Having two or more possible meanings or interpretations, with the correct choice difficult to determine.
A comparison of one thing to another, based on their similarities in certain respects. Appeals mainly to a person's logic or intelligence, not the emotions or censes.
Ex: comparing the heart to a pump
The contrast of two ideas, often done by placing the two opposing parts side by side, or against one another; such as "Give me liberty or give me death."
To address or speak directly to a personified thing or idea; also to directly address someone or something not present.
Ex: Rain, rain, go away. Come again some other day!
An expression that seems dull, trite, and unimaginative because of long overuse, such as "brave as a lion." Some are accepted as colorful, colloquial sayings.
An expression of proper for everyday conversation but not for standard or formal writing or speech.
Expressing ideas indirectly, such as by a comparison, metaphor, or other figure of speech.
Figure of speech
Any expressive use of language, such as metaphor, simile, antithesis, irony, and so on, that consists of words used in other than their literal sense.
Obvious exaggeration that is intended for effect; an extravagant statement not meant to be taken literally; another type of figure of speech.
Ex: "I've been waiting here for an eternity."
The use of language that directs its appeal to the five senses, asking readers to "see" or mentally picture the scene, person, or object written about. Might also appeal to senses of hearing, touch, smell, or taste.
To put or "weave" in an underlying meaning that is intended to be understood but is not openly expressed.
To "take out" or to draw a conclusion based on that which is implied, but not openly stated.
Something that is inferred.
A figure of speech that always contains the element of being the opposite of what someone would normally expect. These are three types: verbal, dramatic, and situation irony.
Meant to be taken as given; to be accepted at face value or primary meaning, not in a figurative sense.
A figure of speech that compares one object to another that is not obviously similar in an attempt to show the reader qualities that the secondary one shares with the subject of the comparison.
To give human qualities to a thing or creature that is not human.
Humor that makes fun of a serious situation.
A type of comparison or metaphor using "like" or "as".
Repetition of vowel sounds without repetition of consonants.
Ex: icy night
The act of repeating words or phrases in a literary work.
The name of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it
Ex: buzz, hiss
The repetition of initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables.
The expression of emotion in a literary work
Ex: wold and woolly
Style or manner of expression in speaking or writing.
(adj.) moderate, sparing (as in eating and drinking); characterized by abstinence and self-discipline
(v.) to emphasize, place stress on
(adj.) deserving of blame or correction
(adj.) likely but not certain to happen, possible; dependent on uncertain events or conditions
(n.) a representative group forming part of a larger body
(v.) to confirm, make more certain
(n.) an inhabitant, resident; one who frequents a place
(adj.) passing aimlessly from one subject to another, rambling
(v.) to scatter widely
(adj.) poorly dressed, shabby; lacking smartness and good taste
(adj.) highly colored, reddish; excessively ornate, overdecorated, showy
(v.) to impose by fraud; to pass off as worthy or genuine; to bring in by stealth, dishonesty, or coercion
(adj.) awkward, lacking in social graces, tactless, clumsy
(n.) an opinion different from accepted belief; the denial of an idea that is generally held sacred
(v.) to impress on the mind by repetition, each persistently and earnestly
(adj.) capable of being touched or felt; easily seen, heard, or recognized
(adj.) having sympathetic insight or understanding, capable of keen appreciation
(adj.) extremely harmful; deadly, fatal
(v.) to shrink back in fear, lose heart in a difficult or dangerous situation
(adj.) prominent, standing out, conspicuous
(n.) a projection or bulge (often used in a military sense)
(v.) to satisfy completely; to fill to excess
(v.) to make or become dry and withered; to char or scorch the surface of
(adj.) deceptive, apparently good or valid but lacking in real merit
(adj.) accidental, happening by chance
(adj.) hidden, disguised, purposefully kept secret
(n.) a state or scene of uproar and confusion
(adj.) pleasant, courteous, lighthearted; smooth and polished (in manners and appearance)
(n.) a critical or explanatory note or comment, especially for a literary work
(n.) the essential part, main point, or essence of a matter
(adj.) effective, producing results
(v.) to grow or accumulate in the course of time; to happen as a natural result
(v.) to demand insistently, especially payment of a debt
(n.) calmness, composure, refusal to panic
(adj.) relating to or typical of ancient times; antiquated
