English Literary Terms Vocab 1

Front 1

Generalization

Back 1

A type of inference in which a conclusion is drawn from explicit examples in the text.

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Idiom

Back 2

An expression particular to a certain language that means something different from the literal definitions of its parts.

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Parable

Back 3

A relatively short story that teaches a moral, or lesson, about how to lead a good life.

Front 4

Paradox

Back 4

A statement that appears self-contradictory but reveals a kind of truth.

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Etymology

Back 5

The history of a word.

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Allegory

Back 6

A story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for other people or events or for abstract ideas or qualities.

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Symbolism

Back 7

A literary movement that originated in late-nineteenth-century France, in which writers rearranged the world of appearances in order to reveal a more truthful version of reality.

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Satire

Back 8

A type of writing that ridicules the shortcomings of people or institutions in an attempt to bring about a change.

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Irony

Back 9

In general, a discrepancy between appearances and reality.

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Allusion

Back 10

A reference to someone or something that is known from history, literature, religion, politics, sports, science, or some other branch of culture.

Front 11

Assonance

Back 11

The repetition of similar vowel sounds followed by different consonant sounds, especially in words close together.

Front 12

Consonance

Back 12

The repetition of the same or similar final consonant sounds on accented syllables or in important words.

Front 13

Alliteration

Back 13

The repetition of the same or similar consonant sounds in words that are close together.

Front 14

Onomatopoeia

Back 14

The use of a word whose sound imitates or suggests its meaning.

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Repetition

Back 15

A unifying property of repeated words, sounds, syllables, and other elements that appear in a work.

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Ambiguous

Back 16

A technique by which a writer deliberately suggests two or more different, and sometimes conflicting, meanings in a work.

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Pertinent

Back 17

To the point; applying to the situation.

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Encumbrance

Back 18

Burden; hindrance

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Impervious

Back 19

Resistant; incapable of being penetrated

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Temporal

Back 20

Temporary.

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Superficial

Back 21

Not profound; shallow.

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Effete

Back 22

Sterile; unproductive.

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Incessantly

Back 23

Without stopping.

Front 24

Derision

Back 24

Ridicule; contempt.

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Tumultuous

Back 25

Noisy and disorderly; stormy.

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Ethereal

Back 26

Not earthly; spiritual.

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Expedient

Back 27

Convenience; means to an end.

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Perverted

Back 28

Misdirected; corrupted.

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Posterity

Back 29

Generations to come.

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Alacrity

Back 30

Promptness in responding; eagerness.

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Inherent

Back 31

Inborn; built-in.

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Eradication

Back 32

Utter destruction; obliteration.

Front 33

Insurrection

Back 33

Rebellion; revolt.

Front 34

Penitent

Back 34

Sorry for doing wrong.

Front 35

Effectual

Back 35

Productive; efficient.

Front 36

Impetuous

Back 36

Impulsive.

Front 37

Venerable

Back 37

Worthy of respect, usually because of age.

Front 38

Infamous

Back 38

Having a bad reputation; disgraceful.

Front 39

Ponderous

Back 39

Very heavy.

Front 40

Veracious

Back 40

Honest; truthful.

Front 41

Effervescent

Back 41

Bubbling up; foaming.

Front 42

Imputed

Back 42

Credited; assigned.

Front 43

Delusion

Back 43

False belief or opinion.

Front 44

Deferential

Back 44

Showing respect or courteous regard.

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Effaced

Back 45

Erased; wiped out.

Front 46

Transient

Back 46

Temporary; passing quickly or soon.

Front 47

Semblance

Back 47

Outward appearance.

Front 48

Obscurity

Back 48

Darkness.

Front 49

Iniquity

Back 49

Wickedness.

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Ostentatious

Back 50

Deliberately attracting notice.

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Sagacious

Back 51

Wise; keenly perceptive.

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Portend

Back 52

Signify.

Front 53

Pensively

Back 53

Thinking deeply or seriously.

Front 54

Antipathy

Back 54

Strong dislike.

Front 55

Plausibility

Back 55

Believability.

Front 56

Resolute

Back 56

Determined.

Front 57

Imperceptible

Back 57

Not clear or obvious to the senses or mind.

Front 58

Ponders

Back 58

Thinks deeply.

Front 59

Lucid

Back 59

Clearheaded; not confused

Front 60

Tumultuous

Back 60

Violent; greatly agitated or disturbed.

Front 61

Insuperable

Back 61

Incapable of being overcome.

Front 62

Prostrate

Back 62

Lying flat.

Front 63

Potent

Back 63

Powerful or effective.

Front 64

Lethargy

Back 64

Abnormal drowsiness.

Front 65

Proximity

Back 65

Nearness.

Front 66

Averted

Back 66

Turned away; prevented.

Front 67

Surcease

Back 67

End.

Front 68

Implore

Back 68

Plead; ask.

Front 69

Lattice

Back 69

Shutter or screen formed by strips or bars overlaid in a criss-cross pattern.

Front 70

Obeisance

Back 70

Gesture of respect.

Front 71

Mien

Back 71

Manner.

Front 72

Seraphim

Back 72

Highest of the nine ranks of angels.

Front 73

Quaff

Back 73

Drink heartily.

Front 74

Undaunted

Back 74

Unafraid.

Front 75

Pallid

Back 75

Pale.