plagal cadence: a cadence (frequently ending church music) in which the chord of the subdominant precedes the chord of the tonic


amen cadence: a cadence (frequently ending church music) in which the chord of the subdominant precedes the chord of the tonic


cadenza: a brilliant solo passage occurring near the end of a piece of music


movement: a major self-contained part of a symphony or sonata


largo: (music) a composition or passage that is to be performed in a slow and dignified manner


larghetto: (music) a composition or passage played in a slow tempo slightly faster than largo but slower than adagio


scherzo: a fast movement (usually in triple time)


suite: a musical composition of several movements only loosely connected


partita: (music) an instrumental suite common in the 18th century


partita: one of the variations contained in a partita


symphonic poem: an orchestral composition based on literature or folk tales


tone poem: an orchestral composition based on literature or folk tales


medley: a musical composition consisting of a series of songs or other musical pieces from various sources


potpourri: a musical composition consisting of a series of songs or other musical pieces from various sources


pastiche: a musical composition consisting of a series of songs or other musical pieces from various sources


nocturne: a pensive lyrical piece of music (especially for the piano)


notturno: a pensive lyrical piece of music (especially for the piano)


adagio: (music) a composition played in adagio tempo (slowly and gracefully)


song: a short musical composition with words


vocal: a short musical composition with words


study: a composition intended to develop one aspect of the performer's technique


antiphony: alternate (responsive) singing by a choir in two parts


anthem: a song of devotion or loyalty (as to a nation or school)


national anthem: a song formally adopted as the anthem for a nation


Marseillaise: the French national anthem


The Star-Spangled Banner: a poem written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 was set to music and adopted by Congress in 1931 as the national anthem of the United States


aria: an elaborate song for solo voice


arietta: a short aria


short aria: a short aria


ballad: a narrative song with a recurrent refrain


lay: a narrative song with a recurrent refrain


minstrelsy: ballads sung by minstrels


barcarole: a boating song sung by Venetian gondoliers


barcarolle: a boating song sung by Venetian gondoliers


chantey: a rhythmical work song originally sung by sailors


chanty: a rhythmical work song originally sung by sailors


sea chantey: a rhythmical work song originally sung by sailors


shanty: a rhythmical work song originally sung by sailors


refrain: the part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers


chorus: the part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers


tra-la: a set of nonsensical syllables used while humming a refrain


tra-la-la: a set of nonsensical syllables used while humming a refrain


ditty: a short simple song (or the words of a poem intended to be sung)


dirge: a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person


coronach: a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person


lament: a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person


requiem: a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person


threnody: a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person


drinking song: a song celebrating the joys of drinking; sung at drinking parties


folk song: a song that is traditionally sung by the common people of a region and forms part of their culture


folksong: a song that is traditionally sung by the common people of a region and forms part of their culture


folk ballad: a song that is traditionally sung by the common people of a region and forms part of their culture


blues: a type of folksong that originated among Black Americans at the beginning of the 20th century; has a melancholy sound from repeated use of blue notes


fado: a sad Portuguese folksong


blue note: a flattened third or seventh


lied: a German art song of the 19th century for voice and piano


love song: a song about love or expressing love for another person


love-song: a song about love or expressing love for another person


lullaby: a quiet song intended to lull a child to sleep


cradlesong: a quiet song intended to lull a child to sleep


berceuse: a quiet song intended to lull a child to sleep


lyric: the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number


words: the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number


language: the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number


stanza: a fixed number of lines of verse forming a unit of a poem


love lyric: the lyric of a love song


oldie: a song that was formerly popular


golden oldie: a song that was formerly popular


partsong: a song with two or more voice parts


madrigal: an unaccompanied partsong for 2 or 3 voices; follows a strict poetic form


round: a partsong in which voices follow each other; one voice starts and others join in one after another until all are singing different parts of the song at the same time


troll: a partsong in which voices follow each other; one voice starts and others join in one after another until all are singing different parts of the song at the same time


prothalamion: a song in celebration of a marriage


prothalamium: a song in celebration of a marriage


roundelay: a song in which a line or phrase is repeated as the refrain


scolion: a song (sometimes improvised) sung by guests at a banquet


banquet song: a song (sometimes improvised) sung by guests at a banquet


serenade: a song characteristically played outside the house of a woman


torch song: a popular song concerned with disappointment in love


work song: a usually rhythmical song to accompany repetitious work


shivaree: a noisy mock serenade (made by banging pans and kettles) to a newly married couple


chivaree: a noisy mock serenade (made by banging pans and kettles) to a newly married couple


charivari: a noisy mock serenade (made by banging pans and kettles) to a newly married couple


callithump: a noisy mock serenade (made by banging pans and kettles) to a newly married couple


callathump: a noisy mock serenade (made by banging pans and kettles) to a newly married couple


belling: a noisy mock serenade (made by banging pans and kettles) to a newly married couple


ballet: music written for a ballet


dance music: music to dance to


beguine: music written in the bolero rhythm of the beguine dance


bolero: music written in the rhythm of the bolero dance


carioca: music composed for dancing the carioca


conga: music composed for dancing the conga


flamenco: guitar music composed for dancing the flamenco


gavotte: music composed in quadruple time for dancing the gavotte


habanera: music composed in duple time for dancing the habanera


hornpipe: music for dancing the hornpipe


jig: music in three-four time for dancing a jig


gigue: music in three-four time for dancing a jig


landler: music in triple time for dancing the landler


mazurka: music composed for dancing the mazurka


minuet: a stately piece of music composed for dancing the minuet; often incorporated into a sonata or suite


paso doble: music in march time composed for dancing the paso doble; often played at bull fights


pavane: music composed for dancing the pavane


pavan: music composed for dancing the pavane


polka: music performed for dancing the polka


quadrille: music for dancing the quadrille


reel: music composed for dancing a reel


rumba: syncopated music in duple time for dancing the rumba


rhumba: syncopated music in duple time for dancing the rumba


samba: music composed for dancing the samba


saraband: music composed for dancing the saraband


schottische: music performed for dancing the schottische


serialism: 20th century music that uses a definite order of notes as a thematic basis for a musical composition


serial music: 20th century music that uses a definite order of notes as a thematic basis for a musical composition


syncopation: music (especially dance music) that has a syncopated rhythm


twelve-tone music: a type of serial music introduced by Arnold Schoenberg; uses a tone row formed by the twelve semitones of the chromatic scale (and inverted or backward versions of the row)


12-tone music: a type of serial music introduced by Arnold Schoenberg; uses a tone row formed by the twelve semitones of the chromatic scale (and inverted or backward versions of the row)


twelve-tone system: a type of serial music introduced by Arnold Schoenberg; uses a tone row formed by the twelve semitones of the chromatic scale (and inverted or backward versions of the row)


12-tone system: a type of serial music introduced by Arnold Schoenberg; uses a tone row formed by the twelve semitones of the chromatic scale (and inverted or backward versions of the row)


tango: music written in duple time for dancing the tango


tarantella: music composed in six-eight time for dancing the tarantella


techno: a style of fast heavy electronic dance music usually without vocals


waltz: music composed in triple time for waltzing


marching music: genre of music written for marching


march: genre of music written for marching


military march: brisk marching music suitable for troops marching in a military parade


military music: brisk marching music suitable for troops marching in a military parade


martial music: brisk marching music suitable for troops marching in a military parade


quickstep: military march accompanying quick time


pibroch: martial music with variations; to be played by bagpipes


processional march: a march to be played for processions


recessional march: a march to be played for processions


funeral march: a slow march to be played for funeral processions


dead march: a slow march to be played for funeral processions


wedding march: a march to be played for a wedding procession


popular music: any genre of music having wide appeal (but usually only for a short time)


popular music genre: any genre of music having wide appeal (but usually only for a short time)


disco: popular dance music (especially in the late 1970s); melodic with a regular bass beat; intended mainly for dancing at discotheques


disco music: popular dance music (especially in the late 1970s); melodic with a regular bass beat; intended mainly for dancing at discotheques


macumba: popular dance music of Brazil; derived from the practices of the macumba religious cult


pop music: music of general appeal to teenagers; a bland watered-down version of rock'n'roll with more rhythm and harmony and an emphasis on romantic love


pop: music of general appeal to teenagers; a bland watered-down version of rock'n'roll with more rhythm and harmony and an emphasis on romantic love


folk music: the traditional and typically anonymous music that is an expression of the life of people in a community


ethnic music: the traditional and typically anonymous music that is an expression of the life of people in a community


folk: the traditional and typically anonymous music that is an expression of the life of people in a community


country music: a simple style of folk music heard mostly in the southern United States; usually played on stringed instruments


country and western: a simple style of folk music heard mostly in the southern United States; usually played on stringed instruments


