Mr. A's Glossary
This glossary contains definitions for words used throughout the website. If you have a suggestion of a word that should be included here, please e-mail me at tim@mr-anderson.com.
Browse the glossary using this index
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i.e.Id est (Latin), meaning "that is." | |
iamba two-syllable foot with the stress on the second syllable. The English language is naturally iambic, and Shakespeare used iambs for the speeches of good and noble figures. | |
iambic pentameterfive iambs to a line of ten syllables. Sonnets, rime royal, and heroic couplets all use iambic pentameter. | |
imageryWords and phrases that appeal to the readers' senses. | |
implicitTo be assumed but not directly expressed. | |
inferenceA general conclusion drawn from information that is given. | |
inferential questionA question that asks a responder to draw a conclusion. | |
infinitiveA verb that is usually introduced by to. The infinitive may be used as a noun or a modifier. | |
inflectionThe process or result of changing the form of a word to express a syntactic function without changing the word's grammatical class, as run to ran or runs. | |
informational documentsWorks of nonfiction such as transcripts, reports or journals. | |
internal rhymerhymes inside the lines, or a word inside a line that rhymes with a word at the end of a line | |
interrogative sentenceA sentence that asks a question or makes an inquiry. | |
intonationThe rise and fall of a voice pitch. | |
ironyThe recognition of the difference between reality and appearance; includes situational irony in which there is a contrast between what is intended or expected and what actually occurs; verbal irony in which there is a contrast between what is said and what is actually meant; and dramatic irony in which words or actions are understood by the audience but not by characters. | |
irregularAn exception to a linguistic pattern or rule, as good, better, best are exceptions to the usual -er, -est pattern of comparatives and superlatives in English. | |
Italian/Petrarchan Sonneta fourteen-line poem of an octave and a sestet. Abba abba cde cde | |