AP English Language and Composition Terms with 100% correct definitions

allegory using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning alliteration the repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in 2+ neighboring words 00:03 01:17 allusion a direct/indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known ambiguity having multiple meaning, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence or passage analogy a similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. It can help explain an unfamiliar things by comparison. antecedent the word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun antithesis the opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite aphorism a terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle. (If anonymous, called a folk proverb) apostrophe a figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction (i.e. love or liberty) caricature a verbal description with the purpose to exaggerate or distort a person's characteristics for comic effect clause contains both a subject and a verb. Main (independent) clauses can stand alone as a sentence. Dependent (subordinate) clauses must be accompanied by an independent clause. colloquialism use of slang/informalities in speech or writing conceit a fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects. connotation the non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied/suggested meaning. denotation the strict, literal dictionary definition of a word diction the writer's word choices didactic literally means teaching; describes words that are for teaching or instructing, especially with morals or ethical principles euphemism less offensive substitute for an unpleasant word or idea. Ex. earthly remains instead of corpse extended metaphor a metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in/throughout a work figurative language writing or speech not intended to carry literal meaning hyperbole a figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement imagery sensory details of figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions invective an emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language irony the contrast between what is explicitly stated and what is really meant. Or, the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true. verbal irony the words literally state the opposite of the writer's meaning situational irony when events turn out the opposite of what was expected dramatic irony when facts or events are unknown to a character in a play or piece of fiction but known to the reader, audience or other characters in the work litotes (sounds like little tee) a form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite; opposite of hyperbole loose/ non-periodic sentence type of sentence in which the main clause comes first followed by dependent clause(s).