Category: Literary Devices

Kinesthetic Imagery

Definition of Kinesthetic Imagery Kinesthetic is a sense temporized by receptors that are present in the body, such as muscles, joints, etc. In literature, kinesthetic imagery allows the reader to perceive the movement and action of the body. It gives…

Olfactory Imagery

Definition of Olfactory Imagery Sensory imagery plays an important role in creating mental images for the reader while reading. So that he/she can engage himself to that level at which the writer desires. Olfactory imagery is all about the smell.…

Tactile Imagery

Definition of Tactile Imagery Tactile imagery appeals to the sense of touch. It is the most vibrant and spirited form of imagery. The writer discusses the feel of texture, temperature, and other somatic sensations. Tactile imagery helps to create a…

Gustatory Imagery

Definition of Gustatory Imagery Gustatory imagery allows the readers to imagine the sense of taste while reading a poem or text.  It is more functional and effectual when an author describes a taste that the reader has already experienced.  To…

Visual Imagery

Definition of Visual Imagery Imagery is one of the most-used literary devices that allows the writer to sketch or paint the pictures of his choice in the reader’s mind. It triggers the senses and produces a picture in imagination. In…

Word Play

Definition of Word Play Word play is a literary device, used as a form of wit. In this device, words are used in such a way that they become the main subject of conversation for entertainment and amusement. There are…

Stereotype

Definition of Stereotype A French term, stereotype, was used as an adjective. It has been derived from two Greek terms, stereos, which means firm and solid and, typoes, which means impression. In other words, it shows how an impression ideas…

Rebus

Definition of Rebus Derived from a French term, rebus, means a riddle or a puzzle. It has been in common use in the 17th century. It is stated that it is originally a Latin term with plural “res” and means…

Narrator

Definition of Narrator The word/term, narrator, is derived from the Latin term, narrator, which typically means a person who narrates or relates facts, or events, etc. In other words, the narrator could be a historian, an observer, or an active…

Inference

Definition of Inference Inference, as a word, means a conclusion that a person reaches after having a piece of evidence to support it. It is mostly used as a noun for the process of inferring some results. As a literary term,…

Burlesque

Definition of Burlesque The term, burlesque, has its roots in Italian as well as French language in which it was in use during the 16th century. In French, it meant odd or grotesque, while in Italian it meant ludicrous. It…

Apologue

Definition of Apologue The term apologue has been derived from a French word having the same spellings. It also seems a derivative of a Latin term, apologus, which means a story or fable. In literary terms, it is a type…

Apologia

Definition of Apologia Derived from the Greek root of apologos, the term apologia means a speech delivered in defense of somebody or something. Its corresponding verb is apologeisthai that means to speak defending somebody. However, in literature, it means some…

Antonomasia

Definition of Antonomasia The term, antonomasia, is a derivative of the Greek term antonomazein as well as the Latin term, antonomasia. Both have almost the same meanings that is using a name instead. It comprises two Grecian term, anti-, that…

Adventure

Definition of Adventure Adventure genre includes stories that are exciting and sometimes risky. The term, adventure, has been derived from the French term, aventure, which means fate or destiny of a person. It has been in use in English since…

Urban Legend

Definition of Urban Legend Although truly an urban legend means a tale or a story that has spread without any written proof, yet several legends are not urban or for that matter not in áscripts. In a way, it is…

Supporting Sentence

Definition of Supporting Sentence A supporting sentence comprises two words: supporting and sentence. Supporting, here, means which assists or helps and sentence means a group of words or phrases having a complete sense. Therefore, a supporting sentence or some supporting…

Story

Definition of Story The term story is a noun that is used for a narrative comprising original, real or imaginary characters having life and emotions of their own, undergoing different trials and tribulations, or enjoying happy events. The purpose could…

Quest

Definition of Quest Literally, quest means search. It means to find out something, or go to find out something lost somewhere. It also means to search for some solution such as the quest for a vaccine for some disease. Etymological, the…

Mystery

Definition of Mystery  The term mystery literally means something that is a dilemma for the public. It is difficult for people to understand such as the mysteries of the universe or the mystery of some murder. It could be puzzling,…