C and W: a simple style of folk music heard mostly in the southern United States; usually played on stringed instruments


dance music: a genre of popular music composed for ballroom dancing


danceroom music: a genre of popular music composed for ballroom dancing


ballroom music: a genre of popular music composed for ballroom dancing


ragtime: music with a syncopated melody (usually for the piano)


rag: music with a syncopated melody (usually for the piano)


jazz: a style of dance music popular in the 1920s; similar to New Orleans jazz but played by large bands


kwela: a kind of danceable music popular among black South Africans; includes a whistle among its instruments


gospel: folk music consisting of a genre of a cappella music originating with Black slaves in the United States and featuring call and response; influential on the development of other genres of popular music (especially soul)


gospel singing: folk music consisting of a genre of a cappella music originating with Black slaves in the United States and featuring call and response; influential on the development of other genres of popular music (especially soul)


doo-wop: a genre (usually a cappella) of Black vocal-harmony music of the 1950s that evolved in New York City from gospel singing; characterized by close four-part harmonies; the name derived from some of the nonsense syllables sung by the backup


soul: a secular form of gospel that was a major Black musical genre in the 1960s and 1970s


bluegrass: a type of country music played at a rapid tempo on banjos and guitars


hillbilly music: country music originating in mountainous regions of southern United States


square-dance music: music performed for square dancing


zydeco: music of southern Louisiana that combines French dance melodies with Caribbean music and blues


jazz: a genre of popular music that originated in New Orleans around 1900 and developed through increasingly complex styles


bop: an early form of modern jazz (originating around 1940)


bebop: an early form of modern jazz (originating around 1940)


boogie: an instrumental version of the blues (especially for piano)


boogie-woogie: an instrumental version of the blues (especially for piano)


cool jazz: jazz that is restrained and fluid and marked by intricate harmonic structures often lagging slightly behind the beat


funk: an earthy type of jazz combining it with blues and soul; has a heavy bass line that accentuates the first beat in the bar


hot jazz: jazz that is emotionally charged and intense and marked by strong rhythms and improvisation


modern jazz: any of various styles of jazz that appeared after 1940


new jazz: any of various styles of jazz that appeared after 1940


neo jazz: any of various styles of jazz that appeared after 1940


rap: genre of African-American music of the 1980s and 1990s in which rhyming lyrics are chanted to a musical accompaniment; several forms of rap have emerged


rap music: genre of African-American music of the 1980s and 1990s in which rhyming lyrics are chanted to a musical accompaniment; several forms of rap have emerged


hip-hop: genre of African-American music of the 1980s and 1990s in which rhyming lyrics are chanted to a musical accompaniment; several forms of rap have emerged


rhythm and blues: a combination of blues and jazz that was developed in the United States by Black musicians; an important precursor of rock 'n' roll


R and B: a combination of blues and jazz that was developed in the United States by Black musicians; an important precursor of rock 'n' roll


rockabilly: a fusion of black music and country music that was popular in the 1950s; sometimes described as blues with a country beat


rock 'n' roll: a genre of popular music originating in the 1950s; a blend of black rhythm-and-blues with white country-and-western


rock'n'roll: a genre of popular music originating in the 1950s; a blend of black rhythm-and-blues with white country-and-western


rock-and-roll: a genre of popular music originating in the 1950s; a blend of black rhythm-and-blues with white country-and-western


rock and roll: a genre of popular music originating in the 1950s; a blend of black rhythm-and-blues with white country-and-western


rock: a genre of popular music originating in the 1950s; a blend of black rhythm-and-blues with white country-and-western


rock music: a genre of popular music originating in the 1950s; a blend of black rhythm-and-blues with white country-and-western


heavy metal: loud and harsh sounding rock music with a strong beat; lyrics usually involve violent or fantastic imagery


heavy metal music: loud and harsh sounding rock music with a strong beat; lyrics usually involve violent or fantastic imagery


progressive rock: a style of rock music that emerged in the 1970s; associated with attempts to combine rock with jazz and other forms; intended for listening and not dancing


art rock: a style of rock music that emerged in the 1970s; associated with attempts to combine rock with jazz and other forms; intended for listening and not dancing


psychedelic rock: a musical style that emerged in the 1960s; rock music inspired by or related to drug-induced experience


acid rock: a musical style that emerged in the 1960s; rock music inspired by or related to drug-induced experience


punk rock: rock music with deliberately offensive lyrics expressing anger and social alienation; in part a reaction against progressive rock


punk: rock music with deliberately offensive lyrics expressing anger and social alienation; in part a reaction against progressive rock


trad: traditional jazz as revived in the 1950s


swing: a style of jazz played by big bands popular in the 1930s; flowing rhythms but less complex than later styles of jazz


swing music: a style of jazz played by big bands popular in the 1930s; flowing rhythms but less complex than later styles of jazz


jive: a style of jazz played by big bands popular in the 1930s; flowing rhythms but less complex than later styles of jazz


reggae: popular music originating in the West Indies; repetitive bass riffs and regular chords played on the off beat by a guitar


skiffle: a style of popular music in the 1950s; based on American folk music and played on guitars and improvised percussion instruments


expressive style: a way of expressing something (in language or art or music etc.) that is characteristic of a particular person or group of people or period


style: a way of expressing something (in language or art or music etc.) that is characteristic of a particular person or group of people or period


address: the manner of speaking to another individual


catch: a break or check in the voice (usually a sign of strong emotion)


analysis: the use of closed-class words instead of inflections: e.g., `the father of the bride' instead of `the bride's father'


bathos: triteness or triviality of style


black humor: the juxtaposition of morbid and farcical elements (in writing or drama) to give a disturbing effect


black humour: the juxtaposition of morbid and farcical elements (in writing or drama) to give a disturbing effect


Gongorism: an affected elegance of style that was introduced into Spanish literature by the poet Gongora


conceit: an artistic device or effect


development: (music) the section of a composition or movement (especially in sonata form) where the major musical themes are developed and elaborated


device: something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect


doctorspeak: medical jargon


ecobabble: using the technical language of ecology to make the user seem ecologically aware


eloquence: powerful and effective language


fluency: powerful and effective language


smoothness: powerful and effective language


euphuism: any artificially elegant style of language


Eurobabble: the jargon of European community documents and regulations


flatness: a want of animation or brilliance


formulation: the style of expressing yourself


expression: the style of expressing yourself


gobbledygook: incomprehensible or pompous jargon of specialists


grandiosity: high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation


magniloquence: high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation


ornateness: high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation


grandiloquence: high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation


rhetoric: high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation


headlinese: using the abbreviated style of headline writers


honorific: an expression of respect


jargon: specialized technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject


journalese: the style in which newspapers are written


legalese: a style that uses the abstruse technical vocabulary of the law


manner of speaking: your characteristic style or manner of expressing yourself orally


speech: your characteristic style or manner of expressing yourself orally


delivery: your characteristic style or manner of expressing yourself orally


music genre: an expressive style of music


musical genre: an expressive style of music


genre: an expressive style of music


musical style: an expressive style of music


officialese: the style of writing characteristic of some government officials: formal and obscure


pathos: a style that has the power to evoke feelings


prose: matter of fact, commonplace, or dull expression


psychobabble: using language loaded with psychological terminology


rhetoric: using language effectively to please or persuade


saltiness: language or humor that is down-to-earth


coarseness: language or humor that is down-to-earth


self-expression: the expression of one's individuality (usually through creative activities)


articulation: expressing in coherent verbal form


voice: expressing in coherent verbal form


archaism: the use of an archaic expression


archaicism: the use of an archaic expression


boilerplate: standard formulations uniformly found in certain types of legal documents or news stories


colloquialism: a colloquial expression; characteristic of spoken or written communication that seeks to imitate informal speech


mot juste: the appropriate word or expression


verbalization: the activity of expressing something in words


verbalisation: the activity of expressing something in words


verbalization: the words that are spoken in the activity of verbalization


verbalisation: the words that are spoken in the activity of verbalization


parlance: a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language


idiom: a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language


Americanism: an expression that is characteristic of English as spoken by Americans


Anglicism: an expression that is used in Great Britain (especially as contrasted with American English)


Briticism: an expression that is used in Great Britain (especially as contrasted with American English)


Britishism: an expression that is used in Great Britain (especially as contrasted with American English)


