AP English III-Vocabulary Units 7,8,9

Allay

• Definition: To calm or soothe (an agitated feeling or desire).

• Anatomy: N/A

• Synonyms: Relieve, assuage, pacify, mitigate.

• Complex sentence: The soothing music helped allay the child's fears, allowing them to drift off to sleep peacefully.

Bestial

1. Definition: Resembling or characteristic of a beast; brutish, cruel, or inhuman. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Savage, barbaric, animalistic, brutish. 

4. Complex sentence: The soldiers' bestial behavior during the war was a shocking display of the depths of human depravity. 

Convivial

1. Definition: Relating to or characterized by feasting, drinking, and good company. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Jovial, genial, sociable, gregarious. 

4. Complex sentence: The convivial atmosphere at the party encouraged guests to mingle and engage in lively conversations. 

Coterie

1. Definition: A small group of people with shared interests or tastes, especially an exclusive or elitist one. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Clique, circle, cabal, faction. 

4. Complex sentence: The literary coterie at the university held exclusive meetings to discuss the latest works of their favorite authors. 

Counterpart

1. Definition: A person or thing that corresponds to or has the same function as another person or thing in a different place or situation. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Equivalent, match, parallel, mirror image. 

4. Complex sentence: The CEO's counterpart in the overseas branch was responsible for implementing the company's expansion strategy in that region. 

Demur

1. Definition: To hesitate or object to something. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Protest, object, dissent, resist. 

4. Complex sentence: The committee members demurred at the proposed budget cuts, arguing that they would significantly impact the organization's operations. 

Effrontery

1. Definition: Shameless or brazen boldness. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Audacity, nerve, gall, impudence. 

4. Complex sentence: The politician's effrontery in making unfounded accusations against their opponent was met with widespread condemnation. 

Embellish

1. Definition: To make more attractive or impressive by the addition of decorative or supplementary features. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Adorn, ornament, enhance, beautify. 

4. Complex sentence: The artist skillfully embellished the painting with intricate details and vibrant colors, transforming it into a captivating work of art. 

Ephemeral

1. Definition: Lasting for a very short time; transitory. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Fleeting, transient, momentary, short-lived. 

4. Complex sentence: The butterfly's existence was ephemeral, as it lived only for a few days before succumbing to the elements. 

Felicitous

1. Definition: Suitably expressed; apt and appropriate. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Apt, appropriate, well-chosen, fitting. 

4. Complex sentence: The speaker's felicitous use of metaphors and analogies made their presentation engaging and easy to understand. 

Furtive

1. Definition: Stealthy or secretive. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Surreptitious, stealthy, covert, sly. 

4. Complex sentence: The thief made a furtive glance around the room before slipping the valuable item into their pocket. 

Garish

1. Definition: Tastelessly showy or ostentatious. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Gaudy, flashy, loud, tacky. 

4. Complex sentence: The garish decorations at the party were overwhelming and detracted from the overall ambiance. 

Illusory

1. Definition: Based on or producing an illusion; not real or genuine. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Deceptive, imaginary, unreal, fanciful. 

4. Complex sentence: The mirage in the desert created an illusory oasis, tempting the weary travelers to continue their fruitless search. 

Indigent

1. Definition: Extremely poor; lacking the means to afford the basic necessities of life. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Destitute, impoverished, needy, penniless. 

4. Complex sentence: The indigent family relied on local charities and food banks to meet their basic needs, as they struggled to make ends meet. 

Inordinate

1. Definition: Exceeding reasonable, proper, or moderate limits; excessive. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Excessive, disproportionate, immoderate, extravagant. 

4. Complex sentence: The CEO's inordinate compensation package sparked outrage among the company's shareholders, who felt it was unjustified. 

Jettison

1. Definition: To discard or get rid of (something), especially from a ship or aircraft. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Discard, abandon, dispose of, get rid of. 

4. Complex sentence: The pilot was forced to jettison the extra fuel tanks in order to lighten the plane and maintain control during the emergency landing. 

Misanthrope

1. Definition: A person who dislikes and avoids other people. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Cynic, pessimist, recluse, antisocial. 

4. Complex sentence: The misanthrope preferred to spend their time alone, finding solace in books and nature rather than engaging with the outside world. 

Pertinacious

1. Definition: Stubbornly or determinedly persistent. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Persistent, tenacious, obstinate, unwavering. 

4. Complex sentence: The pertinacious researcher continued to pursue their theory despite the skepticism of their peers, ultimately proving their hypothesis correct. 

