AP Lit Vocabulary 3-4

dogma

a system of doctrines put forward by an authority, especially a church, to be absolute truth

dogmatic

Pertaining to dogma

Expressed in an authoritative or arrogant manner

heterodox

Not in agreement with accepted beliefs; holding unorthodox opinions

agnostic

A person who believes nothing can be known about the existence of a god

Relating to the belief that the existence of a god is unknowable

Physiognomy

the art of judging human character by facial features; facial features when regarded as revealing character

Prognosis

a prediction of the outcome of a disease; any forecast or prediction

Criterion

A standard, rule, or test on which a decision or judgement can be made

Hypocrisy

pretending to have feelings, beliefs, or virtues that one does not have

Amnesty

a general pardon for offenders, especially for political offenses

Mnemonic

relating to or assisting the memory

A device used in remembering

Frenetic

frantic; frenzied

Schizophrenia

A severe mental disorder in which a person becomes unable to act or reason in a rational way, often with delusions and withdrawal from relationship.

A situation of extreme conflict between choices, loyalties, or ways of life

Arraign

(legal) to call to court to answer charges

To accuse; to charge with wrongdoing

Rationale

The reasons underlying something, often presented as a statement

Rationalize

to provide a rational basis for something, often by false or self-serving reasoning

Sapient

wise; insightful (often used ironically)

Sage

a person, usually elderly, who is honored for wisdom and experience

Wise; judicious

Cognition

The act of perceiving or knowing

Cognizant

aware; having knowledge of something