Gallicism: a word or phrase borrowed from French


wording: the manner in which something is expressed in words; - G.S.Patton


diction: the manner in which something is expressed in words; - G.S.Patton


phrasing: the manner in which something is expressed in words; - G.S.Patton


phraseology: the manner in which something is expressed in words; - G.S.Patton


choice of words: the manner in which something is expressed in words; - G.S.Patton


verbiage: the manner in which something is expressed in words; - G.S.Patton


paralanguage: the use of manner of speaking to communicate particular meanings


paralinguistic communication: the use of manner of speaking to communicate particular meanings


tongue: a manner of speaking


sharp tongue: a bitter or critical manner of speaking


shibboleth: a manner of speaking that is distinctive of a particular group of people


tone: the quality of a person's voice


tone of voice: the quality of a person's voice


note: a tone of voice that shows what the speaker is feeling


roundness: the fullness of a tone of voice


rotundity: the fullness of a tone of voice


undertone: a quiet or hushed tone of voice


elocution: an expert manner of speaking involving control of voice and gesture


barrage: the rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication (spoken or written)


bombardment: the rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication (spoken or written)


outpouring: the rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication (spoken or written)


onslaught: the rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication (spoken or written)


prosody: the patterns of stress and intonation in a language


inflection: the patterns of stress and intonation in a language


modulation: a manner of speaking in which the loudness or pitch or tone of the voice is modified


inflection: a manner of speaking in which the loudness or pitch or tone of the voice is modified


intonation: rise and fall of the voice pitch


modulation: rise and fall of the voice pitch


pitch contour: rise and fall of the voice pitch


intonation pattern: intonations characteristic of questions and requests and statements


monotone: an unchanging intonation


drone: an unchanging intonation


droning: an unchanging intonation


monotone: a single tone repeated with different words or different rhythms (especially in rendering liturgical texts)


singsong: a regular and monotonous rising and falling intonation


caesura: a break or pause (usually for sense) in the middle of a verse line


enjambment: the continuation of a syntactic unit from one line of verse into the next line without a pause


enjambement: the continuation of a syntactic unit from one line of verse into the next line without a pause


stress: the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)


emphasis: the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)


accent: the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)


accentuation: the use or application of an accent; the relative prominence of syllables in a phrase or utterance


tonic accent: emphasis that results from pitch rather than loudness


pitch accent: emphasis that results from pitch rather than loudness


word stress: the distribution of stresses within a polysyllabic word


word accent: the distribution of stresses within a polysyllabic word


sentence stress: the distribution of stresses within a sentence


rhythm: the arrangement of spoken words alternating stressed and unstressed elements


speech rhythm: the arrangement of spoken words alternating stressed and unstressed elements


rhythm: the basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music


beat: the basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music


musical rhythm: the basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music


backbeat: a loud steady beat


downbeat: the first beat of a musical measure (as the conductor's arm moves downward)


upbeat: an unaccented beat (especially the last beat of a measure)


offbeat: an unaccented beat (especially the last beat of a measure)


syncopation: a musical rhythm accenting a normally weak beat


recitative: a vocal passage of narrative text that a singer delivers with natural rhythms of speech


arioso: (music) a short recitative that is melodic but is not an aria


transition: a musical passage moving from one key to another


modulation: a musical passage moving from one key to another


bombast: pompous or pretentious talk or writing


fustian: pompous or pretentious talk or writing


rant: pompous or pretentious talk or writing


claptrap: pompous or pretentious talk or writing


blah: pompous or pretentious talk or writing


sesquipedality: using long words


sensationalism: the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes


luridness: the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes


technobabble: technical jargon from computing and other high-tech subjects


terseness: a neatly short and concise expressive style


turn of phrase: a distinctive spoken or written expression


turn of expression: a distinctive spoken or written expression


conceit: a witty or ingenious turn of phrase


conciseness: terseness and economy in writing and speaking achieved by expressing a great deal in just a few words


concision: terseness and economy in writing and speaking achieved by expressing a great deal in just a few words


pithiness: terseness and economy in writing and speaking achieved by expressing a great deal in just a few words


succinctness: terseness and economy in writing and speaking achieved by expressing a great deal in just a few words


crispness: an expressive style that is direct and to the point


brevity: the use of brief expressions


laconism: terseness of expression


laconicism: terseness of expression


vein: a distinctive style or manner


verboseness: an expressive style that uses excessive or empty words


verbosity: an expressive style that uses excessive or empty words


verbiage: overabundance of words


verbalism: overabundance of words


prolixity: boring verbosity


prolixness: boring verbosity


windiness: boring verbosity


long-windedness: boring verbosity


wordiness: boring verbosity


circumlocution: a style that involves indirect ways of expressing things


periphrasis: a style that involves indirect ways of expressing things


ambage: a style that involves indirect ways of expressing things


turgidity: pompously embellished language


turgidness: pompously embellished language


flatulence: pompously embellished language


repetitiveness: verboseness resulting from excessive repetitions


repetitiousness: verboseness resulting from excessive repetitions


redundancy: repetition of messages to reduce the probability of errors in transmission


pleonasm: using more words than necessary


tautology: useless repetition


tautology: (logic) a statement that is necessarily true


abbreviation: a shortened form of a word or phrase


apocope: abbreviation of a word by omitting the final sound or sounds


acronym: a word formed from the initial letters of the several words in the name


writing style: a style of expressing yourself in writing


literary genre: a style of expressing yourself in writing


genre: a style of expressing yourself in writing


form: an arrangement of the elements in a composition or discourse


poetry: literature in metrical form


poesy: literature in metrical form


verse: literature in metrical form


heroic poetry: poetry celebrating the deeds of some hero


epic poetry: poetry celebrating the deeds of some hero


poetry: any communication resembling poetry in beauty or the evocation of feeling


versification: the art or practice of writing verse


versification: the form or metrical composition of a poem


versification: a metrical adaptation of something (e.g., of a prose text)


poetic rhythm: (prosody) a system of versification


rhythmic pattern: (prosody) a system of versification


prosody: (prosody) a system of versification


meter: (prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse


metre: (prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse


measure: (prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse


beat: (prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse


cadence: (prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse


catalexis: the absence of a syllable in the last foot of a line or verse


scansion: analysis of verse into metrical patterns


sprung rhythm: a poetic rhythm that imitates the rhythm of speech


common measure: the usual (iambic) meter of a ballad


common meter: the usual (iambic) meter of a ballad


metrical foot: (prosody) a group of 2 or 3 syllables forming the basic unit of poetic rhythm


foot: (prosody) a group of 2 or 3 syllables forming the basic unit of poetic rhythm


metrical unit: (prosody) a group of 2 or 3 syllables forming the basic unit of poetic rhythm


dactyl: a metrical unit with stressed-unstressed-unstressed syllables


iamb: a metrical unit with unstressed-stressed syllables


iambus: a metrical unit with unstressed-stressed syllables


anapest: a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed-stressed syllables


anapaest: a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed-stressed syllables


amphibrach: a metrical unit with unstressed-stressed-unstressed syllables (e.g., `remember')


trochee: a metrical unit with stressed-unstressed syllables


spondee: a metrical unit with stressed-stressed syllables


pyrrhic: a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed syllables


dibrach: a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed syllables


tetrameter: a verse line having four metrical feet


pentameter: a verse line having five metrical feet


hexameter: a verse line having six metrical feet


octameter: a verse line having eight metrical feet


octosyllable: a verse line having eight syllables or a poem of octosyllabic lines


decasyllable: a verse line having ten syllables


rhyme: correspondence in the sounds of two or more lines (especially final sounds)


rime: correspondence in the sounds of two or more lines (especially final sounds)


internal rhyme: a rhyme between words in the same line


alliteration: use of the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable in a line of verse


initial rhyme: use of the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable in a line of verse


beginning rhyme: use of the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable in a line of verse


head rhyme: use of the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable in a line of verse


assonance: the repetition of similar vowels in the stressed syllables of successive words


vowel rhyme: the repetition of similar vowels in the stressed syllables of successive words


consonance: the repetition of consonants (or consonant patterns) especially at the ends of words


consonant rhyme: the repetition of consonants (or consonant patterns) especially at the ends of words


double rhyme: a two-syllable rhyme


rhyme royal: a stanza form having seven lines of iambic pentameter; introduced by Chaucer


ottava rima: a stanza of eight lines of heroic verse with the rhyme scheme abababcc


eye rhyme: an imperfect rhyme (e.g., `love' and `move')


rhetorical device: a use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance)


anacoluthia: an abrupt change within a sentence from one syntactic structure to another


anacoluthon: an abrupt change within a sentence from one syntactic structure to another


asyndeton: the omission of conjunctions where they would normally be used


repetition: the repeated use of the same word or word pattern as a rhetorical device


anadiplosis: repetition of the final words of a sentence or line at the beginning of the next


reduplication: repetition of the final words of a sentence or line at the beginning of the next


epanalepsis: repetition after intervening words


epanodos: repetition of a group of words in reverse order


epanodos: recapitulation of the main ideas of a speech (especially in reverse order)


epiphora: repetition of the ends of two or more successive sentences, verses, etc.


epistrophe: repetition of the ends of two or more successive sentences, verses, etc.