Picayune

1. Definition: Of little value or importance; trivial. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Insignificant, petty, trifling, minute. 

4. Complex sentence: The manager dismissed the employee's picayune concerns as being irrelevant to the overall success of the project.

Raiment

1. Definition: Clothing; garments. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Attire, garb, apparel, dress. 

4. Complex sentence: The elegant raiment worn by the guests at the formal event added to the sense of grandeur and occasion. 

Allege

1. Definition: To assert or declare without proof. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Claim, assert, maintain, contend. 

4. Complex sentence: The defendant's lawyer alleged that the evidence presented by the prosecution was circumstantial and did not conclusively prove their client's guilt. 

Arrant

1. Definition: Complete or unmitigated; thorough. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Utter, absolute, outright, downright. 

4. Complex sentence: The politician's arrant disregard for the concerns of their constituents led to widespread criticism and calls for their resignation. 

Badinage

1. Definition: Playful, teasing, or lighthearted conversation. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Banter, playful repartee, witty exchange, playful teasing. 

4. Complex sentence: The two friends engaged in a lively badinage, trading clever quips and witty remarks that delighted the rest of the group. 

Conciliate

1. Definition: To win over; to placate or appease. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Pacify, soothe, mollify, appease. 

4. Complex sentence: The diplomat's efforts to conciliate the warring factions were crucial in brokering a peace agreement between the two sides. 

Countermand

1. Definition: To cancel or revoke (an order or instruction). 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Rescind, revoke, cancel, overrule. 

4. Complex sentence: The captain quickly countermanded the order to launch the missiles, realizing that it would have led to disastrous consequences. 

Echelon

1. Definition: A level or rank in an organization, system, or society, especially one of successive levels. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Tier, level, stratum, rank. 

4. Complex sentence: The company's management structure was divided into distinct echelons, with each level having its own set of responsibilities and decision-making authority. 

Exacerbate

1. Definition: To make (a problem, bad situation, etc.) worse. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Worsen, aggravate, intensify, escalate. 

4. Complex sentence: The heavy rain and high winds exacerbated the flooding situation, causing significant damage to nearby homes and businesses. 

Fatuous

1. Definition: Silly and pointless; inane or foolish. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Idiotic, asinine, moronic, absurd. 

4. Complex sentence: The politician's fatuous comments during the debate were widely criticized for their lack of substance and relevance to the important issues at hand. 

Irrefutable

1. Definition: Impossible to deny or disprove; undeniable. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Indisputable, undeniable, incontrovertible, conclusive. 

4. Complex sentence: The forensic evidence presented by the prosecution was irrefutable, leaving no doubt about the defendant's involvement in the crime. 

Juggernaut

1. Definition: A massive, unstoppable, and overwhelming force or institution. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Behemoth, colossus, monolith, unstoppable force. 

4. Complex sentence: The global technology company had become a juggernaut in the industry, dominating the market with its innovative products and deep pockets. 

Lackadaisical

1. Definition: Lacking energy, enthusiasm, or diligence; listless. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Apathetic, indifferent, lethargic, careless. 

4. Complex sentence: The employee's lackadaisical attitude towards their work duties led to a decline in productivity and frustrated their colleagues. 

Litany

1. Definition: A lengthy recitation or repetitive series. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Catalogue, recitation, enumeration, list. 

4. Complex sentence: The politician's speech was filled with a litany of empty promises and vague platitudes that failed to inspire the audience. 

Macabre

1. Definition: Disturbing and horrifying, especially in a morbid or grotesque way. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Grisly, gruesome, morbid, ghastly. 

4. Complex sentence: The serial killer's macabre crimes, which involved dismembering his victims, sent shockwaves through the community and left the authorities deeply disturbed. 

Paucity

1. Definition: A lack or scarcity of something. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Scarcity, dearth, shortage, scantiness. 

4. Complex sentence: The paucity of resources in the underdeveloped region made it increasingly difficult for the residents to meet their basic needs. 

Portend

1. Definition: To serve as an omen or indication of (something future). 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Forebode, presage, augur, foreshadow. 

4. Complex sentence: The ominous clouds on the horizon portended the arrival of a severe storm, prompting the authorities to issue a weather warning. 

Raze

1. Definition: To completely destroy or level (a building, town, etc.). 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Demolish, destroy, level, wipe out. 

4. Complex sentence: The developers razed the old factory to the ground, clearing the way for the construction of a new residential complex.

Recant

1. Definition: To withdraw or disavow (a previous statement or belief). 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Retract, renounce, abjure, disavow. 

