Terms

AP Terms
Alliteration – the repetition of sounds at the beginning of words that are similar to one another
Example: beautiful blossoms blooming between the bushes
Allusion - a passing or casual reference; an incidental mention of something, either directly or by implication
Example: It has rained so long, it seems as though it has rained for 40 days and nights. (This is reference to Noah's Arch which is a well-known event.)
Analogy - a similarity between like features of two things, on which a comparison may be based
Example: the analogy between the heart and a pump.
Anecdote - a short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature, often biographical
Example: The governor told a humorous anecdote about her first day in office.
Colloquialism - characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal
Example: most of the lectures were formal and boring, but the last one was more engaging and lively because of her colloquial speech.
Connotation - to signify or suggest (certain meanings, ideas, etc.) in addition to the explicit or primary meaning
Example: The word “fireplace” often connotes hospitality, warm comfort, etc.
Conundrum - a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words
Example: What is black and white and read all over? A newspaper.
Denotation - the explicit or direct meaning or set of meanings of a word or expression, as distinguished from the ideas or meanings associated with it or suggested by it; the association or set of associations that a word usually elicits for most speakers of a language, as distinguished from those elicited for any individual speaker because of personal experience.
Example: Poodle is a denotation for a certain breed of dog.
Diction - style of speaking or writing as dependent upon choice of words
Example: His diction while giving the speech was flawless.
Hyperbole - obvious and intentional exaggeration...