gemination: the doubling of a word or phrase (as for rhetorical effect)


ploce: (rhetoric) repetition to gain special emphasis or extend meaning


polyptoton: repetition of a word in a different case or inflection in the same sentence


epanaphora: repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses


anaphora: repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses


anaphora: using a pronoun or similar word instead of repeating a word used earlier


symploce: repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning and another at the end of successive clauses, i.e., simultaneous use of anaphora and epistrophe


anastrophe: the reversal of the normal order of words


inversion: the reversal of the normal order of words


antiphrasis: the use of a word in a sense opposite to its normal sense (especially in irony)


antithesis: the juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas to give a feeling of balance


antinomasia: substitution of a title for a name


apophasis: mentioning something by saying it will not be mentioned


aposiopesis: breaking off in the middle of a sentence (as by writers of realistic conversations)


apostrophe: address to an absent or imaginary person


catachresis: strained or paradoxical use of words either in error (as `blatant' to mean `flagrant') or deliberately (as in a mixed metaphor: `blind mouths')


chiasmus: inversion in the second of two parallel phrases


climax: arrangement of clauses in ascending order of forcefulness


conversion: interchange of subject and predicate of a proposition


dramatic irony: (theater) irony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play


ecphonesis: an exclamatory rhetorical device


exclamation: an exclamatory rhetorical device


emphasis: special and significant stress by means of position or repetition e.g.


enallage: a substitution of part of speech or gender or number or tense etc. (e.g., editorial `we' for `I')


epanorthosis: immediate rephrasing for intensification or justification


epiplexis: a rhetorical device in which the speaker reproaches the audience in order to incite or convince them


hendiadys: use of two conjoined nouns instead of a noun and modifier


hypallage: reversal of the syntactic relation of two words (as in `her beauty's face')


hyperbaton: reversal of normal word order (as in `cheese I love')


hypozeugma: use of a series of subjects with a single predicate


hypozeuxis: use of a series of parallel clauses (as in `I came, I saw, I conquered')


hysteron proteron: reversal of normal order of two words or sentences etc. (as in `bred and born')


litotes: understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary)


meiosis: understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary)


onomatopoeia: using words that imitate the sound they denote


paralepsis: suggesting by deliberately concise treatment that much of significance is omitted


paraleipsis: suggesting by deliberately concise treatment that much of significance is omitted


paralipsis: suggesting by deliberately concise treatment that much of significance is omitted


preterition: suggesting by deliberately concise treatment that much of significance is omitted


paregmenon: juxtaposing words having a common derivation (as in `sense and sensibility')


polysyndeton: using several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some might be omitted (as in `he ran and jumped and laughed for joy')


prolepsis: anticipating and answering objections in advance


wellerism: a comparison comprising a well-known quotation followed by a facetious sequel


trope: language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense


figure of speech: language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense


figure: language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense


image: language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense


conceit: an elaborate poetic image or a far-fetched comparison of very dissimilar things


irony: a trope that involves incongruity between what is expected and what occurs


hyperbole: extravagant exaggeration


exaggeration: extravagant exaggeration


kenning: conventional metaphoric name for something, used especially in Old English and Old Norse poetry


metaphor: a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity


dead metaphor: a metaphor that has occurred so often that it has become a new meaning of the expression (e.g., `he is a snake' may once have been a metaphor but after years of use it has died and become a new sense of the word `snake')


frozen metaphor: a metaphor that has occurred so often that it has become a new meaning of the expression (e.g., `he is a snake' may once have been a metaphor but after years of use it has died and become a new sense of the word `snake')


mixed metaphor: a combination of two or more metaphors that together produce a ridiculous effect


synesthetic metaphor: a metaphor that exploits a similarity between experiences in different sense modalities


metonymy: substituting the name of an attribute or feature for the name of the thing itself (as in `they counted heads')


metalepsis: substituting metonymy of one figurative sense for another


oxymoron: conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence')


personification: representing an abstract quality or idea as a person or creature


prosopopoeia: representing an abstract quality or idea as a person or creature


simile: a figure of speech that expresses a resemblance between things of different kinds (usually formed with `like' or `as')


synecdoche: substituting a more inclusive term for a less inclusive one or vice versa


syllepsis: use of a word to govern two or more words though agreeing in number or case etc. with only one


zeugma: use of a word to govern two or more words though appropriate to only one


auditory communication: communication that relies on hearing


speech: (language) communication by word of mouth


speech communication: (language) communication by word of mouth


spoken communication: (language) communication by word of mouth


spoken language: (language) communication by word of mouth


language: (language) communication by word of mouth


voice communication: (language) communication by word of mouth


oral communication: (language) communication by word of mouth


words: the words that are spoken


utterance: the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication


vocalization: the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication


speech: the exchange of spoken words


voice: the sound made by the vibration of vocal folds modified by the resonance of the vocal tract


vocalization: the sound made by the vibration of vocal folds modified by the resonance of the vocal tract


vocalisation: the sound made by the vibration of vocal folds modified by the resonance of the vocal tract


vocalism: the sound made by the vibration of vocal folds modified by the resonance of the vocal tract


phonation: the sound made by the vibration of vocal folds modified by the resonance of the vocal tract


vox: the sound made by the vibration of vocal folds modified by the resonance of the vocal tract


phone: (phonetics) an individual sound unit of speech without concern as to whether or not it is a phoneme of some language


speech sound: (phonetics) an individual sound unit of speech without concern as to whether or not it is a phoneme of some language


sound: (phonetics) an individual sound unit of speech without concern as to whether or not it is a phoneme of some language


morphophoneme: (linguistics) the phonemes (or strings of phonemes) that constitute the various allomorphs of a morpheme


phoneme: (linguistics) one of a small set of speech sounds that are distinguished by the speakers of a particular language


allophone: (linguistics) any of various acoustically different forms of the same phoneme


ablaut: a vowel whose quality or length is changed to indicate linguistic distinctions (such as sing sang sung song)


grade: a degree of ablaut


gradation: a degree of ablaut


diphthong: a vowel sound that starts near the articulatory position for one vowel and moves toward the position for another


vowel: a speech sound made with the vocal tract open


vowel sound: a speech sound made with the vocal tract open


accentual system: the system of accentuation used in a particular language


prosodic system: the system of accentuation used in a particular language


consonant system: the system of consonants used in a particular language


consonantal system: the system of consonants used in a particular language


morphophonemic system: the morphophonemics of a particular language


phonemic system: the system of phonemes recognized in a language


phonological system: the system of phones used in a particular language


phonologic system: the system of phones used in a particular language


syllabicity: the pattern of syllable formation in a particular language


tense system: a system of tenses used in a particular language


tone system: the system of tones used in a particular language or dialect of a tone language


tonal system: the system of tones used in a particular language or dialect of a tone language


vowel system: the system of vowels used in a particular language


vocalism: the system of vowels used in a particular language


schwa: a neutral middle vowel; occurs in unstressed syllables


shwa: a neutral middle vowel; occurs in unstressed syllables


murmur vowel: a schwa that is incidental to the pronunciation of a consonant


murmur: a schwa that is incidental to the pronunciation of a consonant


stem vowel: a vowel that ends a stem and precedes an inflection


thematic vowel: a vowel that ends a stem and precedes an inflection


semivowel: a vowellike sound that serves as a consonant


glide: a vowellike sound that serves as a consonant


palatal: a semivowel produced with the tongue near the palate (like the initial sound in the English word `yeast')


vowel: a letter of the alphabet standing for a spoken vowel


vowel point: a mark placed below or near a consonant (as in Hebrew or Arabic) to indicate the spoken vowel


consonant: a speech sound that is not a vowel


consonant: a letter of the alphabet standing for a spoken consonant


alveolar consonant: a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue near the gum ridge


dental consonant: a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue near the gum ridge


alveolar: a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue near the gum ridge


dental: a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue near the gum ridge


obstruent: a consonant that is produced with a partial or complete blockage of the airflow from the lungs through the nose or mouth


stop consonant: a consonant produced by stopping the flow of air at some point and suddenly releasing it


stop: a consonant produced by stopping the flow of air at some point and suddenly releasing it


occlusive: a consonant produced by stopping the flow of air at some point and suddenly releasing it


plosive consonant: a consonant produced by stopping the flow of air at some point and suddenly releasing it


plosive speech sound: a consonant produced by stopping the flow of air at some point and suddenly releasing it


plosive: a consonant produced by stopping the flow of air at some point and suddenly releasing it


implosion: the initial occluded phase of a stop consonant


plosion: the terminal forced release of pressure built up during the occlusive phase of a stop consonant


explosion: the terminal forced release of pressure built up during the occlusive phase of a stop consonant


affrication: the conversion of a simple stop consonant into an affricate


aspirate: a consonant pronounced with aspiration


aspiration: a manner of articulation involving an audible release of breath


labial consonant: a consonant whose articulation involves movement of the lips


labial: a consonant whose articulation involves movement of the lips


labiodental consonant: a consonant whose articulation involves the lips and teeth


labiodental: a consonant whose articulation involves the lips and teeth


bilabial: a consonant that is articulated using both lips; /p/ or /b/ or /w/


labial stop: a stop consonant that is produced with the lips


glottal stop: a stop consonant articulated by releasing pressure at the glottis; as in the sudden onset of a vowel


glottal plosive: a stop consonant articulated by releasing pressure at the glottis; as in the sudden onset of a vowel


glottal catch: a stop consonant articulated by releasing pressure at the glottis; as in the sudden onset of a vowel


