This arts and humanities glossary is designed to help you learn as many terms as possible to help you with your GCSEs, A-levels, university degree and beyond. It includes terms from subjects such as:
- English literature
- English language (including linguistics and grammar)
- Creative writing and storytelling (including narratology)
- Media studies
- Film and TV
- Theatre
- History
- Sociology
- Rhetoric
- Logic
All definitions are available for you to see, but examples and help using the word in your essays are only available for members. I am planning on adding over 2000 words! However, that will take me some time to do.
If you’re interested in supporting me as I make the most definitive glossary of English terms, or you’d like access to the extras, please consider becoming a member.
Glossary FAQs
It covers all subjects that relate to analysis and criticism. That includes both English language and literature, as well as media studies, film studies and theatre studies (drama). I am considering adding useful words related to religion, philosophy, history and sociology, too. They’re all linked!
I am aiming to have all the words that a degree student of English might come across. However, you can use it no matter what level of English you’re at! The language is easy to understand and there are plenty of examples. Plus, you can use the GCSE and A-level categories to help you figure out what terms you should know.
I have a spreadsheet of terms I want to add that includes over 2000 words! I’m adding new words every week, starting with the most important ones for GCSE and A-level students. So, you should see it grow and become more useful to you every week.
In this glossary, I use British English. This whole website is for students who are following the National Curriculum or one of the major UK exam boards for their exams, as well as people studying at a UK university.
If you’re a member of Shani’s Tutoring, you have access to the dedicated learner forum. There, you can make a suggestion for a word you’d like added to the glossary. It’s likely that I’ve already got it on my list, but please do mention it anyway! I like to check your feedback so I can see which terms I should prioritise.