Literary Terms A-F

Question 0

Anaphora

Answer 0

is the opposite of epistrophe and means the repetition of the same phrase or word at the beginning of successive sentences such as in this example.
Five years have passed;
Five summers, with the length of
Five long winters! and again i hear these waters…

Question 1

Asyndeton

Answer 1

is derived from a Greek word asyndeton which means unconnected. It is a stylistic device used to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in the sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. Asyndeton helps in speeding up the rhythm of words. EX: “This is the villain among you who deceived you, who cheated you, who meant to betray you completely.”

Question 2

Epistrophe

Answer 2

is derived from a Greek word that means turning upon, which indicates the same word returns at the end of each sentence. EX: Hourly joys be still upon you! Juno sings her blessings on you….
Scarcity and want shall shun you,
Ceres’ blessing so is on you.”

Question 3

Alter

Answer 3

(v.) make different; change; modify

Question 4

Apparel

Answer 4

(n.) outer clothing; attire; dress; garb

Question 5

Distort

Answer 5

(v.) twist out of the true meaning; misrepresent; misstate; garble

Question 6

Farce

Answer 6

(n.) ridiculous show; mockery; burlesque

Question 7

Fickle

Answer 7

(adj.) changeable in one’s affections, interests, or loyalties; inconstant; capricious

Question 8

Flimsy

Answer 8

(adj.) without strength or solidity; of inferior materials and workmanship; weak; inadequate; unconvincing; thin

Question 9

Assume

Answer 9

(v.) take for granted; suppose; presume

Question 10

averse

Answer 10

(adj.) having a strong feeling of opposition; disinclined; reluctant; loath

Question 11

Callous

Answer 11

(adj.) feeling no sympathy for others; insensitive; hardhearted

Question 12

Discernible

Answer 12

(adj.) capable of being discerned(perceived); distinguishable; observable; perceptible

Question 13

Dubious

Answer 13

(adj.) of uncertain outcome; doubtful; questionable; unpromising

Question 14

Ecstasy

Answer 14

(n.) sudden, intense feeling of joy; delight; rapture; bliss

Question 15

Forgo

Answer 15

(v.) do without; renounce; sacrifice

Question 16

Anecdote

Answer 16

is a short and interesting story or an amusing event often proposed to support or demonstrate some point and make readers and listeners laugh. Anecdotes can include an extensive range of tales and stories. In fact, it is a short description or an account of any event that makes the readers laugh or brood over the topic presented for the purpose.

Question 17

Analogy

Answer 17

is a comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it. It aims at explaining that idea or thing by comparing it to something that is familiar. Metaphors and similes are tools used to draw an analogy. Therefore, analogy is more extensive and elaborate than either a simile or a metaphor. Consider the following example: “Structure of an atom is like a solar system. Nucleus is the sun and electrons are the planets revolving around their sun.”

Question 18

Antithesis

Answer 18

literal meaning opposite, is a rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect. Antithesis emphasizes the idea of contrast by parallel structures of the contrasted phrases or clauses, i.e. the structures of phrases and clauses are similar in order to draw the attention of the listeners or readers. For example:
“Setting foot on the moon may be a small step for a man but a giant step for mankind.”
The use of contrasting ideas, “a small step” and “a giant step”, in the sentence above emphasizes the significance of one of the biggest landmarks of human history.