AP vocab test # 1

25 words

Alliteration

The beginning sound in a series of words is the same.

Allusion

When a reference is made in a text that point to another text, historical event or work of art.

Ambiguity

When arguments of equal validity can be made for opposite conclusions

Anachronism

An item out of it’s proper time period

Trope

The individual word being manipulated to create a figure of speech

Zuegma

When a grammatical element is used once then omitted, but understood, in the following phrases.

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at multiple beginnings of lines, sentences or paragraphs.

Anecdote

A short tale, sometimes told in the context of a larger work.

Archetype

Recurring characters in literature whose roles are predefined, recognizable and dependable.

Assonance

Repetition of a vowel sound throughout a line of poetry, not always located at the beginning of a word.

Caricature

A character in literature who features or characteristics are exaggerated to the point of being ridiculous.

Conceit

A poem that sustains a metaphor throughout its entirety.

Connotation

The portion of a word’s definition that is culturally specific and often not found in the dictionary; word baggage, slang, non-mainstream meaning.

Consonance

Repetition of a consonant sound throughout a line of poetry, not always located at the beginning of a word.

Denotation

The dictionary definition of a word; literal meaning.

Dramatic irony

A situation where an audience or reader has information regarding plot development that one or more characters in the work lack.

Hyperbole

Exaggeration for effect

Onomatopoeia

Words whose pronunciation mirrors the actual sound indicated by the words

Syntax

The way words are put together to form sentences.

Diction

The individual words chosen

Personification

The giving on human traits to non-human objects. Type of metaphor.

Metaphor

Comparison of two non-like object that share attributes without the use of like or as.

Oxymoron

Two contradictory, yet true, terms

Paradox

A situation that is true while simultaneously being false.

Stock character

Recurring characters in literature whose roles are predefined, recognizable and dependable.