syn·tax
/ˈsinˌtaks/
noun
1. the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed
sentences in a language.
"the syntax of English"
o a set of rules for or an analysis of this.
plural noun: syntaxes
"generative syntax"
o the branch of linguistics that deals with this.
dic·tion
/ˈdikSHən/
noun
1. The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.
"Wordsworth campaigned against exaggerated poetic diction"
synonyms: phraseology, phrasing, turn of
phrase, wording, language, usage,vocabulary, terminology,
expressions, idioms
"her diction was archaic"
2. The style of enunciation in speaking or singing.
"she began imitating his careful diction"
synonyms: enunciation, articulation, elocution, locution, pronunciation,
speech, intonation, inflection;
delivery
"his careful diction"
son·net
/ˈsänit/
noun
1. a poem of fourteen lines using any of a number of formal
rhyme schemes, in English typically having ten syllables per line.
Verb (archaic)
1. compose sonnets.
i·amb
/ˈīˌam(b)/
noun
PROSODY
1. a metrical foot consisting of one short (or unstressed) syllable
followed by one long (or stressed) syllable.
pros·o·dy
/ˈpräsədē/
noun
1. the patterns of rhythm and sound used in poetry.
"the translator is not obliged to reproduce the prosody of
the original"
o
o
the theory or study of prosody.
the patterns of stress and intonation in a language.
plural noun: prosodies
"the salience of prosody in child language acquisition"
al·le·go·ry
/ˈaləˌgôrē/
noun
pl. al·le·go·ries
1. A symbolic representation: The blindfolded figure with scales is
an allegory of justice.
2. a. The representation of abstract ideas or principles by
characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial
form.
b. A story, picture, or play employing such representation. John
Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Herman Melville's MobyDick are allegories.
sat·ire
/ˈsaˌtīr/
noun
1. the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose
and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context
of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
synonyms: mockery, ridicule, derision, scorn, caricature;
o
a play, novel, film, or other work that uses satire.
plural noun: satires
"a stinging satire on American politics"
synonyms: parody, burlesque, caricature, lampoon, skit;
o
a genre of literature characterized by the use of satire.
lyr·i·cal
/ˈlirikəl/
adjective
1.
(of literature, art, or music) expressing the writer's emotions in
an imaginative and beautiful way.
"the poet's combination of lyrical and descriptive power"
synonyms: expressive, emotional, deeply
felt, personal, subjective, passionate,lyric
"lyrical love poetry"
o
(of poetry or a poet) lyric.
"Wordsworth's Lyrical Ballads"
2. of or relating to the words of a popular song.
"the lyrical content of his songs"
an·ec·dote
/ˈanikˌdōt/
noun
1. a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident
or person.
"told anecdotes about his job"
synonyms: story, tale, narrative, incident;
o
o
an account regarded as unreliable or hearsay.
"his wife's death has long been the subject of rumor and
anecdote"
the depiction of a minor narrative incident in a painting.