Terms List
Unit 2
Definitions
Prose
The major division of writing- refers to fiction and nonfiction. Technically, anything
that isn’t poetry or drama is prose.
Concrete and Abstract
language
Concrete language is used to refer to particular persons, places, and objects: girl,
forest, stone, etc... It names or describes the perceptible/material world; it engages
the senses. Abstract language, on the other-hand, is used to refer to concepts
(love, peace, loyalty, etc…).
Alliteration
The repetition of initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words.
Allusion
A reference to some famous literary work, historical event or figure, mythology,
the Bible, or popular culture.
Euphemism
A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or
concept. Often used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness.
Ex: “wardrobe malfunction” rather than “public nudity”
Colloquial/ colloquialism
The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Not generally acceptable for
formal writing, colloquialisms give a work a conversational, familiar tone.
Analogy
A similarity between like features of two things. An analogy can be used to explain
something unfamiliar by associating it with something more familiar.
Conceit
A conceit typically takes one subject and explores the metaphoric possibilities in
the qualities associated with that subject. It displays intellectual cleverness as a
result of the unusual comparison being made.
Understatement
The ironic minimizing of fact; understatement presents something as less significant
than it is. Often the effect is humorous and emphatic. Ex: The third degree burns
on her face will do nothing to enhance her appearance
Tautology
An unnecessary (and usually unintentional) repetition of meaning, using different
words that effectively say the same thing twice.
Syllepsis
When a single word that modifies two or more others must be understood
differently with respect to each of those words (similar to a pun).
Ex: “You held your breath and the door for me.”—Alanis Morissette
Metonymy
Referring to something or someone by naming one of its attributes (often
representative). Broader that synecdoche. Ex: We owe our allegiance to the
crown
Synecdoche
A whole is represented by naming one of its parts (more specific and often literal
that metonymy) Ex: Check out my new wheels!
Elevated language
Formal, dignified language; often using more elaborate figures of speech.
Pedantic
Narrowly, and often ostentatiously (pretentious or showy) learned; overly
concerned with details.
Didactic
intended for instruction; instructive
Commentary
a series of comments, explanations, or annotations
Syntax
Periodic sentence- A long and frequently involved sentence, marked by suspended
syntax, in which the sense is not completed until the final word--usually with an
emphatic climax.
Ex: "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all
knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and
have not charity, I am nothing."
(The King James Bible, I Corinthians 13)
Cumulative sentence- An independent clause followed by a series of subordinate
constructions (phrases or clauses) that gather details about a person, place, event,
or idea.
Ex: "I write this at a wide desk in a pine shed as I always do these recent years, in
this life I pray will last, while the summer sun closes the sky to Orion and to all the
other winter stars over my roof."
(Annie Dillard, An American Childhood, 1987)
Assumptions
Implicit- an assumption that is understood, though not directly expressed
Explicit- an assumption based on something that is fully and clearly expressed;
leaving nothing implied
Objective
The author tries to present information fairly and without bias
Subjective
The author stresses personal responses and interpretation
Voice
Active - The subject performs the action. Ex: The dog bit the boy.
Passive- The subject receives the action expressed in the verb. Ex: The boy was
bitten by the dog.