Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole, or the whole is used to represent a part. It involves substituting a specific detail or aspect of something for the larger concept or vice versa. For example, saying "all hands on deck" uses "hands" to refer to the people on a ship. Similarly, referring to a car as "wheels" is using a part of the vehicle to represent the whole. Synecdoche helps to create vivid and concise expressions by highlighting specific features or elements.

What is "synecdoche"?

synecdoche

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An antagonist is a character or force in a story that opposes or creates conflict for the protagonist, who is the main character or hero. The antagonist's role is to challenge the protagonist's goals and drive the plot forward by introducing obstacles or opposition. This conflict often helps to reveal the protagonist’s traits and motivations, and can include characters, societal forces, or internal struggles. The antagonist is essential for creating tension and drama in the narrative.

Who is an "antagonist"?

antagonist

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The protagonist is the main character in a story, play, or film who drives the plot forward and faces the central conflict. This character is typically the one the audience or readers are meant to root for or empathize with, and their actions, decisions, and growth are central to the narrative. The protagonist often has clear goals or desires and must overcome various challenges or obstacles throughout the story.

Who is the "protagonist"?

protagonist

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A frame story is a narrative technique where a main story is presented within the context of another, often separate, story. The primary story serves as a framework for including one or more additional stories or episodes. This method provides a structure for storytelling, often allowing different perspectives or tales to be interwoven. For example, a book might feature a character recounting various stories to others, with the recounting serving as the frame for each individual tale.

What is a "frame story"?

frame story

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conceit

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Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. It is used to emphasize a point or create a strong impression by overstating something beyond its normal limits. For example, saying "I have told you a million times" is an exaggeration meant to stress the speaker's frustration with repetition. Hyperbole adds emphasis and can make descriptions more vivid or dramatic.

What is "hyperbole"?

hyperbole

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An epigraph is a short quotation or phrase that appears at the beginning of a book, chapter, or other literary work. It is used to set the tone, provide insight, or offer context for the content that follows. Epigraphs are often selected to reflect the themes or key ideas of the work and are usually attributed to another author or source, such as a poem, literary work, or historical figure.

What is an "epigraph"?

epigraph

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miscellanea

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A whodunit is a type of mystery story, whether in a book, film, or play, that revolves around solving a crime or uncovering the identity of the perpetrator. The term is derived from "who done it," and the plot typically centers on investigating a murder or other crime, with the audience trying to piece together clues to determine who the culprit is. Whodunits often feature a detective or investigator who works to solve the mystery and reveal the criminal before the story ends.

What is a "whodunit"?

whodunit

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A codex is an ancient book or manuscript made from bound pages, often handwritten. Unlike scrolls, which are rolled up, a codex consists of pages stacked and held together along one side, similar to modern books. Codices were used in various cultures, including the Romans and early Christians, for recording texts, documents, and religious writings. They are valuable for historical and scholarly research due to their role in the development of written communication.

What is a "codex"?

codex

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parable

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Zeugma is a literary device where one word, often a verb or adjective, connects two or more different ideas or elements in a sentence, though the word often applies to each in a different way. This technique can create a unique effect by linking different ideas or actions. For example, in the sentence "He stole my heart and my wallet", the verb "stole" connects the two objects "heart" and "wallet," but the verb has different meanings: one literal and one metaphorical. This device can add variety, humor, emphasize contrasts, or create an interesting twist in meaning.

What is "zeugma"?

zeugma

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An allegory is a story or narrative in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract ideas or concepts, creating a deeper, symbolic meaning. In an allegory, the surface story has a literal meaning, but it also conveys a more profound message about moral, political, or philosophical themes. For example, George Orwell's Animal Farm is an allegory that uses a farm and its animals to represent the events and figures of the Russian Revolution, exploring themes of power and corruption. Allegories use symbolism to offer insights into complex ideas and encourage readers to think beyond the obvious narrative.

What is an "allegory"?

allegory

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An allusion is a literary device where a reference is made to a person, place, event, or work of literature that is not explicitly mentioned but is expected to be recognized by the reader. This reference is used to add meaning or context to the text by drawing on the reader's knowledge of the alluded-to subject. For example, if a character is described as "fighting a losing battle against overwhelming odds", it alludes to the historical event of the Battle of Thermopylae, where a small group of Greek warriors faced a much larger Persian army. This allusion helps convey that the character is facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Allusions enrich the text by connecting it to broader cultural or historical references.

