| Term | Definition |
|---|
| abstract | (n) An abbreviated synopsis of longer work of scholarship or research (adj) Dealing with or tending to deal with a subject apart from a particular or specific instance |
| ad hominem | Directed to or appealing to feelings or prejudices instead of to intellect or reason |
| adage | A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language. Ex: "There is more than one way to skin a cat." |
| allegory | A story in which a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface |
| alliteration | The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines in a poem |
| allusion | A reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea |
| ambiguity | A vagueness or meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings or interpretations |
| anachronism | A person, scene, event, or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era. Ex: Columbus sailing to the United States. |
| analogy | A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things; a passage that points out several similarities between two unlike things is called an extended analogy. |
| anecdote | A brief narrative often used to illustrate an idea to make a point |
| annotation | A brief explantation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature |
| antagonist | A character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist, produces tension or conflict |
| antecedent | A word to which a pronoun refers |
| antithesis | A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences. Ex: "They promised freedom but provided slavery." |
| aphorism | A short, pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment |
| Apollonian | It refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior |
| apostrophe | A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present. Ex: "Oh, you cruel streets of Manhattan, how I detest you!" |
| arch | Characterized by clever or sly humor, often saucy, playful, and somewhat irreverent |
| archetype | An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form |
| assonance | The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words in prose or poetry |
| bard | A poet; in olden times, a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompanyment |
| bathos | Insincere or overdone sentimentality |
| belle-lettres | A French term for the world of books, criticism, and literature in general |
| bibliography | A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a particular subject |
| bombast | Inflated, pretentious language |
| burlesque | A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation |
| cacophony | Grating, inharmonious sounds |
| canon | The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied |
| caricature | A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things |
| carpe diem | Literally "seize the day"; enjoy life while you can, a common theme in life and literature |
| circumlocution | Literally "talking around" a subject; i.e., discourse that avoids direct reference and literature |
| classic | A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time |
| classical, classicism | Deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality, objectivity, simplicity, and restraint |
| clause | A structural element of a sentence, consisting of a grammatical subject and a predicate |
| climax | The high point, or turning point, of a story or play |
| comparison and contrast | A mode of discourse in which two or more things are compared and contrasted |
| conceit | A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language |
| concrete detail | A highly specific, particular, often real, actual, or tangible detail; |
| connotation | The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase |
| consonance | The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words of a unit of speech or writing |
| critique | An analysis or assessment of a thing or situations, and its conformity to a set of standards |
| cynic | One who expects and observes nothing but the worst of human conduct |
| deductive reasoning | A method of reasoning by which specific definitions, conclusions, and theorems are drawn from general principles |
| denotation | The dictionary definition of a word |
| denouement | The resolution that occurs at the end of a narrative or drama, real or imagined |
| descriptive detail | Graphic, exact, and accurate presentation of the characteristics of a person, place, thing |
| deus ex machina | In literature, the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem |
| diction | The choice of words in oral and written discourse |
| didactic | Having an instructive purpose; intending to convey information or teach a lesson, usually in a dry, pompous manner |
| digression | That portion of discourse that wanders or departs from the main subject or topic |
| Dionysian | The word refers to sensual, pleasure-seeking impulses |
| dramatic irony | A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character |
| elegy | A poem or prose selection that laments or medicates of value |
| ellipsis | Three periods (...) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation |
| elliptical construction | A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words |
| empathy | A feeling of association or identification with an object or person |
| epic | A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero |
| epigram | A concise but ingenious, witty, and thoughtful statement |
| euphony | Pleasing, harmonious sounds |
| epithet | An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing. Ex: sun-bright topaz, sun-lit lake, sun-bright lake |
| eponymous | A term for the title character of a work of literature |
| euphemism | A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term. Ex: pass away instead of die |
| exegesis | A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of rose or poetry |
| expose | A piece of writing that reveals weakness faults, frailties, or other shortcomings |
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