Definitions
ne of the devices of repetition in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences. It is used to create a memorable powerful effect, to reinforce an idea through repetition.
What is an ANAPHORA?
“I can’t recommend this book too highly.” OR “I saw her duck.”
What is AMBUGUITY?
The nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.
What is CONNOTATION?
A short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person. Used to provide a concrete example or to humanize an abstract concept.
What is ANECDOTE?
Asyndeton
What is: consists of omitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses.
Two or more independent clauses joined with a comma, semicolon or conjunction.
What is a COMPOUND SENTENCE?
On his return he received medals, honors, treasures, titles, fame.
What is ASYNDETON?
Is a sentence that combines an independent clause with at least one dependent clause.
What is a COMPLEX SENTENCE?
The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning
What is ALLEGORY?
Alliteration
What is: The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants in two or more neighboring words
A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.
What is a CLAUSE?
"The relationship between a supervisor and an employee is like that of a coach and a player, where the coach guides the player to perform at their best".
What is ANALOGY?
The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing; includes local or regional dialects.
What is COLLOQUIALISM?
A principle demanding that the parts of any composition be arranged so that the meaning of the whole may be immediately clear and intelligible.
What is COHERENCE?
“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools” – Martin Luther King Jr.
What is ANTITHESIS?
A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle
What is an APHORISM?
“Plan ahead: it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark” - Richard Cushing
What is an ALLUSION?
This is established partly by the setting and partly by the author's choice of objects that are describes; it creates the mood
What is ATMOSPHERE?
A figure of speech in which two successive phrases or clauses are parallel in syntax, but reverse the order of the analogous words.
What is CHIASMUS?
“Pleasure’s a sin, and sometimes sin’s a pleasure” – Lord Byron
What is CHIASMUS?
Figure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure; a contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences.
What is ANTITHESIS?
Animal Farm George Orwell; The Wizard of Oz
What is ALLEGORY?
A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot respond
What is an APOSTROPHE?
A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.
What is CONCEIT?
“I think therefore I am” – Descartes
What is APHORISM?