AP Lang - Vocab Set Three

Arbitrary (adj)

Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system

Bombastic (adj)

Pretentious or overly stylish when speaking or writing

Censorious (adj)

Demanding and hard to please; fastidious

Disparaging (adj)

Belittling

Diatribe (n)

A sharply abusive and thunderous verbal attack

Erudite (adj)

Characterized by great knowledge, scholarly

Esoteric (adj)

Intended for (or likely to be understood) by a small number or people with a specialized knowledge or interest, obscure

Impetuous (adj)

Characterized by sudden and forceful energy or emotion; passionately impulsive

Irascible (adj)

Easily angered and irritable

Magnanimous (adj)

Noble and generous in spirit

Obsequious (adj)

Obedient and submissive in an excessive, flattering way

Reticent (adj)

Reserved and quiet; not readily sharing thoughts or feelings

Vacillate (v)

To sway or waver in opinion; to be indecisive

Zealot (n)

An excessively fanatical/overly passionate person