AP Literature Vocabulary Fall 25

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering terms from the AP Literature course notes (Fall 25).

METICULOUS

Showing great attention to detail.

AMBIGUOUS

Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.

RECALCITRANT

Stubbornly uncooperative, particularly toward authority.

EUPHEMISM

A mild or indirect word substituted for a harsh or embarrassing word or concept.

GREGARIOUS

Fond of company; sociable.

SATIATE

To satisfy to the full.

INSATIABLE

Unable to be satisfied.

INCANDESCENT

Emitting light; full of passion or strong emotion.

LACONIC

Using very few words.

FLIPPANT

Not showing a serious or respectful attitude.

MOTIF

A recurring element (word, image, symbol, or action) that creates unity and reinforces theme.

DISCERNING

Having or showing good judgment.

ACRIMONIOUS

Angry and bitter.

REPROACH

To address someone in a way that expresses disapproval or disappointment.

DIDACTIC

Intended to teach, especially with moral instruction as an ulterior motive.

REVERENT

Feeling or showing deep respect.

DERISIVE

Expressing contempt or ridicule.

AMBIVALENT

Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something.

ERUDITE

Having or showing great knowledge or learning.

SANGUINE

Optimistic or positive, especially in difficult situations; also describes a blood-red color.

MAUDLIN

Tearfully or weakly emotional; overly sentimental.

ABJECT

Experiencing or present to the maximum degree; very severe.

AUSTERE

Severe or strict; plain or without luxury; lacking ornament.

PARADOX

A statement that seems self-contradictory but may contain a latent truth.

Epigraph

A short, stand-alone quote, line, or paragraph that appears at the beginning of a book (usually from an existing piece of work0.

Imperious

Someone who assumes power or authority without justification; domineering or arrogant in manner.

Hubris

a way of talking or behaving that is too proud; an extraordinary ego.

Hamartia

A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or protagonist.

Catharsis

Build up of emotions that eventually are released and then you feel better.

Denigrate

to criticize unfairly; disparage.

Abhorrent

inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant

Harbinger

A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another

Zeitgeist

defining spirit or mood of a mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time; cultural climate or trend

Acquiesce

to accept something reluctantly but without protest.

Perverse

turned away from what is right or good; willfully determined to go against what is expected or desired

Poignant

evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; producing keen strong emotion. Can also mean being to the point, apt.

Scrutinize

to examine something carefully and thoroughly, often to discover information or ensure accuracy.

Petulant

childishly sulky or bad-tempered; often showing irritation over something insignificant.

Excoriate

to criticize severely and verbally attack; to denounce or express strong disapproval. To damage or remove part of the surface of the skin

Futile

incapable of producing any useful result; pointless or ineffective.

Ennui

a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.