11th ELA

Glossary of Key Terms

Key Term

Defnition

ALLUSION

A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth,

place, or

work of art. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical.

ANALOGY

A resemblance in some particulars between things otherwise unlike; inference that if two or more things are alike in some respects, they will probably agree in others; a comparison based on such resemblance.

ANALYSIS

Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something, typically as a basis for discussion or interpretation.

CULTURE

The behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group

Connotative Language

The emotional association(s) suggested by the primary meaning of a lexical unit, which affects its interpretations; things suggested by a word apart from the thing it explicitly names or describes.

Denotative Language

The relationship between a linguistic event and its referent, as the word book denotes the object “book.” A direct specifc meaning, as distinct from an implied or associated idea.

Figurative Language

Language that deviates from a standard signifcance or sequence of words in order to achieve a special meaning or effect (e.g., similes and metaphors).

IMAGERY

The use of language to create sensory impressions; the “mental pictures” experienced by readers while listening to or reading a story or poem.

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