American Lit Unit 1, 2, & 3 Vocab

feign

To pretend to feel or be affected by (something)
Synonyms: Fake, Pretend

supercilious

Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others
Synonyms: Arrogant, Haughty, Condescending, Patronizing

languid

Showing or having very little strength, energy, or activity
Synonyms: Unenergetic, Slow

prodigal

Carelessly and foolishly spending money, time
Synonyms: Uninsisting, Wasteful

ascertain

To learn or find out (something, such as information or the truth)
Synonyms: Determine, Discover, Research, Investigate

impetuous

Acting or done quickly and without thought: Controlled by emotion rather than thought
Synonyms: Impulsive, Rash, Reckless

truculent

Eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant.
Synonyms: Defiant, Aggressive

insidious

Slowly harmful; proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects
Synonyms: Subtle, Stealth, Slick

haughty

Having or showing the insulting attitude of people who think that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people
Synonyms: Assuming, Snobbish, Indifferent

laudable

Deserving praise
Synonyms: Commendable, Admirable, Praiseworthy

harrowing

Very painful or upsetting
Synonyms: Distress, Trouble, Torment

transitory

Lasting only for a short time
Synonyms: Temporary, Flash, Transient

pander

To gratify or indulge (an immoral or distasteful desire, need, or habit or a person with such a desire)
Synonyms: Indulge, fulfill, satisfy

portentous

Giving a sign that foreshadows an ominous warning
Synonyms: Ominous, Sinister, Menacing

redolent

Strongly reminiscent of or suggestive of
Synonyms: Aromatic, Fragrant, Scented

congruence

Definition: the quality or state of agreeing, coinciding, or being in harmony
Synonyms: agreement, harmony, match

dubious

Definition: unsettled in opinion: doubtful or of doubtful promise or outcome
Synonyms: doubtful, uncertain, suspicious

tenacious

Definition: persistent and maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired
Synonyms: determined, firm, stubborn

guile

Definition: deceitful cunning
Synonyms: tricky, deceit, cunning

eloquence

Definition: the quality of forceful or persuasive expressiveness
Synonyms: fluency, expressiveness, persuasiveness

turbulent

Definition: characterized by agitation or tumult
Synonyms: wild, chaotic, stormy

emulate

Definition: to strive to equal or excel; imitate
Synonyms: copy, imitate, match

integral

Definition: essential to completeness
Synonyms: essential, vital, necessary

vigilant

Definition: alertly watchful, especially to avoid danger
Synonyms: watchful, alert, careful

vulgarity

Definition: the quality or state of lacking refinement or good taste
Synonyms: rudeness, crudity, coarseness

irrespective

Definition: functioning without or having no regard for persons, conditions, circumstances, or consequences
Synonyms: regardless, despite, ignoring

atavistic

Definition: reoccurrence of or reversion to a past style, manner, outlook, approach or activity
Synonyms: primitive, ancient, old-fashioned

imperceptible

Definition: impossible to perceive
Synonyms: tiny, slight, unseen

concede

Definition: admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it; surrender or yield
Synonyms: admit, yield, give

remnant

Definition: a usually small part, member, or trace remaining
a small surviving group —often used in plural
Synonyms: leftover, piece, remainder

devout

Definition: believing strongly in a religion and obeying all its rules or principles; devoted to a pursuit, belief, or mode of behavior
Synonyms: faithful, religious, loyal

malady

Definition: a disease or ailment
Synonyms: illness, sickness, disease

autonomy

Definition: (of a country or region) the right or condition of self-government, especially in a particular sphere
Synonyms: freedom, independence, self-rule

deplore

Definition: feel or express strong disapproval of (something)
Synonyms: hate, criticize, condemn

solace

Definition: comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness

Synonyms: comfort, relief, support

solemnly

Definition: done in a very serious or formal manner;
characterized by a very serious and subdued attitude or atmosphere
Synonyms: seriously, formally, gravely

compatriot

Definition: a fellow citizen or national of a country
Synonyms: countryman, fellow citizen, national

barren

Definition: not reproducing; not capable of producing offspring, producing little (as in vegetation), devoid, lacking
Synonyms: empty, dry, bare

herald

Definition: to give notice, announce
Synonyms: announce, signal, proclaim

imperious

Definition: having or showing the proud and unpleasant attitude of someone who gives orders and expects other people to obey them
Synonyms: bossy, commanding, arrogant

endearment

Definition: a word or an act (such as a caress) expressing affection
Synonyms: affection, fondness, love

placid

Definition: not easily upset or excited (especially of a place or stretch of water), calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity
Synonyms: calm, peaceful, quiet