English III AP Vocabulary—List #1

Vocabulary flashcards covering List #1 terms with concise definitions.

acquisitive

Able to get and retain ideas or information; concerned with acquiring wealth or property.

animadversion

A comment indicating strong criticism or disapproval.

banal

Hackneyed, trite, commonplace.

cacophonous

Harsh-sounding, raucous, discordant, dissonant.

celerity

Swiftness or rapidity of motion or action.

dissemble

To disguise or conceal; deliberately give a false impression.

eschew

To avoid, shun, or keep away from.

evince

To display clearly, make evident, or provoke.

feckless

Lacking in spirit and strength; weak; irresponsible, unreliable.

halcyon

A legendary bird identified with the kingfisher; also describing calm, peaceful, or prosperous times.

intransigent

Refusing to compromise; irreconcilable.

maelstrom

A whirlpool of great size and violence; a chaotic or destructive situation.

nefarious

Wicked, depraved, devoid of moral standards.

pejorative

Tending to express disapproval or disparagement; derogatory.

piquant

Stimulating to the mind or taste; spicy, pungent; provocative.

progeny

Descendants, offspring, children, followers, or disciples.

summarily

Without delay or formality; briefly, concisely.

temporize

To stall or act evasively to gain time, avoid confrontation, or postpone a decision; to compromise.

unwonted

Not usual or expected; not in character.

verbiage

Language that is too wordy or inflated in proportion to the sense or content; wordiness.