What is an "allusion"?

allusion

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abridgment

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A foil is a character who contrasts with another character, often the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities or traits. By presenting an opposing or differing set of characteristics, a foil helps to emphasize the distinctive attributes and development of the main character. This contrast can be used to enhance the narrative and deepen the audience's understanding of the central character's personality and role in the story.

Who is a "foil"?

foil

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An oxymoron is a figure of speech where two seemingly contradictory or opposing words are combined to create a paradoxical effect. This combination highlights a deeper or ironic meaning, showing a more complex truth. For example, the phrase "deafening silence" uses opposing terms to describe a profound, overwhelming quietness. Oxymorons are used to evoke thought, emphasize contrast, or create a striking effect in writing.

What is an "oxymoron"?

oxymoron

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Foreshadowing is a literary device used to give hints or clues about events that will happen later in a story. It creates anticipation and builds suspense by subtly suggesting future developments. For example, if a character mentions feeling uneasy about an upcoming event, it may foreshadow trouble or conflict that will occur later. Foreshadowing helps to prepare readers for what is to come, making the story more engaging and cohesive.

What is "foreshadowing"?

foreshadowing

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Metafiction is a genre of literature that self-consciously addresses the nature of fiction and storytelling. It often involves stories that reflect on their own creation or acknowledge their fictional status. In metafiction, characters may be aware they are in a story, or the narrative might directly comment on the process of writing and storytelling. This genre plays with traditional boundaries between fiction and reality, often blurring the lines to challenge readers' perceptions of what is real and what is imagined. Metafiction can offer a commentary on literary conventions and the act of reading itself.

What is "metafiction"?

metafiction

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A Bildungsroman is a type of novel that focuses on the growth and development of a main character from youth to adulthood. It follows the character's journey through life as they face challenges, gain experience, and undergo personal transformation. The story typically explores themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the search for identity, showing how the character evolves and learns important life lessons along the way.

What is a "bildungsroman"?

bildungsroman

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An elegy is a poem that expresses sorrow, often written in response to the death of a person or the loss of something significant. Traditionally, elegies explore themes of grief, mourning, and the passage of time, providing a space for the poet to convey deep emotions and memories. This form can vary in structure, but it typically maintains a solemn and introspective tone. Elegies may also celebrate the life of the deceased, highlighting their virtues and the impact they had on others.

What is an "elegy"?

elegy

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Cacophony is a literary device where harsh, unpleasant, or clashing sounds are used to create a sense of disruption or discomfort. This often involves using sharp or grating consonant sounds that do not blend well together. For example, the phrase "The clash and clamor of the chaotic crowd" uses cacophony to convey a sense of disorder and noise. Cacophony is used to enhance the mood, reflect chaos or discomfort, and draw attention to particular aspects of a text.

What is "cacophony"?

cacophony

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A motif is a recurring element, such as a symbol, idea, or theme, that appears throughout a literary work and contributes to its overall meaning or message. It is used to develop and reinforce the main themes or ideas by repeating certain elements in different contexts. For example, a motif like a recurring image of a broken mirror in a novel might symbolize characters' fractured identities or perceptions. Motifs help create a sense of unity and depth within a story by connecting various parts and highlighting important concepts.

What is a "motif"?

motif

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A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words "like" or "as" to highlight a similarity between them. For example, saying "Her smile was like sunshine" compares the warmth and brightness of her smile to the sun, making the description more vivid and expressive. Similes are used to create clearer or more imaginative descriptions by drawing parallels between familiar concepts and the subject being described.

What is a "simile"?

simile

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An eclogue is a poetic form that typically features a dialogue or monologue set in a rural or countryside landscape. Traditionally, eclogues present conversations between shepherds or rustic characters, exploring themes of love, nature, and the simplicity of rural life. This form has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman poetry, with notable examples found in the works of poets like Virgil and Theocritus. Eclogues often convey an idealized view of nature, contrasting the hardships of urban life with the beauty and tranquility of the countryside. The lyrical quality of eclogues makes them a popular choice for expressing deep emotions and philosophical reflections within a rural setting.

What is an "eclogue"?

eclogue

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A royalty is a payment made to authors, creators, or rights holders based on the sales of their work. This payment is typically a percentage of the revenue generated from each sale or a fixed amount per copy sold. Royalties are a way for creators to earn income from their intellectual property, such as books, music, or patents. The specific terms of royalty payments are usually outlined in a contract between the creator and the publisher or producer.

What is a "royalty"?

royalty

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non sequitur

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canonical

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epistolary

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Here you will learn all the essential words for talking about Literature, collected specifically for level C2 learners.

English Words for "Literature" | C2 Vocabulary