vocab from when i skipped

prostrate

Lying stretched out on the ground, often face down, especially in weakness or worship.

brocade

Rich, heavy fabric with a raised woven pattern, often using gold or silver thread.

consternation

Sudden shock or dismay that causes confusion.

absolution

Formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment.

idolatry

Worship of idols or excessive devotion to something or someone.

vitriol

Cruel and bitter criticism.

sardonic

Grimly mocking or cynical.

effrontery

Shameless boldness, impudent behavior.

atone

To make amends or reparation for a wrong.

maxim

A short statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.

prudent

Acting with careful thought for the future; wise and cautious.

approbation

Official or enthusiastic approval or praise.

execrate

To denounce or curse strongly; to loathe.

satiate

To fully satisfy, often to the point of excess.

rapacious

Aggressively greedy or grasping.

foible

A minor weakness or quirk in someone’s character.

gauntlet

A thick glove; also, a demanding trial or challenge.

prodigious

Remarkably great in size, amount, or degree.

imperious

Arrogantly commanding or domineering.

pensive

Deep in serious or sad thought.

officious

Too eager to offer unwanted help or interfere.

morass

A complicated, confusing situation; literally, a bog or marsh.

insipid

Dull, lacking flavor, interest, or originality.

ignominious

Causing public shame or disgrace.

Bildungsroman

A novel about a character’s development from youth to adulthood.

burlesque

Comic imitation that exaggerates and mocks its subject.

baroque

Highly ornate, extravagant style in art, architecture, or music.

picaresque

Story about a roguish but appealing hero in a series of adventures.

fiscal

Relating to government or public financial matters.

prosody

The patterns of rhythm, stress, and sound in speech or poetry.

lassitude

A state of tiredness or lack of energy.

vestige

A small remaining trace of something that once existed.

neophyte

A beginner or novice in a subject or activity.

deus ex machina

Sudden, improbable plot device that resolves a story’s conflict.

gratis

Given or done for free.

rustic

Related to the countryside; simple or unsophisticated.

urbane

Polished, courteous, and socially sophisticated.

poltroon

An utter coward.

gauche

Socially awkward or lacking tact.

libertine

Person who behaves without moral or sexual restraint.

aesthetic

Concerned with beauty or artistic taste

ascetic

Practicing strict self-denial, often for spiritual reasons.

epiphany

Sudden moment of clear understanding or insight.

enjambment

In poetry, running a sentence over from one line to the next without a pause.

germane

Relevant and appropriate to the topic.

atrophy

To waste away or weaken, especially from lack of use.

temper (v)

To moderate, soften, or lessen something’s force.

inexorable

Impossible to stop or persuade; relentless.