Ap English Exam Vocab (Test 2)

Front 1

clause

Back 1

A structural element of a sentence, consisting of a grammatical subject and predicate. Independent clauses, sometimes called main clauses, may stand on their own as complete sentences; dependent clauses, which are used as nouns or modifiers, are incomplete sentences and may not stand alone grammatically. Dependent clauses are sometimes called subordinate clauses. Dependent clauses that function as adjectives, nouns, or adverbs are known, respectively as adjective, noun and adverbial clauses.

Front 2

climax

Back 2

The high point, or turning point, or a story or play.

Front 3

comparison and contrast

Back 3

A mode of discourse in which two or more things are compared and contrasted. Comparison often refers to similarities, contrast to differences.

Front 4

conceit

Back 4

A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language.

Front 5

concrete detail

Back 5

A highly specific, particular, often real, actual, or tangible detail; the opposite of abstract.

Front 6

connotation

Back 6

The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase. Contrast with denotation.

Front 7

consonance

Back 7

The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a unit of speech or writing.

Front 8

critique

Back 8

An analysis or assessment of a thing or situation for the purpose of determining its nature, its limitations, and its conformity to a set of standards.

Front 9

cynic

Back 9

One who expects and observes nothing but the worst of human conduct.

Front 10

deductive reasoning

Back 10

A method of reasoning by which specific definitions, conclusions, and theorems are drawn from the general principles. Its opposite is inductive reasoning.

Front 11

denotation

Back 11

The dictionary definition of a word. Contrast with connotation.

Front 12

denouement

Back 12

The resolution that occurs at the end of a narrative or drama, real or imagined.

Front 13

descriptive detail

Back 13

Graphic, exact and accurate presentation of the characteristics of a person, place or thing.

Front 14

deus ex machina

Back 14

In literature, the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem.

Front 15

diction

Back 15

The choice of words in oral or written discourse.

Front 16

didactic

Back 16

Having and instructive purpose; intending to convey information or teach a lesson, usually in a dry, pompous manner.

Front 17

digression

Back 17

The portion of discourse that wanders or departs from the main subject or topic.

Front 18

Dionysian

Back 18

As distinguished from Apollonian, the word refers to sensual, pleasure-seeking impulses.

Front 19

dramatic irony

Back 19

A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character.

Front 20

elegy

Back 20

A poem or prose selection that laments or meditates on the passing or death of someone or something.

Front 21

ellipsis

Back 21

Three periods (...) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation.

Front 22

elliptical construction

Back 22

A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words. In the sentence "May was hot and June was the same," the verb was is omitted from the second clause.

Front 23

empathy

Back 23

A feeling of association or identification with an object or person.

Front 24

epic

Back 24

A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero.

Front 25

epigram

Back 25

A concise but ingenious, witty and thoughtful statement.

Front 26

euphony

Back 26

Pleasing, harmonious sounds.

Front 27

epithet

Back 27

an adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing; sun-bright topaz, sun-lit lake, and sun-bright lake are examples.

Front 28

eponymous

Back 28

A term for the title character of a work of literature

Front 29

euphemism

Back 29

A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term.

Front 30

exegesis

Back 30

A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of prose or poetry.

Front 31

expose

Back 31

A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses, faults, frailties, or other shortcomings.

Front 32

exposition

Back 32

The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of an essay or other work; setting forth the meaning or purpose of a piece of writing or discourse.

Front 33

explication

Back 33

The interpretation or analysis of a text.

Front 34

extended metaphor

Back 34

A series of comparisons between two unlike objects.

Front 35

fable

Back 35

A short tale often with nonhuman characters from which a useful lesson may be drawn.

Front 36

fallacy, fallacious reasoning

Back 36

An incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.

Front 37

fantasy

Back 37

A story containing unreal, imaginary features.

Front 38

farce

Back 38

A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness, although it may have a serious, scornful purpose.

Front 39

figure of speech, figurative language

Back 39

In contrast to literal language, figurative language implies meanings. Figures of speech include, among many others, metaphor, simile, and personification.