AP Language and Composition Vocabulary

Preamble

an introduction to a speech or piece of writing

presage

to foretell; indicate in advance

prescient

having foresight

predilection

preference

precipitate

rash, acting without thinking

Predicate

to base upon

presentiment

a feeling that something might happen

precedent

example to be followed by others in the future

pretentious

pompous, self-important

pretense

a false claim

predecessor

one who came before

precursor

that which comes before; forerunner

pretext

an excuse

precocious

talented beyond one's age

preclude

to prevent

tantalize

to tease, torment by teasing

nemesis

enemy

platonic

Having a relationship that is loving but non-sexual.

thespian

an actor or actress

Spartan

highly self-disciplined; frugal; austere

juggernaut

a terrible destructive or irresistible force

maudlin

overly sentimental

Hector

to bully; to pester

rapport

a close and harmonious relationship

gauche

awkward

nonchalant

unconcerned; indifferent

liaison

connection between different groups, a close bond

in lieu of

instead of

doppelganger

an apparition or double of a living person

Verboten

Prohibited; restricted

citadel

a fortress overlooking a city; a stronghold

burlesque

give an imitation that ridicules; imitate mockingly

Archipelago

A group of islands

littoral

located along the shoreline

bravado

a bold act meant to show off

manifesto

a public declaration of policies or intentions

bungalow

a small house with a single story

Karma

the effects that good or bad actions have on a person's soul

mantra

repeated word or phrase

Avatar

an embodiment often in a person

pariah

an outcast

insular

isolated; narrow or provincial

provincial

narrow-minded

parochial

local; narrow; limited

sedulous

hard working; diligent

restive

impatient, uneasy, or restless

peruse

to read carefully

punctilious

Paying strict attention to detail; extremely careful

equivocate

Ambiguous language

predicament

a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation

prepossessing

attractive or appealing in appearance

gratuitous

unnecessary or unwanted

intemperate

excessive; lacking moderation

redress

to correct

remiss

negligent; careless; lax

preeminent

outstanding; superior

Mannerism

a habitual gesture or way of speaking or behaving

placid

calm, peaceful

rambunctious

unruly; uncontrollable

murmur

the sound of people speaking very softly

raucous

unpleasantly loud and harsh

prudent

careful, cautious

wary

watchful, alert

impetuous

rash, impulsive

heedless

not paying attention; thoughtless

chary

Hesitant; wary

rash

too hasty, reckless

reticent

reserved

verbose

wordy

Mince

Cut up or grind in small pieces

hedge

a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes

loquacious

very talkative

Legion

in large numbers

surfeit

an excessive amount

Glut

an oversupply

multitude

a great number of things or people

myriad

a countless or extremely great number

plethora

excess; overabundance

Copius

abundant; plentiful

paucity

scarcity; lack

superfluous

unnecessary, especially through being more than enough

extraneous

irrelevant

repudiate

to reject the validity of

adamant

unyielding; firm in opinion

doctrinaire

to impose prejudiced beliefs set by a specific group (religious/political) without regard to practical considerations

retract

to take back

vocarious

greedy, devouring

ascetic

practicing self-denial; austere

abstemious

self denying; refraining from indulging

insatiable

impossible to satisfy

Sate

to satisfy fully

gourmand

someone fond of eating and drinking

ravenous

extremely hungry

steadfast

loyal, faithful

bilk

to cheat

ruse

trick

bamboozle

trick

fidelity

faithfulness; loyalty

adroit

skillful, expert in the use of the hands or mind

chicanery

trickery; deception