epenthesis: the insertion of a vowel or consonant into a word to make its pronunciation easier


nasalization: the act of nasalizing; the utterance of sounds modulated by the nasal resonators


nasalisation: the act of nasalizing; the utterance of sounds modulated by the nasal resonators


suction stop: a stop consonant made by the suction of air into the mouth (as in Bantu)


click: a stop consonant made by the suction of air into the mouth (as in Bantu)


continuant consonant: consonant articulated by constricting (but not closing) the vocal tract


continuant: consonant articulated by constricting (but not closing) the vocal tract


fricative consonant: a continuant consonant produced by breath moving against a narrowing of the vocal tract


fricative: a continuant consonant produced by breath moving against a narrowing of the vocal tract


spirant: a continuant consonant produced by breath moving against a narrowing of the vocal tract


sibilant: a consonant characterized by a hissing sound (like s or sh)


sibilant consonant: a consonant characterized by a hissing sound (like s or sh)


affricate: a composite speech sound consisting of a stop and a fricative articulated at the same point (as `ch' in `chair' and `j' in `joy')


affricate consonant: a composite speech sound consisting of a stop and a fricative articulated at the same point (as `ch' in `chair' and `j' in `joy')


affricative: a composite speech sound consisting of a stop and a fricative articulated at the same point (as `ch' in `chair' and `j' in `joy')


nasal consonant: a consonant produced through the nose with the mouth closed


nasal: a consonant produced through the nose with the mouth closed


orinasal phone: a speech sound produced with both the oral and nasal passages open (as French nasal vowels)


orinasal: a speech sound produced with both the oral and nasal passages open (as French nasal vowels)


lingual: a consonant that is produced with the tongue and other speech organs


liquid: a frictionless continuant that is not a nasal consonant (especially `l' and `r')


geminate: a doubled or long consonant


surd: a consonant produced without sound from the vocal cords


voiceless consonant: a consonant produced without sound from the vocal cords


velar: a consonant produced with the back of the tongue touching or near the soft palate


velar consonant: a consonant produced with the back of the tongue touching or near the soft palate


guttural: a consonant articulated in the back of the mouth or throat


guttural consonant: a consonant articulated in the back of the mouth or throat


pharyngeal: a consonant articulated in the back of the mouth or throat


pharyngeal consonant: a consonant articulated in the back of the mouth or throat


sonant: a speech sound accompanied by sound from the vocal cords


voiced sound: a speech sound accompanied by sound from the vocal cords


cry: a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition


outcry: a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition


call: a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition


yell: a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition


shout: a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition


vociferation: a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition


cry: a loud utterance of emotion (especially when inarticulate)


yell: a loud utterance of emotion (especially when inarticulate)


bellow: a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)


bellowing: a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)


holla: a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)


holler: a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)


hollering: a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)


hollo: a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)


holloa: a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)


roar: a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)


roaring: a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)


yowl: a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)


blue murder: an extravagantly loud outcry


catcall: a cry expressing disapproval


clamor: loud and persistent outcry from many people


clamoring: loud and persistent outcry from many people


clamour: loud and persistent outcry from many people


clamouring: loud and persistent outcry from many people


hue and cry: loud and persistent outcry from many people


halloo: a shout to attract attention


hoot: a loud raucous cry (as of an owl)


hosanna: a cry of praise or adoration (to God)


noise: a loud outcry of protest or complaint


scream: sharp piercing cry


screaming: sharp piercing cry


shriek: sharp piercing cry


shrieking: sharp piercing cry


screech: sharp piercing cry


screeching: sharp piercing cry


whoop: a loud hooting cry of exultation or excitement


war cry: a yell intended to rally a group of soldiers in battle


war whoop: a yell intended to rally a group of soldiers in battle


rallying cry: a yell intended to rally a group of soldiers in battle


battle cry: a yell intended to rally a group of soldiers in battle


yelling: uttering a loud inarticulate cry as of pain or excitement


shouting: uttering a loud inarticulate cry as of pain or excitement


yodel: a songlike cry in which the voice fluctuates rapidly between the normal voice and falsetto


boo: a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt


hoot: a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt


Bronx cheer: a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt


hiss: a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt


raspberry: a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt


razzing: a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt


razz: a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt


snort: a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt


bird: a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt


blasphemy: blasphemous language (expressing disrespect for God or for something sacred)


obscenity: an offensive or indecent word or phrase


smut: an offensive or indecent word or phrase


vulgarism: an offensive or indecent word or phrase


filth: an offensive or indecent word or phrase


dirty word: an offensive or indecent word or phrase


bawdry: lewd or obscene talk or writing


bawdy: lewd or obscene talk or writing


scatology: a preoccupation with obscenity (especially that dealing with excrement or excretory functions)


curse: profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger


curse word: profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger


expletive: profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger


oath: profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger


swearing: profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger


swearword: profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger


cuss: profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger


croak: a harsh hoarse utterance (as of a frog)


croaking: a harsh hoarse utterance (as of a frog)


exclamation: an abrupt excited utterance


exclaiming: an abrupt excited utterance


devil: a word used in exclamations of confusion


deuce: a word used in exclamations of confusion


dickens: a word used in exclamations of confusion


ejaculation: an abrupt emphatic exclamation expressing emotion


interjection: an abrupt emphatic exclamation expressing emotion


expostulation: an exclamation of protest or remonstrance or reproof


expletive: a word or phrase conveying no independent meaning but added to fill out a sentence or metrical line


groan: an utterance expressing pain or disapproval


moan: an utterance expressing pain or disapproval


hem: the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.


ahem: the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.


howl: a long loud emotional utterance


howling: a long loud emotional utterance


ululation: a long loud emotional utterance


laugh: the sound of laughing


laughter: the sound of laughing


mumble: a soft indistinct utterance


cachinnation: loud convulsive laughter


cackle: a loud laugh suggestive of a hen's cackle


chortle: a soft partly suppressed laugh


chuckle: a soft partly suppressed laugh


giggle: a foolish or nervous laugh


guffaw: a burst of deep loud hearty laughter


belly laugh: a burst of deep loud hearty laughter


hee-haw: a loud laugh that sounds like a horse neighing


horselaugh: a loud laugh that sounds like a horse neighing


ha-ha: a loud laugh that sounds like a horse neighing


haw-haw: a loud laugh that sounds like a horse neighing


snicker: a disrespectful laugh


snort: a disrespectful laugh


snigger: a disrespectful laugh


titter: a nervous restrained laugh


paging: calling out the name of a person (especially by a loudspeaker system)


profanity: vulgar or irreverent speech or action


pronunciation: the way a word or a language is customarily spoken


orthoepy: the way a word or a language is customarily spoken


pronunciation: the manner in which someone utters a word


sibilation: pronunciation with a sibilant (hissing or whistling) sound


assibilation: pronunciation with a sibilant (hissing or whistling) sound


exultation: the utterance of sounds expressing great joy


rejoicing: the utterance of sounds expressing great joy


jubilation: the utterance of sounds expressing great joy


sigh: an utterance made by exhaling audibly


suspiration: an utterance made by exhaling audibly


snarl: a vicious angry growl


speaking: the utterance of intelligible speech


speech production: the utterance of intelligible speech


speech: something spoken


sputter: an utterance (of words) with spitting sounds (as in rage)


splutter: an utterance (of words) with spitting sounds (as in rage)


whisper: speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords


whispering: speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords


susurration: speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords


voicelessness: speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords


stage whisper: a loud whisper that can be overheard; on the stage it is heard by the audience but it supposed to be inaudible to the rest of the cast


rasp: uttering in an irritated tone


rasping: uttering in an irritated tone


mispronunciation: incorrect pronunciation


homograph: two words are homographs if they are spelled the same way but differ in meaning (e.g. fair)


homophone: two words are homophones if they are pronounced the same way but differ in meaning or spelling or both (e.g. bare and bear)


homophony: the same pronunciation for words of different origins


accent: distinctive manner of oral expression


speech pattern: distinctive manner of oral expression


drawl: a slow speech pattern with prolonged vowels


articulation: the aspect of pronunciation that involves bringing articulatory organs together so as to shape the sounds of speech


retroflection: an articulatory gesture made by turning the tip of the tongue back against the roof of the mouth


retroflexion: an articulatory gesture made by turning the tip of the tongue back against the roof of the mouth


enunciation: the articulation of speech regarded from the point of view of its intelligibility to the audience


diction: the articulation of speech regarded from the point of view of its intelligibility to the audience


mumbling: indistinct enunciation


syncope: (phonology) the loss of sounds from within a word (as in `fo'c'sle' for `forecastle')


syncopation: (phonology) the loss of sounds from within a word (as in `fo'c'sle' for `forecastle')


sandhi: the articulatory process whereby the pronunciation of a word or morpheme changes when it is followed immediately by another (especially in fluent speech)


thickness: indistinct articulation


tongue twister: an expression that is difficult to articulate clearly


trill: the articulation of a consonant (especially the consonant `r') with a rapid flutter of the tongue against the palate or uvula


conversation: the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.


