English 12 - Vocabulary List

  1. thesis (noun)

a) A proposition stated or put forward for consideration, esp. one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections: He vigorously defended his thesis on the causes of war.
b) A subject for a composition or essay.
c) A dissertation on a particular subject in which one has done original research, as one presented by a candidate for a diploma or degree.

2. syntax (noun)

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.

3. diction (noun)

  • The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.
  • The style of enunciation in speaking or singing

4. precarious (adjective)

  • Dependent on chance circumstances, unknown conditions, or uncertain developments.
  • Characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger.

5.figurative language

  • Words used in a way that is different from the usual, literal meaning in order to create a particular mental image.

6.connotation (noun)

  • The meaning a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning. Hollywood holds connotations of romance and glittering success.

 7. denotation (noun)

  • The most specific or direct meaning of a word, in contrast to its associated meanings.

 

8. fallacy (noun)

  • A mistaken belief, especially one based on an unsound argument.
  • LOGIC – a failure in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.
  • Faulty reasoning; a misleading or unsound argument.

9.logic (noun)

  • The science that investigates the principles governing correct or reliable inference.
  • reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity.
  • the quality of being justifiable by reason.

10. inference (noun)

  • A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
  • The process of reaching such a conclusion
  • Infer – verb.

 11. elucidate (verb)

  • To make something clear; explain.
  • elucidation (noun)

12. satire (noun)

The use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices.

 

13. idiom (noun)

  • A group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.
    i.e. Raining cats and dogs, kick the bucket

 

14. anecdote (noun)

A short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature, often biographical.

 

15.ambiguity (noun)

Uncertain or inexact meaning.

    • ambiguous (adjective)

Open to more than one interpretation. Doubtfulness or uncertainty in interpretation.

 

16. terse (adjective)

Brief and to the point; effectively concise: a terse one-word answer.

15. boon (noun)

A thing that is useful and beneficial: the new navigation system will be a boon to both military and civilian users.

17. precedent (noun  & adjective)

(noun) An earlier occurrence of something similar.
Law: A legal decision or form of proceeding that serves as an authoritative rule or pattern in future similar cases.

(adjective) prior in time, order arrangement or significance.

 

18. articulate (verb & adjective)

  • (verb) To pronounce distinctly and carefully; enunciate.
  • (verb) To express in coherent verbal form; give words to: couldn't articulate my fears.
  • (adjective) Endowed with the power of speech.
  • (adjective) Expressing oneself easily in clear and effective language: an articulate speaker.

 

19. dilemma (noun)

  • A situation that requires a choice between options that are or seem equally unfavourable.
  • A problem that seems to defy a satisfactory solution.
  • Logic. An argument that presents two alternatives, each of which has the same consequence.

20. incredulous (adjective)

Not willing to admit or accept what is offered as true; sceptical.

  • incredulity (noun)

21. paradox (noun)

A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true.

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