AP Seminar Vocab (Unit 2)

abominate

to have an intense dislike or hatred for

acculturation

the modification of one group's social patterns, traits, or structures through contact with another group

adventitious

resulting from chance rather than an inherent cause or character

ascribe

to assign or refer to something as a cause or source

circuitous

roundabout, not direct

commiserate

to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, or share a feeling of distress

enjoin

to direct or order; to prescribe a course of action authoritatively

expedite

to make easy or cause to progress faster

expiate

to make amends or make up for

ferment

a state of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence

inadvertent

resulting from or marked by lack of attention

nominal

existing in name only, not real

noncommittal

not decisive or definite; unwilling to take a clear position

peculate

to steal something entrusted to one's care

proclivity

a natural or habitual inclination or tendency

sangfroid

composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances

seditious

resistant to lawful authority; intended to overthrow an established government

tenuous

thin or slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness

vitriolic

bitter, sarcastic, highly caustic or biting

wheedle

to use coaxing or flattery to gain a desired end