Vocabulary IB

Horatian satire

A lighter, gentler type of satire characterized by a good-natured, tolerant sense of humor about human folly, often seen as 'telling the truth with a smile.'

Juvenalian satire

A more serious and often harsh type of satire that critiques vice and error in humanity, characterized by biting sarcasm and moral indignation.

Double entendre

A word or phrase that has two interpretations, one of which is usually risqué or indecent.

Burlesque

A ridiculous exaggeration of language that imitates a subject, making it appear ridiculous through incongruity.

Farce

A comedic style that provokes laughter through exaggerated, improbable situations and low comedy.

Incongruity

The presentation of elements that are out of place or absurd in relation to their surroundings.

Invective

Harsh, abusive language directed at a person or idea, often used as a tool of anger in Juvenalian satire.

Inversion/reversal

The presentation of the opposite of the normal order in events or hierarchy.

Dramatic irony

When a character's words or actions carry a meaning unperceived by them but understood by the audience.

Situational irony

A discrepancy between purpose and results, often highlighting the unexpected outcome of an action.

Socratic irony

Pretending ignorance to draw knowledge from students or feigning ignorance to gain an advantage.

Verbal irony

When words express the opposite of their literal meaning.

Naiveté

A lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.

Cynicism

An inclination to believe that people are motivated solely by self-interest; skepticism.

Abject

Extremely bad, unpleasant, and degrading as a condition.

Sardonic

Grimly mocking or cynical.

Epiphany

A sudden realization or comprehension.

Dystopia

An imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad.

Utopia

An imagined place in which everything is perfect.

Ephemeral

Lasting for a very short time.

Ineffable

Too great or extreme to be expressed in words.

Vicissitudes

A change of circumstances or fortune, typically unwelcome.

Melancholy

A gloomy or depressed state of mind.

Auto-da-fé

The execution of heretics by the Spanish Inquisition, usually by burning.

Distraught

Extremely upset or crazed.

Tremulous

Timid, shaking, or fearful.

Avert

To turn away or aside.

Adversary

An opponent or enemy.

Incite

To encourage or stir up.

Assiduous

Diligent or persevering.

Peril

Extreme danger.

Imprudently

Lacking discretion; unwisely.

Indefatigable

Tireless.

Rapacity

Aggressive greed.

Candor

The quality of being open and honest; frankness.

Sublime

Of such excellence or beauty as to inspire great admiration.

Indignation

Anger or annoyance provoked by perceived unfair treatment.

Philosophize

To speculate or theorize about serious issues, often in a self-important way.

Usurp

To take possession of without legal claim.

Vindicate

To clear someone of blame or suspicion.

Anathema

Something vehemently disliked.

Prostrate

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

Insolence

Rude and disrespectful behavior.

Pernicious

Having a harmful effect, especially gradually.

Sycophant

A person who flatters someone important to gain advantage.

Obfuscate

To render obscure or unclear.

Sagacity

The quality of being wise or having keen discernment.

Avarice

Extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

Reprieve

A cancellation or postponement of a punishment.

Taciturn

Reserved or uncommunicative in speech.

Vexation

The state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried.

Probity

The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty.

Ignominious

Deserving public disgrace or shame.

Secularism

The principle of separating religion from government.

Totalitarianism

A system of government where the state holds total authority over society.

Revolutionary

Pertaining to advocating a complete change in the political or social system.

Ideology

A system of ideas forming the basis of political theory.

Propaganda

Biased or misleading information used to promote a political cause.

Exile

Being barred from one's native country for political reasons.

Martyrdom

The suffering or death of a martyr for beliefs.

Oppression

Prolonged unjust treatment or control.

Fundamentalism

Strict adherence to specific theological doctrines.

Autonomy

The right of self-government.