english words

Question 1

Ontological

Answer 1

Relating to existence or the nature of being. For example, a novel might explore ontological questions about life’s meaning.

Question 2

Existential

Answer 2

Relating to existence or the human experience, especially concerning purpose or meaning. For example, a character may face an existential crisis, questioning their life’s purpose.

Question 3

Intertextuality

Answer 3

The way a text references or connects to other texts. For example, a story may use intertextuality by alluding to a famous myth to add meaning.

Question 4

Allegory

Answer 4

A story with a hidden meaning (often moral or political). Its characters and events represent ideas beyond the literal plot. For example, Animal Farm is an allegory for political revolution.

Question 5

Epiphany

Answer 5

A sudden moment of insight or revelation for a character, changing their understanding. For example, the protagonist might suddenly realize the truth about themselves.

Question 6

Bildungsroman

Answer 6

A coming-of-age story that follows a character’s growth from youth to adulthood, highlighting personal development.

Question 7

Unreliable narrator

Answer 7

A narrator whose account of events is untrustworthy or biased. The reader must question the narrator’s perspective to find the truth.

Question 8

Stream-of-consciousness

Answer 8

A narrative style showing a character’s continuous flow of thoughts and feelings. It often lacks clear structure and mimics the way thoughts naturally occur.

Question 9

Motif

Answer 9

A recurring element (like an image, symbol, or phrase) that has significance in a story. For example, the motif of light and darkness may emphasize themes of good vs. evil.

Question 10

Archetype

Answer 10

A typical example of a character or theme that appears across stories (like the ‘hero’ or ‘mentor’). Archetypes represent universal patterns in literature.

Question 11

Dystopian

Answer 11

Relating to an imagined, oppressive society (usually in a bleak future). Dystopian worlds are often used to criticize current social trends.

Question 12

Utopian

Answer 12

Relating to an imagined ideal society that is often unrealistic. A utopian setting shows how everything in society seems harmonious.

Question 13

Persona

Answer 13

The voice or character assumed by the author or narrator in a text. For example, a poem might adopt the persona of a child narrator.

Question 14

Imagery

Answer 14

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, touch, etc.), creating vivid pictures. For example, imagery of rain and thunder can create a gloomy atmosphere.

Question 15

Symbolism

Answer 15

Use of symbols (objects, characters, or actions) to represent ideas beyond their literal meaning. For example, a red rose might symbolize love or passion.

Question 16

Irony

Answer 16

A situation or expression where the meaning is opposite to what is expected. For example, it’s ironic if a fire station burns down.

Question 17

Paradox

Answer 17

A statement or situation that seems self-contradictory but reveals a truth. For example, ‘less is more’ is a paradox.

Question 18

Allusion

Answer 18

An indirect reference to another text, event, or myth that adds meaning. For example, an allusion to Pandora’s Box suggests unintended consequences.

Question 19

Foreshadowing

Answer 19

Hints or clues about events that will happen later in the story. For example, dark clouds on the horizon may foreshadow a coming disaster.

Question 20

Flashback

Answer 20

A scene that interrupts the current timeline to show something from the past. It provides background information or context.

Question 21

In medias res

Answer 21

A narrative technique where the story starts in the middle of action. Earlier events are revealed later, often through dialogue or flashbacks.

Question 22

Ambiguous

Answer 22

Having more than one possible meaning; unclear. For example, an ambiguous ending leaves readers wondering what really happened.

Question 23

Subversive

Answer 23

Challenging or undermining traditional beliefs, authority, or norms. For example, a subversive novel might question social conventions.

Question 24

Cohesive

Answer 24

Logically connected and unified. A cohesive argument or story flows smoothly because all parts fit together well.

Question 25

Fragmented

Answer 25

Broken into parts or pieces, not presented smoothly. A fragmented narrative might jump around in time or perspective.

Question 26

Nuanced

Answer 26

Showing subtle differences and complexity, not black-and-white. For example, a nuanced argument acknowledges shades of meaning rather than one viewpoint.

Question 27

Poignant

Answer 27

Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; emotionally touching. For example, a poignant farewell scene can deeply move the reader.

Question 28

Didactic

Answer 28

Intended to teach a lesson or moral; often instructive. For example, a didactic tone might lecture the reader on proper behavior.

Question 29

Reductive

Answer 29

Oversimplifying complex ideas, leaving out important nuances. For example, calling a rich novel simply 'good vs evil' can be reductive.

Question 30

Evocative

Answer 30

Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind. For example, evocative language can vividly create a scene or emotion in the reader’s mind.

Question 31

Lyrical

Answer 31

Expressive and poetic, often with musical rhythm or vivid imagery. For example, a lyrical passage might flow like beautiful poetry.

Question 32

Iconoclastic

Answer 32

Criticizing or attacking cherished beliefs or institutions; breaking traditional norms. For example, an iconoclastic writer might reject cultural conventions.

Question 33

Conventional

Answer 33

Following accepted practices or standards; traditional. For example, a conventional storyline follows familiar plot patterns.

Question 34

Overt

Answer 34

Openly shown or stated; not hidden. For example, an overt message is obvious to the reader without needing to read between the lines.

Question 35

Subtle

Answer 35

Not obvious or direct; requires careful thought to notice. For example, a subtle hint might be a character’s glance that suggests deeper meaning.

