APLit Vocab, S2L3

abstruse (adj.)

hard to understand (like a foreign language/overly complex)

incomprehensible, arcane

lugubrious (adj.)

excessively mournful, dismal, or gloomy

melancholy, cynical, pessimistic

ANT: sanguine

punctilious (adj.)

strict in the observance of formalties

precise, scrupulous,

reticent (adj.)

disposed to be silent or not to speak freely

reserved, taciturn

truculent (adj.)

aggressively hostile or fierce

belligerent, aggressive

ANT: gentle, amiable

uncouth (adj.)

lacking good manners or refinement

rude, discourteous

indisposed (adj.)

sick or ill, relunctant

unwell

prosaic (adj.)

commonplace or a-matter-of-fact

dull, normal

venerable (adj.)

commanding respect because of great age or dignity

revered

zealot (n.)

an excessively enthusiastic follower of a cause

fanatic, militant