A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.
What is an analogy?
100
A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.
What is a conceit?
100
To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.
What is an inference?
100
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.
What is dramatic irony?
100
From the Greek for "pointedly foolish," A figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox.
What is an oxymoron?
200
A direct or indirect reference to something wich is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.
What is an allusion?
200
The non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.
What is connotation?
200
An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong language.
What is "invective" language?
200
A figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things or the substitution of one for the other, suggesting some similarity.
What is a metaphor?
200
A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.
What is a paradox?
300
The opposite or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.
What is antithesis?
300
Related to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.
What is diction?
300
The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true.
What is irony?
300
A term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name,"this is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.
What is metonymy ?
300
This term refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity.
What is parallelism?
400
A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love.
What is apostrophe?
400
The strict, literal, dictionary of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.
Example:
Denotation of a knife would be a utensil to cut
Connotation of a knife might be fear, violence, or anger.
What is denotation?
400
When the words literarlly state the opposite of the writer's (or speaker's) meaning.
What is verbal irony?
400
The prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.
What is mood?
400
An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.
What is pedantic language?
500
The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Not generally accepted for formal writing.
What is colloquial/colloquialism?
500
Didactic words have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.
What are didactic words?
500
When events turn out the opposite of what was expected; when what the characters and reader think ought to happen is not what does happen.
What is situational irony?
500
The telling of a story or an account of an event or series of events.
What is a narrative?
500
A figure of speech in which the author presents or describes concepts, animals, or inanimate objects by endowing them with human attributes or emotions. Personification is used to make these abstractions, animals, or objects appear more vivid to the reader.