The ultimate glossary of writing jargon and literary devices with definitions, examples, and exercises.
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Let me read it firstAn allusion is a literary device that refers to something (a great book or character) in an indirect way, that is, an apparent reference is made not in an explicit way.
Allegory is a literary device which expresses a bigger idea through a simple surface story. The meaning of an allegorical story is hidden under the symbols and tools used as mouthpieces.
An adage is a crisp, sharp saying which has its foundation in human life and has stood true for a very long time.
Accumulation is a literary device that puts together scattered points of similar words to generate a common and deeper feeling in writing. It is a stylistic device used by writers to produce the effect of amplification.
Ad hominem is an argumentation error. Ad hominem fallacy happens when a counterattack is made but on the original line of argument.
Subjective writing is based on personal opinions, views, experience and feelings while objective writing is fact-based and is built on proven information, and data.
Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in the beginning of words to create a pleasant and enduring feeling in the reader.
An analogy is a literary device that helps understand a complex topic by comparing it with a familiar topic. Analogies uses other literary devices like similes and metaphors to do their task.
Subjective is something individual. It is more about the person, the subject, and therefore is it subject-oriented.
Premise is the essential base of a story, or the key point of the writing. It is that one sentence that can summarize everything that will happen in the text.
An idiom is a commonly used expression to convey a figurative meaning, which is very different from the literal meaning of the phrase itself.
Oxymoron is a figure of speech which places two contrasting words beside each other to create a dramatic effect.
Onomatopoeia is a literary device which helps to define a sound.
Writing genres are categories of fiction and non-fiction writing which have risen out of their patter, content, and intent.
Dystopia is a concept that portrays a dark future filled with havoc and destruction. It is the opposite of utopia, that is, a perfect society. Dystopian writing is speculative and concerns the pending decline of the society.
Syntax is the proper use of word order in a sentence. Change in syntax can change the meaning of the sentence.
Hyperboles can be found in everyday conversations, literature, political speech, media world, advertisement, and various content mediums.
Write a short 1-2 sentence description summarizing the post.
Deductive reasoning is a type of logical reasoning that moves from a general idea to a specific conclusion with the help of some supportive arguments.
A satire is a literary device poking fun at something with the intention of criticizing as well as generating humor.
Similes are direct comparisons in a language . It is done by using words like ‘like’ and ‘as’ in English language.
The irony is expressing something contradictory to its literal meaning.
A trope is a frequently occurring phenomenon in writing or on screen, in characters as well as situations.
We often hear the phrase, "It was a rhetorical question." But what is "rhetoric" anyway?
Personification is a literary device that gives human attributes to non-human things.
Connotation in writing is attaching an implied, subjective meaning to something.
A paradox is a statement that is self contradictory in nature, but upon careful consideration, makes sense.
Learn what a clincher sentence is and how to write one, including fiction and non-fiction examples.
Stereotypes are concrete generalizations about human beings, literary characters, sexual orientation, and traits that have formed over time due to prejudice, assumptions, intolerance, and lack of proper knowledge.
Didactic writing intends to instruct and entertain the reader.
Narrative writing is a writing technique that narrates a story.
The article explains the concept of what a central idea is, how to identify it in a text and how to use it for various purposes.