Vocabulary Midterm

Horatian satire

Horatian satire

A lighter, gentler form of satire characterized by good-natured humor about human folly.

Juvenalian satire

A more serious and harsh form of satire that critiques vice and error in humanity.

Double entendre

A word or phrase open to two interpretations, often one being risqué or indecent.

Burlesque

Ridiculous exaggeration of language that makes a subject appear absurd through incongruity.

Farce

A comedic style that uses exaggerated, improbable situations to provoke laughter.

Incongruity

The presentation of things that are absurd or out of place in relation to their surroundings.

Invective

Harsh, abusive language directed against a person or idea, often used in Juvenalian satire.

Inversion/reversal

Presenting the opposite of the normal order, whether in events or hierarchical structures.

Dramatic irony

When a character's words or actions carry a meaning unperceived by them but understood by the audience.

Situational irony

A discrepancy between purpose and results, such as a practical joke that backfires.

Socratic irony

Pretending ignorance to draw knowledge from others through questioning.

Verbal irony

Expressing an intent in words that carry the opposite meaning.

Naiveté

Lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.

Cynicism

An inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest.

Abject

Extremely bad, unpleasant, and degrading as a condition.

Sardonic

Grimly mocking or cynical in tone.

Epiphany

A sudden realization or comprehension.

Dystopia

An imagined place or state where everything is unpleasant or bad.

Utopia

An imagined place or state where everything is perfect.

Ephemeral

Lasting for a very short time.

Ineffable

Too great or extreme to be expressed in words.

Vicissitudes

Changes in circumstances or fortune, typically unwelcome or unpleasant.

Melancholy

A gloomy or depressed state of mind.

Auto-da-fé

Execution of heretics by the Spanish Inquisition, usually by burning.

Distraught

Extremely upset or crazed.

Tremulous

Timid, shaking, and fearful.

Avert

To turn away or aside.

Adversary

An opponent or enemy.

Incite

To encourage or stir up.

Assiduous

Diligent or persevering in effort.

Peril

Extreme danger.

Imprudently

Lacking discretion; unwisely or rashly.

Indefatigable

Tireless and persistent.

Rapacity

Aggressive greed.

Candor

The quality of being open and honest; frankness.

Sublime

Of such excellence or beauty as to inspire great admiration.

Indignation

Anger provoked by perceived unfair treatment.

Philosophize

To theorize about fundamental issues in a self-important way.

Usurp

To take possession of power illegally or by force.

Vindicate

To clear someone of blame or suspicion.

Anathema

Something or someone that one vehemently dislikes.

Prostrate

Lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward.

Insolence

Rude and disrespectful behavior.

Pernicious

Having a harmful effect, especially in a subtle way.

Sycophant

A person who flatters someone important to gain advantage.

Obfuscate

To make something obscure or unclear.

Sagacity

The quality of being wise or having keen mental discernment.

Avarice

Extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

Reprieve

A cancellation or postponement of a punishment.

Taciturn

Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.

Vexation

The state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried.

Probity

The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty.

Ignominious

Deserving or causing public disgrace or shame.