crossfire: a lively or heated interchange of ideas and opinions


phatic speech: conversational speech used to communicate sociability more than information


phatic communication: conversational speech used to communicate sociability more than information


intercourse: communication between individuals


social intercourse: communication between individuals


communion: sharing thoughts and feelings


sharing: sharing thoughts and feelings


exchange: a mutual expression of views (especially an unpleasant one)


chat: an informal conversation


confab: an informal conversation


confabulation: an informal conversation


schmooze: an informal conversation


schmoose: an informal conversation


chitchat: light informal conversation for social occasions


chit-chat: light informal conversation for social occasions


chit chat: light informal conversation for social occasions


small talk: light informal conversation for social occasions


gab: light informal conversation for social occasions


gabfest: light informal conversation for social occasions


gossip: light informal conversation for social occasions


tittle-tattle: light informal conversation for social occasions


chin wag: light informal conversation for social occasions


chin-wag: light informal conversation for social occasions


chin wagging: light informal conversation for social occasions


chin-wagging: light informal conversation for social occasions


causerie: light informal conversation for social occasions


gossiping: a conversation that spreads personal information about other people


gossipmongering: a conversation that spreads personal information about other people


scandalmongering: spreading malicious gossip


talk: an exchange of ideas via conversation


talking: an exchange of ideas via conversation


cant: insincere talk about religion or morals


pious platitude: insincere talk about religion or morals


dialogue: a conversation between two persons


dialog: a conversation between two persons


duologue: a conversation between two persons


heart-to-heart: an intimate talk in private


shmooze: (Yiddish) a warm heart-to-heart talk


shop talk: talk about your business that only others in the same business can understand


wind: empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk


malarkey: empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk


malarky: empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk


idle words: empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk


jazz: empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk


nothingness: empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk


yak: noisy talk


yack: noisy talk


yakety-yak: noisy talk


chatter: noisy talk


cackle: noisy talk


prate: idle or foolish and irrelevant talk


prattle: idle or foolish and irrelevant talk


idle talk: idle or foolish and irrelevant talk


blether: idle or foolish and irrelevant talk


chin music: idle or foolish and irrelevant talk


nothings: inconsequential conversation


sweet nothings: inconsequential expressions of affection


honeyed words: inconsequential expressions of affection


commerce: social exchange, especially of opinions, attitudes, etc.


colloquy: formal conversation


detail: extended treatment of particulars


dilation: a lengthy discussion (spoken or written) on a particular topic


discussion: an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic


treatment: an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic


discourse: an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic


indirect discourse: a report of a discourse in which deictic terms are modified appropriately (e.g., )


direct discourse: a report of the exact words used in a discourse (e.g., )


direct quotation: a report of the exact words used in a discourse (e.g., )


consideration: a discussion of a topic (as in a meeting)


expatiation: a discussion (spoken or written) that enlarges on a topic or theme at length or in detail


talk: discussion; (`talk about' is a less formal alternative for `discussion of')


reconsideration: a consideration of a topic (as in a meeting) with a view to changing an earlier decision


exhortation: a communication intended to urge or persuade the recipients to take some action


expression: the communication (in speech or writing) of your beliefs or opinions


verbal expression: the communication (in speech or writing) of your beliefs or opinions


verbalism: the communication (in speech or writing) of your beliefs or opinions


cold turkey: a blunt expression of views


congratulation: (usually plural) an expression of pleasure at the success or good fortune of another


felicitation: (usually plural) an expression of pleasure at the success or good fortune of another


discussion: an exchange of views on some topic


give-and-take: an exchange of views on some topic


word: an exchange of views on some topic


argument: a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal


argumentation: a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal


debate: a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal


logomachy: argument about words or the meaning of words


parley: a negotiation between enemies


rap: voluble conversation


rap session: conversation in a situation where feelings can be expressed and criticized or supported


second-hand speech: overheard conversation (especially overheard cellphone conversation)


table talk: conversation during a meal


telephone conversation: a conversation over the telephone


tete-a-tete: a private conversation between two people


pillow talk: intimate conversation between lovers (typically occurring in bed)


deliberation: (usually plural) discussion of all sides of a question


conference: a discussion among participants who have an agreed (serious) topic


group discussion: a discussion among participants who have an agreed (serious) topic


bull session: an informal discussion (usually among men)


colloquy: a conversation especially a formal one


consultation: a conference between two or more people to consider a particular question


sidebar: (law) a courtroom conference between the lawyers and the judge that is held out of the jury's hearing


consultation: a conference (usually with someone important)


audience: a conference (usually with someone important)


interview: a conference (usually with someone important)


panel discussion: discussion of a subject of public interest by a group of persons forming a panel usually before an audience


postmortem: discussion of an event after it has occurred


post-mortem: discussion of an event after it has occurred


public discussion: free and open discussion of (or debate on) some question of public interest


ventilation: free and open discussion of (or debate on) some question of public interest


huddle: (informal) a quick private conference


powwow: (informal) a quick private conference


backgrounder: a press conference or interview in which a government official explains to reporters the background of an action or policy


press conference: a conference at which press and tv reporters ask questions of a politician or other celebrity


news conference: a conference at which press and tv reporters ask questions of a politician or other celebrity


pretrial: (law) a conference held before the trial begins to bring the parties together to outline discovery proceedings and to define the issues to be tried; more useful in civil than in criminal cases


pretrial conference: (law) a conference held before the trial begins to bring the parties together to outline discovery proceedings and to define the issues to be tried; more useful in civil than in criminal cases


round table: a meeting of peers for discussion and exchange of views


roundtable: a meeting of peers for discussion and exchange of views


round-table conference: a meeting of peers for discussion and exchange of views


session: a meeting for execution of a group's functions


teach-in: an extended session (as on a college campus) for lectures and discussion on an important and usually controversial issue


teleconference: a conference of people who are in different locations that is made possible by the use of such telecommunications equipment as closed-circuit television


teleconferencing: a conference of people who are in different locations that is made possible by the use of such telecommunications equipment as closed-circuit television


sitting: a session as of a legislature or court


clinic: meeting for diagnosis of problems and instruction or remedial work in a particular activity


reading clinic: a clinic for people with reading disabilities


basketball clinic: a meeting at which basketball players receive special evaluation and instruction


baseball clinic: a meeting at which baseball players receive special evaluation and instruction


hockey clinic: a meeting at which hockey players receive special evaluation and instruction


executive session: a session (usually of a legislative body) that is closed to the public


closed session: a session (usually of a legislative body) that is closed to the public


hearing: a session (of a committee or grand jury) in which witnesses are called and testimony is taken


confirmation hearing: a hearing held by the US Senate to gather information on whether to approve or reject candidates for high federal office who are nominated by the president


skull session: a session (as of executives or advisors) to discuss policy or strategy or to solve problems or exchange ideas


special session: a session that is held in addition to the regular sessions


tutorial: a session of intensive tuition given by a tutor to an individual or to a small number of students


negotiation: a discussion intended to produce an agreement


dialogue: a discussion intended to produce an agreement


talks: a discussion intended to produce an agreement


diplomacy: negotiation between nations


diplomatic negotiations: negotiation between nations


dollar diplomacy: diplomacy influenced by economic considerations


power politics: diplomacy in which the nations threaten to use force in order to obtain their objectives


gunboat diplomacy: diplomacy in which the nations threaten to use force in order to obtain their objectives


recognition: the explicit and formal acknowledgement of a government or of the national independence of a country


shuttle diplomacy: international negotiations conducted by a mediator who frequently flies back and forth between the negotiating parties


Strategic Arms Limitation Talks: negotiations between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics opened in 1969 in Helsinki designed to limit both countries' stock of nuclear weapons


SALT: negotiations between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics opened in 1969 in Helsinki designed to limit both countries' stock of nuclear weapons


bargaining: the negotiation of the terms of a transaction or agreement


collective bargaining: negotiation between an employer and trade union


haggle: an instance of intense argument (as in bargaining)


haggling: an instance of intense argument (as in bargaining)


wrangle: an instance of intense argument (as in bargaining)


wrangling: an instance of intense argument (as in bargaining)


holdout: a refusal by a negotiator to come to terms in the hope of obtaining a better deal


horse trading: negotiation accompanied by mutual concessions and shrewd bargaining


mediation: a negotiation to resolve differences that is conducted by some impartial party


arbitration: (law) the hearing and determination of a dispute by an impartial referee agreed to by both parties (often used to settle disputes between labor and management)


conciliation: any of various forms of mediation whereby disputes may be settled short of arbitration


umpirage: mediation by an umpire


saying: a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations


expression: a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations


locution: a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations


anatomical reference: an expression that relates to anatomy


anatomical: an expression that relates to anatomy


southernism: a locution or pronunciation peculiar to the southern United States


sound bite: a very short speech; usually on radio or television


motto: a favorite saying of a sect or political group


slogan: a favorite saying of a sect or political group


catchword: a favorite saying of a sect or political group


shibboleth: a favorite saying of a sect or political group


catchphrase: a phrase that has become a catchword


catch phrase: a phrase that has become a catchword


mantra: a commonly repeated word or phrase


war cry: a slogan used to rally support for a cause


rallying cry: a slogan used to rally support for a cause


battle cry: a slogan used to rally support for a cause


cry: a slogan used to rally support for a cause


watchword: a slogan used to rally support for a cause


maxim: a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits


axiom: a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits


aphorism: a short pithy instructive saying


apothegm: a short pithy instructive saying


apophthegm: a short pithy instructive saying


gnome: a short pithy saying expressing a general truth


Murphy's Law: humorous axiom stating that anything that can go wrong will go wrong


