metaphor
a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object
or action to which it is not literally applicable
personification
the attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to
something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in
human form
understatement
a figure of speech employed by writers or speakers to intentionally
make a situation seem less important than it really is
oxymoron
occurs when two contradictory words are together in one phrase
allusion
a figure of speech that makes a reference to a place, person, or
something that happened
superstitious
a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge, in or of the
ominous significance of a particular thing, circumstance, occurrence,
proceeding, or the like
pessimistic
tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst
will happen
meticulous
showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise
idealistic
characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection
cordiality
an expression of courteous and gracious; friendly; warm feeling
bohemian
having informal and unconventional social habits
benevolent
well meaning and kindly
fickle
changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties,
interests, or affection
rhyme scheme
the ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of the lines of a poem or verse
winnowing
blow a current of air through (grain) in order to remove the chaff
literary: (of the wind) blow
penetrating
able to make a way through or into something
sifting
examine (something) thoroughly so as to isolate that which is most
important or useful
diluting
make (something) weaker in force, content, or value by modifying it
or adding other elements to it