ap lit vocabulary

abate

(of something perceived as hostile, threatening, or negative) become less intense or widespread.

contemptuous

showing deep disrespect, scorn, or looking down on someone because you think they are worthless or inferior

exultation

a feeling of triumphant elation or jubilation; rejoicing

malaise

a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify

prolific

1. (of a plant, animal, or person) producing much fruit or foliage or many offspring

2. present in large numbers or quantities; plentiful

specious

superficially plausible, but actually wrong

aberrant

not conforming to an accepted or usual standard

cognizant

having knowledge or being aware of

feign

pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury)

milieu

a person’s social environment

proclivity

a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing

solace

noun: comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness

verb: give comfort or consolation to

aesthetic

concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.

decry

publicly denounce or condemn.

flourish

1. (of a person, animal, or other living organism) grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.

2. (of a person) wave (something) around to attract the attention of others.

minutiae

the small, precise, or trivial details of something.

prosaic

ordinary, dull, or unimaginative and having the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty;

staunch

loyal and committed in attitude.

allay

to diminish, put to rest, or calm fears, doubts, or suspicions

deferential

showing polite respect, obedience, or submission to someone else’s age, authority, or wisdom

foible

a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone’s character

mitigate

make less severe, serious, or painful

querulous

a person who is habitually complaining, whining, or fretful, often in a high-pitched or annoying tone

stridency

a harsh, loud, and unpleasantly sharp quality of sound, voice, or tone

ambivalent

having mixed, conflicting, or opposing feelings (such as love and hate) about someone or something simultaneously

deftly

in a way that is neatly skillful and quick in movement

feckless

lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible, weak, ineffective, or incompetent

naivete

quality of lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment

remonstrance

an objection or protest, the expression of earnest opposition

subvert

to undermine, overturn, or destroy an established system, authority, or belief, often through indirect or secret methods

ameliorate

to make a bad situation, condition, or state of affairs better, more bearable, or improved

delineation

the action of describing or portraying something precisely

idyllic

a scene, time, or experience that is extremely pleasant, peaceful, charming, and picturesque

mercurial

(of a person) subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind

rapacious

excessively greedy, grasping, or ravenous, often taking what they want by force

supercilious

behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others

anathema

someone or something intensely disliked or loathed

demure

reserved or modest in manner

fatuous

silly and pointless

obliquely

not in a direct way; indirectly

rapturous

showing extreme pleasure and happiness or excitement

superfluous

something unnecessary, extra, or more than what is sufficient

assent

the expression of approval or agreement

discursive

moving from topic to topic without order

gaffe

an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder

impediment

a hindrance or obstruction in doing something

recondite

difficult or impossible for one of ordinary understanding or knowledge to comprehend

supplant

to take the place of (another), as through force, scheming, strategy, or the like

ascertain

to find out, learn, or determine something with certainty, typically though investigation or study

despondent

in low spirits from loss of hope or courage

glibly

to speak or say something in a smooth, easy, and often insincere or superficial way

ostentation

pretentious and vulgar display, especially of wealth and luxury, intended to impress or attract notice

rectify

put right; correct

tacit

understood or implied without being stated

ardor

feelings of great warmth and intensity

devoid

entirely lacking, free from, or completely without something

gregarious

people who are fond of company, sociable, and outgoing, or animals that live in flocks or herds

oust

drive out or expel (someone) from a position or place

recalcitrant

a person, animal, or thing that is stubbornly disobedient, defiant of authority, or difficult to manage and control

tactile

of or connected with the sense of touch