AP Literature Vocabulary Terms #2

Avocation

Secondary occupation/ Fun activity

Capricious

Sudden, unpredictable changes in mood, behavior, or purpose

Disparity

Inequality or difference in some respect

Efficacy

The power or capacity to produce a desired result or effect/ Effectiveness

Epistle

A writing directed or sent to a person or group of people

Hospice

Medical care for people close to the end of their lives

Impetus

A force that encourages a particular action or makes it more energetic/ effective

Moribund

Near death/ Coming to an end

Reticent

Reserved, restrained, or reluctant to speak

Vacillate

Indecisive/ Constantly changing mind or opinion/ Uncertain what to do

Akin

Similar or related to each other

Corroborate

Confirm or support/ Strengthen

Inexorable

Can’t be stopped or persuaded

Insipid

Uninteresting/ Bland or dull

Nefarious

Extremely wicked or corrupt/ Evil

Physiognomy

Outer appearance can be linked to inner personality traits

Retinue

A group of people that accompany an important person; their posse

Suppliant

To humbly pray or ask for forgiveness/ Petitioner or beggar

Tedium

State of being really bored while doing something repetitive

Torrid

Extremely hot or dry/ Very passionate/ Fast or hurried