AP Lang — Vocab: Set 2

ameliorate

(v) to improve, make better, correct a flaw or shortcoming

ambivalent

(adj) having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone

bombastic

(adj) language that is full of high-sounding words intended to conceal a lack of ideas; pompous or overblown speech or writing

callow

(adj) without experience; immature, not fully developed; lacking sophistication and poise; without feathers

dissension

(n) disagreement, sharp difference of opinion

drivel

(n) saliva or mucus flowing from the mouth or nose; foolish, aimless talk or thinking; nonsense. (v) to let saliva flow from the mouth; to utter nonsense or childish twaddle; to waste or fritter away

earnest

(adj) showing sincere and intense conviction; (n) seriousness and zealousness in intention, purpose or effort

epitome

(n) the typical or highest example of a stated quality as shown by a particular person or thing

euphoric

(adj) characterized by or feeling intense excitement and happiness

exhort

(v) to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something

infringe

(v) to violate, trespass, go beyond recognized bounds

ingratiate

(v) to make oneself agreeable and thus gain favor or acceptance by others (sometimes used in a critical or derogatory sense)

inveigh

(v) to make a violent attack in words, express strong disapproval

lassitude

(n) weariness of body or mind, lack of energy

occult

(adj) mysterious, magical, supernatural; secret, hidden from view; not detectable by ordinary means; (n) matters involving the supernatural; (v) hide, conceal, eclipse

permeate

(v) to spread through, penetrate, soak through

precipitate

(v) to fall as moisture; to cause or bring about suddenly; to hurl down from a great height; to give distinct form to; (adj) characterized by excessive haste; (n) moisture; the product of an action or process

restitution

(n) the act of restoring someone or something to the rightful owner or to a former state/position; making good on a loss or damage

stringent

(adj) strict, severe; rigorously or urgently binding or compelling; sharp or bitter to the taste

surmise

(v) to think or believe without certain supporting evidence; to conjecture or guess; (n) likely idea that lacks definite proof