AP LANG Vocab Units 10-15

obscure

relatively unknown; indistinct

ominous

menacing, threatening, foreboding

ornate

elaborately decorated

paradoxical

a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity

patronizing

condescending

pedantic

an adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish

penitient

expressing remorse for one’s misdeeds; remorseful

philosophical

sensibly composed or calm; characteristic of a philosopher

pious

reverent; respectful to what is sacred or moral

poignant

profoundly moving; touching

polemic

relating to disputes and controversy

portentous

ominous; also pompous or self-important (2 separate meanings)

pragmatic

practical

pretentious

haughty

prosaic

unimaginative, dull

puritanical

austerity, extreme rigidity

regal

of, like or fit for a monarch; splendid

reproachful

marked by shame, disgrace (the one judging another has a reproachful look)

sanguine

confident, optimistic; ruddy (this is where the “blood” origin comes in)

sarcastic

from the Greek for "to tear flesh," involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something

sardonic

disdainfully or ironically humorous; harsh, bitter or caustic

scathing

harsh or caustic

smug

annoyingly self satisfied

solemn

sacred, formal, serious

staid

respectable and unadventurous

stark

desolate, dreary, grim

strident

harsh-sounding, shrill

stoic

indifferent to pleasure or pain; impassive

subjective

instinctive, emotional, subject to personal feelings/prejudices

superficial

concerned only with what is on the surface; shallow

superfluous

extra, unnecessary

tactful

relating to something carefully stated so as not to offend

terse

concise, succinct

trite

not fresh or original, hackneyed

vexed

frustrated

wary

on guard, cautious

whimsical

unpredictable and flighty, but also playful and amusing

wistful

showing or expressing vague yearnings; regretful longing

wrathful

intensely angry, furious, enraged