Advanced English Words and Definitions, AP Literature Poetic Devices

brazen

Bold and without shame; shameless.

compunction

A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.

din

A loud, unpleasant noise.

edict

An official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.

indiscretion

Lack of good judgment or care in behavior or speech.

perquisites

Benefits or privileges that come with a job or position.

sepulcher

A tomb or burial place.

suppliant

A person making a humble plea to someone in power or authority.

tumult

A loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people.

marauding

Going about in search of things to steal or people to attack.

admonish

To warn or reprimand someone firmly.

akimbo

With hands on the hips and elbows turned outward.

lassitude

A state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy.

licentious

Promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters.

muse (noun and verb)

(Noun) A source of inspiration; (Verb) To think deeply or ponder.

pecuniary

Relating to or consisting of money.

plight

A dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation.

presumptuous

Failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.

subversive

Seeking or intended to subvert an established system or institution.

vacuous

Having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless.

avocation

A hobby or minor occupation.

callous

Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.

capricious

Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

disparity

A great difference.

efficacy

The ability to produce a desired or intended result.

epistle

A letter, particularly a formal or didactic one.

hospice

A home providing care for the sick, especially the terminally ill.

impetus

The force or energy with which a body moves.

moribund

In a state of decline or near death.

vacillate

To waver between different opinions or actions.

akin

Of similar character.

corroborate

To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding.

inexorable

Impossible to stop or prevent.

insipid

Lacking flavor, vigor, or interest.

nefarious

Wicked or criminal.

physiognomy

A person's facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of character.

retinue

A group of advisors, assistants, or others accompanying an important person.

tedium

The state of being tedious; boredom.

torrid

Very hot and dry.

affront

An action or remark that causes outrage or offense.

blasé

Unimpressed or indifferent to something because one has experienced or seen it so often before.

cajole

To persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery.

choleric

Bad-tempered or irritable.

encumber

To restrict or burden in such a way that free action or movement is difficult.

feckless

Lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible.

impasse

A situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement.

indolent

Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy.

lugubrious

Looking or sounding sad and dismal.

ribald

Referring to sexual matters in an amusingly rude or irreverent way.

adulation

Excessive admiration or praise.

censure

Express severe disapproval of someone or something.

dissemble

To conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs.

dissimulation

Concealment of one's thoughts, feelings, or character; pretense.

droll

Curiously or unusually amusing.

expectorate

To cough or spit out phlegm from the throat or lungs.

palpate

To examine a part of the body by touch.

peremptory

Insisting on immediate attention or obedience.

pusillanimous

Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid.

surfeit

An excessive amount of something.

allay

To diminish or put to rest (fear, suspicion, or worry).

capacious

Having a lot of space inside; roomy.

didactic

Intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.

diurnal

Of or during the day; daily.

ignominious

Deserving or causing public disgrace or shame.

mitigate

To make less severe, serious, or painful.

palpitate

To beat rapidly, strongly, or irregularly.

phlegmatic

Having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition.

propitious

Giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable.

prostrate

Lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward.

acquiesce

To accept something reluctantly but without protest.

amity

A friendly relationship.

arduous

Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.

gestalt

An organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts.

inundate

To overwhelm someone with things or people to be dealt with.

perjury

The offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after having taken an oath.

perspicuity

Clearness or lucidity, as of a statement.

preposterous

Contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous.

trepidation

A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.

voluble

Characterized by a ready and continuous flow of words; fluent; glib.

alacrity

Brisk and cheerful readiness.

aplomb

Self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation.

barrage

A concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide area.

cognizant

Having knowledge or being aware of.

collusion

Secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially in order to cheat or deceive others.

deleterious

Causing harm or damage.

hegemony

Leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others.

paradigm

A typical example or pattern of something; a model.

unctuous

Excessively or ingratiatingly flattering; oily.

urbane

Suave, courteous, and refined in manner.

ambulatory

Relating to or adapted for walking.

churlish

Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way.

diffident

Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence.

ennui

A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

inscrutable

Impossible to understand or interpret.

prognosticate

To foretell or prophesy a future event.

schism

A split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties.

sedition

Conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state.

wizen(ed)

To become or cause to become wrinkled or dry.

austere

Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance.

corpulent

Fat; having a large, bulky body.