can be a memorable summation of the author’s point.
Ellipsis
The deliberate omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author.
Euphemism
- A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts.
Sometimes they are used for political correctness.
Figurative Language
Opposite of Literal Language. Writing that is not meant to be taken literally.
Analogy
Is a comparison of one pair of variables to a parallel set of variables.
Hyperbole
Exaggeration.
Idiom
A common, often used expression that doesn’t make sense if you take it literally.
Metaphor
Making an implied comparison, not using “like,” as,” or other such words.