Sod's Law: humorous axiom stating that anything that can go wrong will go wrong


moralism: a moral maxim


epigram: a witty saying


quip: a witty saying


proverb: a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people


adage: a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people


saw: a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people


byword: a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people


platitude: a trite or obvious remark


cliche: a trite or obvious remark


banality: a trite or obvious remark


commonplace: a trite or obvious remark


bromide: a trite or obvious remark


truism: an obvious truth


idiom: an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up


idiomatic expression: an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up


phrasal idiom: an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up


set phrase: an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up


phrase: an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up


ruralism: a rural idiom or expression


rusticism: a rural idiom or expression


agrapha: sayings of Jesus not recorded in the canonical Gospels


sumpsimus: a correct expression that takes the place of a popular but incorrect expression


non-standard speech: speech that differs from the usual accepted, easily recognizable speech of native adult members of a speech community


baby talk: the developing speech of a young child


babytalk: the developing speech of a young child


baby talk: an adult's imitation of the speech of a young child


babytalk: an adult's imitation of the speech of a young child


motherese: an adult's imitation of the speech of a young child


dialect: the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people


idiom: the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people


accent: the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people


eye dialect: the use of misspellings to identify a colloquial or uneducated speaker


patois: a regional dialect of a language (especially French); usually considered substandard


localism: a phrase or pronunciation that is peculiar to a particular locality


regionalism: a feature (as a pronunciation or expression or custom) that is characteristic of a particular region


idiolect: the language or speech of one individual at a particular period in life


monologue: a long utterance by one person (especially one that prevents others from participating in the conversation)


telegraphese: language characterized by terseness and ellipsis as in telegrams


vernacular: the everyday speech of the people (as distinguished from literary language)


slang: a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)


cant: a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)


jargon: a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)


lingo: a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)


argot: a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)


patois: a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)


vernacular: a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)


rhyming slang: slang that replaces words with rhyming words or expressions and then typically omits the rhyming component


slang: informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or vulgar


slang expression: informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or vulgar


slang term: informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or vulgar


spell: a verbal formula believed to have magical force


magic spell: a verbal formula believed to have magical force


magical spell: a verbal formula believed to have magical force


charm: a verbal formula believed to have magical force


incantation: a ritual recitation of words or sounds believed to have a magical effect


conjuration: a ritual recitation of words or sounds believed to have a magical effect


invocation: an incantation used in conjuring or summoning a devil


hex: an evil spell


jinx: an evil spell


curse: an evil spell


whammy: an evil spell


dictation: speech intended for reproduction in writing


soliloquy: speech you make to yourself


monologue: speech you make to yourself


speech act: the use of language to perform some act


proposal: the act of making a proposal


proposition: the act of making a proposal


contract offer: offer by an employer to contract to pay an employee at a given rate


marriage proposal: an offer of marriage


proposal of marriage: an offer of marriage


marriage offer: an offer of marriage


proposal: an offer of marriage


proposition: an offer for a private bargain (especially a request for sexual favors)


question: an informal reference to a marriage proposal


proposal: something proposed (such as a plan or assumption)


counterproposal: a proposal offered as an alternative to an earlier proposal


hypothesis: a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations


suggestion: a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection


proposition: a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection


proffer: a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection


introduction: a new proposal


re-introduction: a proposal of something previously rejected


first reading: the first presentation of a bill in a legislature


second reading: the second presentation of a bill in a legislature; to approve its general principles (Britain) or to discuss a committee's report and take a vote (US)


motion: a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote


question: a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote


previous question: a motion calling for an immediate vote on the main question under discussion by a deliberative assembly


hint: an indirect suggestion


intimation: an indirect suggestion


breath: an indirect suggestion


touch: a suggestion of some quality


trace: a suggestion of some quality


ghost: a suggestion of some quality


overture: a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others


advance: a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others


approach: a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others


feeler: a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others


offer: something offered (as a proposal or bid)


offering: something offered (as a proposal or bid)


counteroffer: an offer made by someone who has rejected a prior offer


bid: a formal proposal to buy at a specified price


tender: a formal proposal to buy at a specified price


overbid: a bid that is higher than preceding bids


buyout bid: a bid to buy all of a person's holdings


prospectus: a formal written offer to sell securities (filed with the SEC) that sets forth a plan for a (proposed) business enterprise


preliminary prospectus: a first draft of a prospectus; must be clearly marked to indicate that parts may be changed in the final prospectus


red herring: a first draft of a prospectus; must be clearly marked to indicate that parts may be changed in the final prospectus


tender offer: an offer to buy shares in a corporation (usually above the market price) for cash or securities or both


reward: the offer of money for helping to find a criminal or for returning lost property


rights offering: an offering of common stock to existing shareholders who hold subscription rights or pre-emptive rights that entitle them to buy newly issued shares at a discount from the price at which they will be offered to the public later


rights issue: an offering of common stock to existing shareholders who hold subscription rights or pre-emptive rights that entitle them to buy newly issued shares at a discount from the price at which they will be offered to the public later


special: a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising


price: a monetary reward for helping to catch a criminal


peace offering: something offered to an adversary in the hope of obtaining peace


olive branch: something offered to an adversary in the hope of obtaining peace


twofer: an offer of two for the price of one


presentation: the act of presenting a proposal


submission: something (manuscripts or architectural plans and models or estimates or works of art of all genres etc.) submitted for the judgment of others (as in a competition)


entry: something (manuscripts or architectural plans and models or estimates or works of art of all genres etc.) submitted for the judgment of others (as in a competition)


filing: the entering of a legal document into the public record


command: an authoritative direction or instruction to do something


bid: an authoritative direction or instruction to do something


bidding: an authoritative direction or instruction to do something


dictation: an authoritative direction or instruction to do something


countermand: a contrary command cancelling or reversing a previous command


order: (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed


marching orders: an order from a superior officer for troops to depart


summons: an order to appear in person at a given place and time


word: a verbal command for action


call up: an order to report for military duty


commission: a formal statement of a command or injunction to do something


charge: a formal statement of a command or injunction to do something


direction: a formal statement of a command or injunction to do something


misdirection: an incorrect charge to a jury given by a judge


commandment: something that is commanded


Decalogue: the biblical commandments of Moses


Ten Commandments: the biblical commandments of Moses


directive: a pronouncement encouraging or banning some activity


Presidential Directive: a directive issued by the President of the United States; usually addressed to all heads of departments and agencies


injunction: a formal command or admonition


behest: an authoritative command or request


open sesame: a magical command; used by Ali Baba


interpretation: an explanation that results from interpreting something


clarification: an interpretation that removes obstacles to understanding


elucidation: an interpretation that removes obstacles to understanding


illumination: an interpretation that removes obstacles to understanding


disambiguation: clarification that follows from the removal of ambiguity


lexical disambiguation: disambiguation of the sense of a polysemantic word


eisegesis: personal interpretation of a text (especially of the Bible) using your own ideas


exegesis: an explanation or critical interpretation (especially of the Bible)


ijtihad: the endeavor of a Moslem scholar to derive a rule of divine law from the Koran and Hadith without relying on the views of other scholars; by the end of the 10th century theologians decided that debate on such matters would be closed and Muslim theology and law were frozen


text: a passage from the Bible that is used as the subject of a sermon


expansion: a discussion that provides additional information


enlargement: a discussion that provides additional information


elaboration: a discussion that provides additional information


embellishment: elaboration of an interpretation by the use of decorative (sometimes fictitious) detail


embroidery: elaboration of an interpretation by the use of decorative (sometimes fictitious) detail


literal interpretation: an interpretation based on the exact wording


letter: a strictly literal interpretation (as distinct from the intention)


version: an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint


reading: a particular interpretation or performance


construction: an interpretation of a text or action


twist: an interpretation of a text or action


reconstruction: an interpretation formed by piecing together bits of evidence


popularization: an interpretation that easily understandable and acceptable


popularisation: an interpretation that easily understandable and acceptable


misinterpretation: putting the wrong interpretation on


misunderstanding: putting the wrong interpretation on


mistaking: putting the wrong interpretation on


imbroglio: a very embarrassing misunderstanding


misconstrual: a kind of misinterpretation resulting from putting a wrong construction on words or actions (often deliberately)