(adj.) tending to produce a strong feeling or response; arousing desire or appetite; irritating, annoying
(adj.) characterized by or calling for continued sitting; remaining in one place
(adj.) overbearing, arrogant; seeking to dominate
(adj.) freely given; not called for by circumstances, unwarranted
(v.) to delay, put off until later
(adj.) exceeding ordinary knowledge and understanding, profound, abstruse
(adj.) extremely generous, lavish
(adj.) unfriendly, hostile; harmful, unfavorable
(adj.) showing great diversity or variety; composed of different elements (especially in a discordant sense); of many colors
(n.) strong denunciation or condemnation; abusive language
(n.) a depraved, vicious, or unprincipled person, scoundrel; (adj.) wicked, corrupt, or unprincipled
(adj)Stinging, bitter in temper or tone
(adj)Resembling a cow or ox; sluggish, unresponsive
(adj) tending to promote or assist, helpful, favorable
(n.) dismay, confusion
(adj.) fat; having a large, bulky body
(v.) to deny responsibility for or connection with
(adj.) impartial; calm, free from emotion
(n.) disagreement, sharp difference of opinion
(v) to scatter, dispel; to spend foolishly, squander; to be extravagent in pursuit of pleasure
(n) an enthusiastic vigor and liveliness, spirit; a flair
(v) to remove objectionable passages or words from a written text; to cleanse, purify
(n.) an armored or protective glove; a challenge; two lines of men armed with weapons with which to beat a person forced to run between them; an ordeal
(adj.) based on an assumption or guess; used as a provisional or tentative idea to guide or direct investigation
(adj.) mean, low, base
(v.) to call into question; to attack as false
(adj.) immoderate, lacking in self-control
(n.) hatred, contempt; disgrace or infamy resulting from hateful conduct
(n.) faithlessness, treachery
(v.) to place in a lower position; to assign, refer, turn over; to banish
(adj) easily shocked or upset; excessively fastidious or refined
(adj.) subordinate in capacity or role; submissively obedient; serving to promote
(adj.) open to; easily influenced; lacking in resistance
(v.) to make less in amount, degree, etc.; to subside, become less
(n.) praise or flattery that is excessive
(n.) an object of intense dislike; a curse or strong denunciation (often used adjectivally without the article)
(adj.) shrewd, crafty, showing practical wisdom
(n.) a greedy desire, particularly for wealth
(adj.) deserving blame, worthy of condemnation
(adj.) not on time, not prompt; tending to delay
(adj.) conspicuous, standing out from the mass (used particularly in an unfavorable sense)
(v.) to speak or act in a way that allows of more than one interpretation; to be deliberately vague or ambiguous
(adj.) vanishing, soon passing away, transient
(adj.) unable to make up one's mind, hesitating
(n.) a small or moderate amount
(adj.) vague, confused, indistinct
(n.) one who is just a beginner at some activity requiring skill and experience (also used adjectivally)
(n.) extreme poverty; barrenness, insufficiency
(adj.) done for show, striving to make a big impression; claiming merit or position unjustifiably
(v.) to review a series of facts; to sum up in an orderly way
(v.) to revive, bring back to consciousness or existence
(adj.) untidy, dirty, careless about one's appearance
(adj.) expressed briefly and clearly
(n.) something that is assumed or taken for granted without conclusive evidence
(adj.) inactive, sluggish, dull
(adj.) severe or stern in manner; without adornment or luxury; simple, harsh
(adj.) performing acts of kindness or charity; conferring benefits, doing good
(adj.) pale, gaunt, resembling a corpse
(v.) to prepare by combining ingredients, make up (as a dish); to devise, invent
(adj.) coarse, unfeeling; stupid
(v.) to lower in character, quality, or value; to degrade, adulterate
(v.) to commit sacrilege; to treat irreverently, profane; violate the sanctity of
(v.) to cease doing something, forbear
(v.) to confuse; to disturb the composure of, to put into confusion
(adj.) grand in an impressive or stately way; marked by pompous affectation or grandeur, absurdly exaggerated
(adj.) trifling, unimportant, insignificant
(n.) a breaking of a law or obligation
(v.) to make milder or softer, to moderate in force or intensity
(v.) to rob of goods by open force (as in war), plunder
(n.) the act of looting; booty
(v.) to talk a great deal in a foolish or aimless fashion
(adj.) very careful and exact, attentive to find points of etiquette or propriety
(adj.) inspiring fear or awe, formidable, illustrious, eminent
(v.) to find fault with, scold, rebuke
(n.) the act of restoring something to the rightful owner, making good for loss or damage
(adj.) strong and sturdy, brave; resolute
(n.) a strong supporter
(n.) a fixed sum of money paid periodically for services or to defray expenses; a salary or allowance
(adj.) open to attack; capable of being wounded or damaged; unprotected
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