Analogy
Extended metaphor, intended to express similarities between concepts
Conceit
An elaborated, extended metaphor, often strained and overused.
Allegory
Symbolic narrative
Allusion
An indirect reference, especially in literature
Anaphora
Repetition of words or a sequence of words at the beginning of the subsequent clauses or sentence.
Metonymy
Use of the name of one object of concept for that of another to which it is related
Synecdoche
A type of metonymy in which a whole is used to be described a part.
Oxymoron
Contradictory terms
Denotation
The dictionary definition of a word
Connotation
The feeling associated with a word
Diction
An author's word choice
Jargon
Language, especially vocabulary, particular to a specific trade, profession, or hobby
Slang
Very informal words and expressions, often figurative, usually associated w/ a particular culture
Vernacular
Plain everyday language; informal lang.
Colloquial
Language associated with conversation, rather then written language.
Syntax
The manner in which words are arranged into sentences
Periodic Sentence
A sent. In which the main clause and most important info is withheld until the end of the sent.
Cumulative Sentence
A sentence which the main independent clause is at the beginning and is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases
Parody
Making fun of something, humorous imitation
Satire
Humorously mocking culture, society, an individual or institution in order to bring attention or social change
Digression
Straying from the central point or theme
Juxtaposition
Placing things side-by-side in order to compare them
Antithesis
A type of parallel structure in which an author places a sent. or a part of a sent. against another to which it is opposed to balance it.
Ambiguity
Intentionally unclear in meaning, open to multiple interpretations
Anecdote
A short account of entertaining nature about an incident or person
Idiom
An expression whose meaning is unpredictable based on the words used
Cliche
An overused expression that has lost its novelty
Maxim
A short saying that expresses a general truth or principal
Aphorism
A short saying that expresses a personal truth or principal
Euphemism
Substitution of a mild or vague expression for one that some may consider offensive.
Non sequitur
A statement that does not logically follow from the previous one.
Epigram
A short witty expression of wisdom
Eulogy
A speech and praise of the dead
Elegy
A song or poem to praise the dead.
Parable
Short allegorical story meant to illustrate a moral or religious point
Invective
Any strong language denouncing something
Philippic
Negative speech, formal
Motif
A recurring subject, theme, or idea in a literary work
Shift
A sudden change of tone or subject in a written work
Rhetoric
Using language as a means of persuasion
Pathos
Emotion, mostly referring to pity
Paradox
an opinion or statement contrary to commonly accepted opinion.
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