misconstruction: a kind of misinterpretation resulting from putting a wrong construction on words or actions (often deliberately)


misreading: misinterpretation caused by inaccurate reading


agreement: the verbal act of agreeing


assent: agreement with a statement or proposal to do something


acquiescence: agreement with a statement or proposal to do something


informed consent: consent by a patient to undergo a medical or surgical treatment or to participate in an experiment after the patient understands the risks involved


acceptance: (contract law) words signifying consent to the terms of an offer (thereby creating a contract)


concession: the act of conceding or yielding


conceding: the act of conceding or yielding


yielding: the act of conceding or yielding


bye: you advance to the next round in a tournament without playing an opponent


pass: you advance to the next round in a tournament without playing an opponent


concurrence: agreement of results or opinions


concurrency: agreement of results or opinions


accord: concurrence of opinion


conformity: concurrence of opinion


accordance: concurrence of opinion


connivance: agreement on a secret plot


collusion: agreement on a secret plot


cahoot: collusion


accession: agreeing with or consenting to (often unwillingly)


assenting: agreeing with or consenting to (often unwillingly)


accommodation: a settlement of differences


conclusion: a final settlement


reservation: the written record or promise of an arrangement by which accommodations are secured in advance


settlement: a conclusive resolution of a matter and disposition of it


out-of-court settlement: resolution of a dispute prior to the rendering of a final decision by the trial court


property settlement: (matrimonial law) the division of property owned or acquired by marriage partners during their marriage


accord and satisfaction: the settlement of a debt by paying less than the amount demanded in exchange for extinguishing the debt


severance agreement: an agreement on the terms on which an employee will leave


golden handshake: a lucrative severance agreement offered to an employee (usually as an incentive to retire)


suicide pact: an agreement by two or more people to commit suicide together at a given place and time


modus vivendi: a temporary accommodation of a disagreement between parties pending a permanent settlement


compromise: an accommodation in which both sides make concessions


Missouri Compromise: an agreement in 1820 between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the United States concerning the extension of slavery into new territories


subscription: agreement expressed by (or as if expressed by) signing your name


ratification: making something valid by formally ratifying or confirming it


confirmation: making something valid by formally ratifying or confirming it


harmony: agreement of opinions


concord: agreement of opinions


concordance: agreement of opinions


second: a speech seconding a motion


secondment: a speech seconding a motion


endorsement: a speech seconding a motion


indorsement: a speech seconding a motion


citation: (law) the act of citing (as of spoken words or written passages or legal precedents etc.)


disagreement: the speech act of disagreeing or arguing or disputing


confrontation: a hostile disagreement face-to-face


encounter: a hostile disagreement face-to-face


showdown: a hostile disagreement face-to-face


face-off: a hostile disagreement face-to-face


dissidence: disagreement; especially disagreement with the government


dissent: a difference of opinion


nonconformity: lack of harmony or correspondence


discord: disagreement among those expected to cooperate


dissension: disagreement among those expected to cooperate


confrontation: discord resulting from a clash of ideas or opinions


division: discord that splits a group


variance: discord that splits a group


dispute: a disagreement or argument about something important


difference: a disagreement or argument about something important


difference of opinion: a disagreement or argument about something important


conflict: a disagreement or argument about something important


straw man: a weak or sham argument set up to be easily refuted


strawman: a weak or sham argument set up to be easily refuted


argy-bargy: a verbal dispute; a wrangling argument


argle-bargle: a verbal dispute; a wrangling argument


firestorm: an outburst of controversy


sparring: an argument in which the participants are trying to gain some advantage


special pleading: an argument that ignores all unfavorable evidence


collision: a conflict of opposed ideas or attitudes or goals


controversy: a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement


contention: a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement


contestation: a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement


disputation: a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement


disceptation: a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement


tilt: a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement


argument: a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement


arguing: a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement


polemic: a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)


gap: a difference (especially an unfortunate difference) between two opinions or two views or two situations


generation gap: a difference between the views of young people and their parents


quarrel: an angry dispute


wrangle: an angry dispute


row: an angry dispute


words: an angry dispute


run-in: an angry dispute


dustup: an angry dispute


fight: an intense verbal dispute


affray: noisy quarrel


altercation: noisy quarrel


fracas: noisy quarrel


batrachomyomachia: a silly altercation


bicker: a quarrel about petty points


bickering: a quarrel about petty points


spat: a quarrel about petty points


tiff: a quarrel about petty points


squabble: a quarrel about petty points


pettifoggery: a quarrel about petty points


fuss: a quarrel about petty points


bust-up: a serious quarrel (especially one that ends a friendship)


offer: the verbal act of offering


offering: the verbal act of offering


request: the verbal act of requesting


asking: the verbal act of requesting


notification: a request for payment


notice: a request for payment


wish: an expression of some desire or inclination


indirect request: an expression of some desire or inclination


invitation: a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something


bidding: a request to be present


summons: a request to be present


invite: a colloquial expression for invitation


entreaty: earnest or urgent request


prayer: earnest or urgent request


appeal: earnest or urgent request


adjuration: a solemn and earnest appeal to someone to do something


demagoguery: impassioned appeals to the prejudices and emotions of the populace


demagogy: impassioned appeals to the prejudices and emotions of the populace


flag waving: an appeal intended to arouse patriotic emotions


jingoism: an appeal intended to arouse patriotic emotions


supplication: a humble request for help from someone in authority


plea: a humble request for help from someone in authority


solicitation: an entreaty addressed to someone of superior status


beggary: a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street by an apparently penniless person)


begging: a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street by an apparently penniless person)


mendicancy: a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street by an apparently penniless person)


touch: the act of soliciting money (as a gift or loan)


importunity: insistent solicitation and entreaty


urgency: insistent solicitation and entreaty


urging: insistent solicitation and entreaty


suit: a petition or appeal made to a person of superior status or rank


courtship: a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)


wooing: a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)


courting: a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)


suit: a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)


bundling: a onetime custom during courtship of unmarried couples occupying the same bed without undressing


prayer: reverent petition to a deity


petition: reverent petition to a deity


orison: reverent petition to a deity


benediction: a ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection


blessing: a ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection


benison: a spoken blessing


collect: a short prayer generally preceding the lesson in the Church of Rome or the Church of England


commination: prayers proclaiming God's anger against sinners; read in the Church of England on Ash Wednesday


deprecation: a prayer to avert or remove some evil or disaster


grace: a short prayer of thanks before a meal


blessing: a short prayer of thanks before a meal


thanksgiving: a short prayer of thanks before a meal


intercession: a prayer to God on behalf of another person


invocation: a prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service


supplication: a prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service


rogation: a solemn supplication ceremony prescribed by the church


requiescat: a prayer for the repose of the soul of a dead person


call: a request


recall: a call to return


charge: request for payment of a debt


billing: request for payment of a debt


presentment: a document that must be accepted and paid by another person


demand: an urgent or peremptory request


challenge: a demand by a sentry for a password or identification


ultimatum: a final peremptory demand


insistence: continual and persistent demands


insisting: continual and persistent demands


purism: scrupulous or exaggerated insistence on purity or correctness (especially in language)


call: a demand especially in the phrase


claim: a demand especially in the phrase


requisition: the act of requiring; an authoritative request or demand, especially by a military or public authority that takes something over (usually temporarily) for military or public use


call: a demand for a show of hands in a card game


margin call: a demand by a broker that a customer deposit enough to bring his margin up to the minimum requirement


call: a demand by a broker that a customer deposit enough to bring his margin up to the minimum requirement


wage claim: the wage demanded from management for workers by their union representatives


pay claim: the wage demanded from management for workers by their union representatives


trick or treat: a request by children on Halloween; they pass from door to door asking for goodies and threatening to play tricks on those who refuse


questioning: a request for information


inquiring: a request for information


challenge: questioning a statement and demanding an explanation


question: an instance of questioning


inquiry: an instance of questioning


enquiry: an instance of questioning


query: an instance of questioning


interrogation: an instance of questioning


interrogation: formal systematic questioning


examination: formal systematic questioning


interrogatory: formal systematic questioning


catechism: a series of question put to an individual (such as a political candidate) to elicit their views


deposition: (law) a pretrial interrogation of a witness; usually conducted in a lawyer's office


inquisition: a severe interrogation (often violating the rights or privacy of individuals)


third degree: interrogation often accompanied by torture to extort information or a confession


cross-examination: (law) close questioning of a hostile witness in a court of law to discredit or throw a new light on the testimony already provided in direct examination


direct examination: (law) the initial questioning of a witness by the party that called the witness


redirect examination: (law) questioning of a witness by the party that called the witness after that witness has been subject to cross-examination


reexamination: (law) questioning of a witness by the party that called the witness after that witness has been subject to cross-examination


cross-question: a question asked in cross-examination


leading question: a question phrased in such a way as to suggest the desired answer; a lawyer may ask leading questions on cross-examination