unconsciously
adv. Without thinking, automatically
instantaneously
immediately
style
the choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work
diction
the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.
syntax
The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.
precarious
Dangerous; risky; lacking in security or stability
bedraggled
wet and filthy, as though having been dragged through mud
heed
to pay attention to
treachery
betrayal of trust
stead
the place occupied by a substitute
concord
(n.) a state of agreement, harmony, unanimity; a treaty, pact, covenant
valour
great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle
exhorting
strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something
retinue
group of followers or assistants attending a distinguished person
monarch
a ruler of a kingdom or empire
assert
state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully
disport
to divert or amuse oneself
gallantly
politely; in the manner of a gentleman
mood
Feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader
humble
having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance
defiant
boldly resisting authority or an opposing force
protracted
extended in time
confers
(v) grant or bestow (a title, degree, benefit, or right). have discussions; exchange opinions.
pontificated
to speak in a pretentious manner
aspersions
attacks on a person's character or honesty; damaging or unfavorable remarks
bibliophile
a lover of books
posited
assume as a fact; put forward as a basis of argument
mandate
(n.) an authoritative command, formal order, authorization; (v.) to issue such an order
partisan
one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party
bipartisan
Involving two political parties
refutation
The part of an argument wherein a speaker or writer anticipates and counters opposing points of view.
repudiates
to completely reject; to disown; to refuse to accept
dismal
causing gloom or misery
objectifying
degrade to the status of a mere object
freak show
Something unusual which people watch for entertainment (often used negatively).
reinscribe
to reestablish or rename in a new and especially stronger form or context
deconstruct
to break down into constituent parts; dissect; dismantle
interrogate
to ask questions, examine by questioning
linguist
a language specialist
prescriptivist
The view that language should have a strict set of rules that must be obeyed in speech and writing
descriptivist
the view that no use of language is incorrect and that variation should be acknowledged and recorded rather than corrected
jeremiad
an elaborate or prolonged lamentation; any tale of woe
degredation
a decline to a lower condition, quality, or level
extra judicium
outside of an authority of court
hack
one who forfeits professional integrity in exchange for money or reward
bureaucrat
A career government employee.
degeneration
a state of decline
sanguine
cheerful; optimistic
Personification
the attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.
hyperbole
exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
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.
simile
A comparison using "like" or "as
parallelism
Phrases or sentences of a similar construction/meaning placed side by side, balancing each other
juxtposition
placement of two things closely together to emphasize similarities or differences
antithesis
the direct opposite, a sharp contrast
compound sentence
two or more independent clauses
Complex Sentence
A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause
periodic sentence
A sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end.
cumulative sentence
a sentence in which the main independent clause is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases
imperative sentence
A sentence that requests or commands.
colloquial
Characteristic of ordinary conversation rather than formal speech or writing
slang
informal language
Imagery
Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)
oxymoron
a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction
cadence
rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words
prose
written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.
vivacious
lively, sprightly, full of energy
defiled
polluted; dirtied
meager
Lacking in quantity or quality
abundance
a great or plentiful amount.
plight
(n.) a sorry condition or state; (v.) to pledge, promise solemnly
enfranchised
given the right to vote
enlightened
(adj.) free from ignorance and false ideas; possessing sound understanding
frivolous
(adj.) of little importance, not worthy of serious attention; not meant seriously
irrefutable
impossible to deny or disprove
exploitative
intended to take selfish advantage of a situation or person
mince words
to speak indirectly and in a moderate way for the sake of politeness
admonishing
cautioning, advising, or counseling against something; reproving or scolding, especially in a mild and good-willed manner; reminding
integral
necessary for completeness