Question 36

Hyperbole

Answer 36

Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect. For example, 'I have a million things to do' is a hyperbole.

Question 37

Understatement

Answer 37

Presenting something as smaller or less significant than it is. For example, calling a massive storm 'just a bit of rain' is an understatement.

Question 38

Euphemism

Answer 38

A mild or indirect term used in place of something considered harsh. For example, 'passed away' is a euphemism for 'died'.

Question 39

Connotation

Answer 39

The associated or implied meaning of a word beyond its literal definition. For example, 'home' connotes warmth and security, not just a house.

Question 40

Denotation

Answer 40

The literal, dictionary definition of a word without feelings or associations. For example, 'snake' denotes a reptile, not any emotional meaning.

Question 41

Metaphor

Answer 41

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things directly (without using 'like' or 'as'). For example, 'time is a thief' is a metaphor.

Question 42

Juxtaposition

Answer 42

The placement of two elements (ideas, images, characters) side by side to highlight their contrast or similarity. For example, a story may juxtapose a wealthy neighborhood next to a poor one.

Question 43

Subtext

Answer 43

Underlying meaning or theme not explicitly stated, inferred by the reader. For example, polite conversation in a novel may have a romantic subtext under the words.

Question 44

Conveys

Answer 44

Expresses or communicates an idea or feeling. For example, 'The poem conveys the loneliness of the narrator.'

Question 45

Portrays

Answer 45

Depicts or describes something in a particular way. For example, 'The novel portrays the city as a character in its own right.'

Question 46

Depicts

Answer 46

Shows or represents something in detail with words or images. For example, 'The painting depicts a stormy sea.'

Question 47

Illuminates

Answer 47

Makes something clear or helps to explain it. For example, 'The author illuminates the novel’s themes through subtle clues.'

Question 48

Underscores

Answer 48

Emphasizes or highlights something. For example, 'The repeated motif underscores the theme of lost innocence.'

Question 49

Challenges

Answer 49

Calls into question or questions existing ideas or traditions. For example, 'The author challenges the notion of absolute morality in the story.'

Question 50

Engages

Answer 50

Draws in or involves the reader with ideas or emotions. For example, 'The novel engages the reader with its suspenseful plot.'

Question 51

Synthesizes

Answer 51

Combines ideas from different sources to form a coherent whole. For example, 'The essay synthesizes feminist and Marxist interpretations of the text.'

Question 52

Emphasizes

Answer 52

Gives special importance or prominence to something. For example, 'The author emphasizes the theme of isolation through imagery.'

Question 53

Evokes

Answer 53

Brings strong images, feelings, or memories to mind. For example, 'The music evokes the nostalgia of childhood.'

Question 54

Contrasts

Answer 54

Highlights differences by comparison. For example, 'The text contrasts the innocence of youth with the cynicism of age.'

Question 55

Characterizes

Answer 55

Describes the distinctive nature or features of something. For example, 'The narrator characterizes the protagonist as bold and rebellious.'

Question 56

Undermines

Answer 56

Weakens or contradicts the strength of something. For example, 'The character’s lies undermine the trust of the others.'

Question 57

Reinforces

Answer 57

Strengthens or supports an idea. For example, 'The repeated imagery of water reinforces the theme of rebirth.'

Question 58

Articulates

Answer 58

Expresses an idea or feeling clearly in words. For example, 'She articulates her thesis with precision and clarity.'

Question 59

Juxtaposes

Answer 59

Places two elements side by side for comparison or contrast. For example, 'The film juxtaposes scenes of war and peace.'

Question 60

Interrogates

Answer 60

Examines or questions something deeply, often challenging assumptions. For example, 'The novel interrogates the concept of freedom.'

Question 61

Elucidates

Answer 61

Makes something clear; explains thoroughly. For example, 'The essay elucidates the complexities of the theory.'

Question 62

Exemplifies

Answer 62

Serves as a typical example of something. For example, 'Her courage exemplifies the spirit of the revolution.'

Question 63

Critiques

Answer 63

Evaluates critically by pointing out strengths and weaknesses. For example, 'The reviewer critiques the novel’s plot structure.'

Question 64

Catharsis

Answer 64

The emotional release felt by the audience after a dramatic climax. For example, the protagonist’s confession may bring catharsis to the reader.

Question 65

Narrative perspective

Answer 65

The viewpoint from which a story is told (e.g., first person or third person). For example, first-person perspective uses 'I'.

Question 66

Tone

Answer 66

The author’s attitude or stance toward the subject, conveyed through writing style. For example, a sarcastic tone can create humor.

Question 67

Mood

Answer 67

The emotional atmosphere of a piece of writing, affecting how the reader feels. For example, a dark, somber mood can create tension.

Question 68

Colloquial

Answer 68

Using informal or conversational language (often region-specific). For example, colloquial dialogue can make characters sound more realistic.

Question 69

Rhetorical question

Answer 69

A question asked for effect with no answer expected. For example, 'Why would anyone choose to live in such darkness?' is a rhetorical question used to express despair.

Question 70

Diction

Answer 70

The choice of words and style of expression used by the author. For example, formal diction with sophisticated vocabulary can create a serious tone.