Glossary D

Glossary D

Dactylic hexameter

A poetic meter consisting of six dactyls in a line.

  • Prose vs. Verse: Text Types (Clarified)
  • Death and decay

    The theme of mortality and the natural process of deterioration in literature.

  • Romance vs. Romanticism: Genres (Clarified)
  • Deceptive marketing tactics

    Techniques used to mislead or manipulate consumers into buying a product or service.

  • Pathos vs. Bathos: Emotional Appeals (Explained)
  • Decoding

    The process of interpreting a message or text.

  • Plot vs. Theme: Core Components (Clarified)
  • Deconstructionism

    A literary theory that analyzes the underlying assumptions and values in a text.

  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Degree

    The level of education or expertise an author possesses in a particular subject or field.

  • Hyperbole vs. Understatement: Degree of Expression (Compared)
  • Degree of expression

    The level of intensity or depth in which an author conveys their thoughts or emotions through their writing.

  • Hyperbole vs. Understatement: Degree of Expression (Compared)
  • Degree of expression intensity level

    The level of emotional intensity conveyed through language and other forms of expression in literature.

  • Hyperbole vs. Understatement: Degree of Expression (Compared)
  • Dehumanization

    The act of treating someone as less than human in literature.

  • Dystopia vs. Utopia: Literary Settings (Explained)
  • Delicate terminology usage

    The careful selection and use of words to avoid causing offense or misunderstanding.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Denotation

    The literal or dictionary definition of a word.

  • Idiom vs. Cliche: Understanding Phrases (Explained)
  • Imagery vs. Symbolism: Visual Writing (Explained)
  • Metaphor vs. Simile: Know the Difference (Explained)
  • Symbol vs. Metaphor: Identifying Differences (Compared)
  • Denouement

    The resolution or conclusion of a story or plot.

  • Epic vs. Tragedy: Literary Forms (Defined)
  • Epilogue vs. Afterword: Book Endings (Explained)
  • Depiction of springtime scenes

    The use of vivid and descriptive language to paint a picture of the beauty and renewal of spring.

  • Haiku vs. Tanka: Japanese Poetry (Compared)
  • Depth

    The quality of being profound or complex.

  • Character vs. Caricature: Deep Dive (Explained)
  • Elegy vs. Ode: Types of Poems (Defined)
  • Description

    A detailed account of something.

  • Setting vs. Scene: Literary Locations (Defined)
  • Descriptive analogy

    A comparison between two things that highlights their similarities.

  • Symbol vs. Metaphor: Identifying Differences (Compared)
  • Descriptive Language

    The use of language to create a vivid and detailed picture in the reader’s mind.

  • Imagery vs. Symbolism: Visual Writing (Explained)
  • Setting vs. Scene: Literary Locations (Defined)
  • Descriptive scene

    A detailed and vivid description of a setting or scene in a story.

  • Anecdote vs. Vignette: Small Stories (Clarified)
  • Deus ex machina

    A plot device where a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly resolved by an unexpected event or character.

  • Epic vs. Tragedy: Literary Forms (Defined)
  • Dialectic reasoning

    A method of reasoning that involves the exchange of opposing viewpoints.

  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Dialogue

    A conversation between two or more people.

  • Anecdote vs. Vignette: Small Stories (Clarified)
  • Character vs. Caricature: Deep Dive (Explained)
  • Setting vs. Scene: Literary Locations (Defined)
  • Dichotomy

    A division or contrast between two things that are represented as being opposed or entirely different.

  • Oxymoron vs. Paradox: Contradictory Terms (Clarified)
  • Diction

    The choice and use of words and phrases in writing.

  • Imagery vs. Symbolism: Visual Writing (Explained)
  • Didactic fiction

    Fiction that is intended to teach a moral lesson or convey a specific message.

  • Fable vs. Parable: Story Types (Defined)
  • Didacticism

    The use of literature to teach a moral lesson or convey a specific message.

  • Fable vs. Parable: Story Types (Defined)
  • Difference between assonance and consonance

    Assonance refers to the repetition of vowel sounds in a line of poetry, while consonance refers to the repetition of consonant sounds.

  • Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
  • Differences

    The ways in which two or more things are not the same.

  • Analogy vs. Metaphor: Comparative Language (Explained)
  • Dimensionality

    The quality of having multiple dimensions or aspects.

  • Character vs. Caricature: Deep Dive (Explained)
  • Diminishing

    The process of making something seem less important or significant in literature.

  • Hyperbole vs. Understatement: Degree of Expression (Compared)
  • Diminishment

    The act of making something seem less important or significant in literature.

  • Hyperbole vs. Understatement: Degree of Expression (Compared)
  • Diminishment tactic underemphasizing importance

    A literary technique that intentionally underemphasizes the importance of something.

  • Hyperbole vs. Understatement: Degree of Expression (Compared)
  • Diplomacy

    The art of negotiating and managing relationships between individuals or groups.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Diplomatic language

    The use of polite and respectful language to communicate effectively in sensitive situations.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Diplomatic speech approach

    A tactful and respectful way of communicating to avoid offending or upsetting others.

  • Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)
  • Direct comparison

    A comparison of two things that are similar in some way.

  • Metaphor vs. Simile: Know the Difference (Explained)
  • Dirge structure

    A specific form of poetry that is typically used to express grief or mourning, often characterized by a slow and mournful rhythm.

  • Elegy vs. Ode: Types of Poems (Defined)
  • Diversity

    The inclusion of different types of people, cultures, and perspectives.

  • Character vs. Caricature: Deep Dive (Explained)
  • Divine intervention

    The involvement of a god or goddess in a story.

  • Epic vs. Tragedy: Literary Forms (Defined)
  • Domestic settings

    Settings that take place in or around the home or family.

  • Romance vs. Romanticism: Genres (Clarified)
  • Double bind paradoxes

    A situation where a person is given conflicting messages and cannot satisfy both.

  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Double entendre

    A phrase with a double meaning, often used for humor or innuendo.

  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Double entendre differentiation

    The use of a word or phrase with two meanings, often one of which is risque or humorous.

  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Downplaying

    The act of minimizing or underemphasizing something in literature.

  • Hyperbole vs. Understatement: Degree of Expression (Compared)
  • Drama

    A genre of literature or performance that focuses on conflict and emotion.

  • Prose vs. Verse: Text Types (Clarified)
  • Dramatic effect

    The use of language or writing techniques to create a powerful or emotional impact on the reader or audience.

  • Hyperbole vs. Understatement: Degree of Expression (Compared)
  • Pathos vs. Bathos: Emotional Appeals (Explained)
  • Dramatic irony

    A situation in which the audience knows something the characters do not, creating tension and suspense.

  • Epic vs. Tragedy: Literary Forms (Defined)
  • Flashback vs. Foreshadowing: Time in Text (Compared)
  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Dramatic irony usage

    The use of a situation in which the audience knows something the characters do not, creating tension and suspense.

  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Dry humor

    A type of humor that is subtle, understated, and often sarcastic.

  • Irony vs. Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
  • Satire vs. Parody: Humor in Literature (Explained)
  • Duality

    The concept of two opposing or contrasting ideas or elements existing together.

  • Oxymoron vs. Paradox: Contradictory Terms (Clarified)
  • Dynamic

    Character or plot development that changes over time.

  • Protagonist vs. Antagonist: Character Roles (Defined)
  • Dynamic character

    A character who undergoes significant changes or growth throughout a story.

  • Theme vs. Motif: Literary Elements (Defined)