4. Complex sentence: Under intense scrutiny, the witness was forced to recant their earlier testimony, admitting that they had provided false information to the court. 

Saturate

1. Definition: To permeate or imbue thoroughly. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Soak, permeate, impregnate, suffuse. 

4. Complex sentence: The heavy rainfall had saturated the ground, making it difficult for the plants to absorb the necessary nutrients. 

Saturnine

1. Definition: Gloomy, melancholic, or sullen in temperament. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Morose, sullen, melancholic, brooding. 

4. Complex sentence: The saturnine expression on the artist's face betrayed their inner turmoil and dissatisfaction with the world around them. 

Slough

1. Definition: To shed or cast off (a part of the body, such as skin or antlers). 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Discard, shed, get rid of, cast off. 

4. Complex sentence: As the snake sloughed its old skin, it revealed a vibrant, new layer underneath, signaling a fresh start. 

Acclamation

1. Definition: Enthusiastic and unrestrained applause or approval. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Ovation, acclaim, cheers, jubilation. 

4. Complex sentence: The crowd greeted the returning champion with thunderous acclamation, celebrating their impressive victory. 

Bucolic

1. Definition: Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Pastoral, rustic, idyllic, picturesque. 

4. Complex sentence: The bucolic landscape of rolling hills and winding streams provided a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Calumniate

1. Definition: To make false and malicious statements about (someone). 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Slander, defame, libel, malign. 

4. Complex sentence: The politician's opponents attempted to calumniate their reputation by spreading false rumors and unsubstantiated claims. 

Chary

1. Definition: Cautious or wary; reluctant to take risks or do something. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Cautious, wary, hesitant, reluctant. 

4. Complex sentence: The investor was chary about investing in the new venture, as they were unsure about the long-term viability of the business. 

Collusion

1. Definition: A secret agreement or cooperation, especially for an illegal or deceitful purpose. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Conspiracy, connivance, complicity, collaboration. 

4. Complex sentence: The investigation uncovered evidence of collusion between the company executives and government officials, leading to accusations of corruption and bribery. 

Dilettante

1. Definition: A person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Dabbler, amateur, superficial enthusiast, trifler. 

4. Complex sentence: The art critic was often accused of being a dilettante, as their reviews displayed a lack of in-depth understanding of the subject matter. 

Imperturbable

1. Definition: Calm, composed, and unruffled, especially in the face of difficulties or provocations. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Unflappable, composed, serene, unruffled. 

4. Complex sentence: The experienced negotiator remained imperturbable throughout the heated discussions, calmly guiding the parties towards a mutually acceptable agreement. 

Increment

1. Definition: A small, regular increase in amount or degree. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Addition, increase, rise, growth. 

4. Complex sentence: The company's sales team achieved consistent increments in their monthly revenue, surpassing their quarterly targets. 

Mandate

1. Definition: An official or authoritative command; a formal order or commission to do something. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Directive, order, decree, injunction. 

4. Complex sentence: The new government's mandate to implement sweeping economic reforms was met with both enthusiasm and resistance from the public. 

Paltry

1. Definition: Insignificant or contemptibly small in amount. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Meager, trifling, negligible, pitiful. 

4. Complex sentence: The customer's paltry tip for the excellent service they received was a disappointment to the hardworking server. 

Paroxysm

1. Definition: A sudden, violent outburst or episode, as of pain, laughter, or anger. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Fit, spasm, convulsion, outburst. 

4. Complex sentence: The patient experienced a paroxysm of coughing that left them gasping for breath, prompting the medical staff to administer immediate treatment. 

Pedantry

1. Definition: Excessive concern with minor details and rules, especially in teaching. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Fussiness, preciseness, meticulous attention to detail, fastidiousness. 

4. Complex sentence: The professor's pedantry in correcting every minor grammatical error made the students feel self-conscious and hindered the flow of the discussion. 

Peregrination

1. Definition: A long journey, especially one on foot. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Wandering, roaming, pilgrimage, odyssey. 

4. Complex sentence: The young explorer's peregrination through the uncharted wilderness led them to discover a hidden oasis, a remarkable find that would shape the course of their journey. 

Redolent

Refulgent

Shibboleth

Tyro

Unremitting

1. Definition: Persistent and relentless, without let-up or respite. 

2. Anatomy: N/A 

3. Synonyms: Constant, continuous, incessant, unceasing. 

4. Complex sentence: The athlete's unremitting dedication to their training regimen was the key to their remarkable success in the competition. 

Vacillate

Vituperative