Verbs
This verb means to accept or tolerate something; often used in phrases like "______ by the rules."
Abide
A broad idea or underlying meaning that a writer explores in a literary work. It's not a plot summary or a single word, but rather a concept or message that the author conveys about life, human nature, or society.
Theme
Describes language that is clear and uses few unnecessary words; opposite of verbose.
Concise
Describes a style or feeling that is dreamlike, bizarre, or above realistic expectations; commonly used to describe some art and literature.
Surrealism (or surreal)
A sudden, a-ha! moment of clarity or a sudden revelation when you have a profound realization about something.
Epiphany
To examine carefully in order to explain or interpret; this verb is used when students break a text into parts for meaning.
Analyze
In writing, it’s the emotional feeling the reader gets from the setting and situation, created through imagery, word choice, and pacing.
Atmosphere
Describes something that is everywhere or very common in many places
Ubiquitous
Describes a statement, expression, or situation that can be interpreted in more than one way.
Ambiguous
The feeling of being isolated, disconnected, or estranged from oneself, other people, or society as a whole. Alienate is the verb, and alienation is the noun.
Alienated
To call forth or up; to bring to mind (sort of related to “suggests” or “implies”)
Evoke
A direct comparison of two unlike things: e.g. Love is the morning fog that burns away at the first light
Metaphor
Overly-sentimental; melodramatically emotional; sappy - almost embarrassingly so.
Maudlin
Describes two or more ideas, facts, or statements that are so different from each other that they cannot be made compatible.
Irreconcilable
Describes something - usually a mistake or error - that is really bad and easily noticeable
Egregious
To undermine the power or authority of something. To rebel against an idea or system.
Subvert
A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.: e.g. The limousine was another ______ of his wealth and authority.
Symbol
Describes anything that is impossible to ever understand.
Unfathomable
Describes knowledge or information that only a small number of people would know or understand.
Esoteric
Describes an attitude that is excessively pleased with one’s self or situation, often to the point of being unaware of potential dangers or the need for improvement. Self-satisfied to the point of being lazy or not caring.
Complacent
To make more noticeable or recognizable; focus attention on.
Accentuate
The writer's attitude toward their subject.
Tone
A mixed-emotion feeling of sentimental longing for the past, often triggered by sensory cues and linked to memory and emotion
Nostalgia
Describes something based on random chance rather than reason or being based on a plan. Something random or on a whim.
Arbitrary
Describes someone who is unwilling to talk about or share thoughts or feelings, especially when communication is expected.
Reticent