Know the Poetry Lingo

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What is onomatopoeia?

Back

A word that sounds like what it means, e.g., 'buzz', 'sizzle'.

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What is a euphemism?

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A softer, less offensive word used as a substitution for one that is considered too harsh or blunt.

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What is hyperbole?

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An over-exaggeration used for emphasis, e.g., 'I have a million things to do!'.

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What is theme in poetry?

Back

The central meaning or message the poet is trying to deliver to the reader.

Front

What is alliteration?

Back

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words, e.g., 'She sells sea shells by the sea shore.'.

Front

What is an idiom?

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A phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning, e.g., 'It's raining cats and dogs.'.

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What is allusion?

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A reference to another work of literature, person, or event, e.g., 'He has the Midas touch.'.

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What is consonance?

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The repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity, e.g., 'pitter patter'.

Front

What is assonance?

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The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, e.g., 'The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.'.

Front

What is enjambment?

Back

The continuation of a sentence or clause across a line break in poetry.