English 2 KAP Vocabulary and Allusions

Approbation

the expression of approval or favorable opinion, praise; official approval

Assuage

to make easier or milder, relieve; to quiet, calm; to put an end to; appease, satisfy, quench

Coalition

a combination, union, or merger for some specific purpose

Decadence

decline, decay; or deterioration; a condition or period of decline or decay; excessive self-indulgence

Elicit

to draw forth, bring out from some source (such as another person)

Expostulate

to attempt to dissuade someone from some course or decision by earnest reasoning

Hackneyed

used so often as to lack freshness or originality

Hiatus

a gap, opening, break (in the sense of having an element missing)

Innuendo

a hint, indirect suggestion, or reference (often in a derogatory sense)

Intercede

to plead on behalf of someone else; to serve as a third party or go-between in a disagreement

Jaded

wearied, worn-out, dulled (in the sense of being satiated by excessive indulgence)

Lurid

causing shock, horror, or revulsion; sensational; pale or sallow in color; terrible or passionate in intensity or lack of restraint

Meritorious

worthy, deserving recognition or praise

Petulant

peevish, annoyed by trifles, easily irritated and upset

Prerogative

a special right or privilege; a special quality showing excellence

Provincial

pertaining to an outlying area; local; narrow in mind or outlook, countrified in the sense of being limited and backward

Simulate

to make a pretense of, imitate; to show the outer signs of

Transcend

to rise above or beyond, exceed

Umbrage

shade cast by trees; foliage; giving shade; an overshadowing influence or power; offense; resentment; a vague suspicion

Unctuous

excessively smooth or smug; trying too hard to give an impression of earnestness, sincerity, or piety; fatty, oily; pliable

Achilles' Heel

An Achilles' heel is a weakness despite overall strength, which can lead to downfall. It is rooted in the myth of Achilles' mother dipping him in the River Styx, making his entire body invulnerable except for the part of his foot where she held him—the proverbial Achilles heel.

All that Glitters is Not Gold

This allusion means that not everything that looks precious or true turns out to be so. It warns against false appearances.

Benedict Arnold

This allusion refers to a traitor, particularly an American traitor, due to Benedict Arnold's betrayal of the American forces during the Revolutionary War.

Lot's Wife

This allusion refers to a person who unwisely chooses to look back once they have started on a course of action, leading to negative consequences.

Witch Hunt

This allusion refers to a campaign against a particular group of people, often those holding unorthodox or unpopular views, using unfair means or unfounded accusations.