AMERICANA VOCAB

Effusive

expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt way.

Irreverent

showing a lack of respect for things that are generally taken seriously.

Opulence

great wealth or luxuriousness.

Augury

a sign or omen of what will happen in the future.

Languorous

characterized by tiredness or dreamy relaxation; pleasantly lazy or weak.

Ponificate

to speak in a pompous or dogmatic way, as if always right.

Mundane

lacking interest or excitement; dull; ordinary

Garrulous

excessively talkative, especially about trivial matters.

Mollify

to calm or soothe someone’s anger or anxiety

Placate

to make someone less angry or hostile.

Recalcitrant

stubbornly resisting authority or control

Sycophant

a person who flatters someone important to gain advantage; a “kiss-up.”

Pastoral

relating to the countryside or rural life; peaceful and simple.

Detritus

debris or leftover fragments; waste or remains.

Obsequious

overly obedient or attentive in a servile way.

Bereft

deprived of or lacking something; sad and lonely.

Mercurial

subject to sudden or unpredictable changes in mood or mind.

Fervid

intensely enthusiastic or passionate.

Moniker

a name or nickname.

Sinewy

Lean and muscular; strong and tough.

Fastidious

very attentive to detail; hard to please.

Perfunctory

carried out with minimal effort or reflection; routine and superficial.

Ardent

very passionate or devoted.

Poignant

evoking a deep sense of sadness or emotion.

Flippant

showing a lack of seriousness or respect; dismissive.

Cajole

to persuade someone through flattery or gentle urging

Vapid

lacking liveliness, spirit, or flavor; dull.

Pugnacious

eager to fight or argue; combative.

Apocryphal

of doubtful authenticity, though widely believed to be true.

Assuage

to make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to relieve.

Austere

simple, strict, or severe in manner or appearance.

Morose

sullen, gloomy, or ill-tempered.

Ennui

a feeling of boredom or dissatisfaction from lack of excitement

Enigmatic

mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

Askance

with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval.

Ostentatious

showy; intended to attract notice or impress others.

Ingratiating

intended to gain approval or favor; charming in a manipulative way.

Auspicious

showing signs of future success; favorable.

Glib

fluent and smooth-talking, but often insincere or shallow.

Dirge

a mournful song or piece of music, often for a funeral.