AP Literature Vocabulary Lists 2 & 3: Key Terms and Definitions

Vocabulary flashcards for AP Literature List 2 & 3.

Amiable

Friendly, sociable, and congenial.

Buckles

to bend, warp, or collapse under pressure or heat.

Damask

a firm, lustrous fabric with patterns woven into it, typically used for upholstery or draperies.

Dulcet

sweet to the ear; pleasing or melodious; also: generally pleasant and agreeable.

Glean

to gather information or material bit by bit.

Imbecile

a foolish or stupid person.

Itinerant

traveling from place to place, especially for work.

Poignancy

the quality or state of being poignant (painfully affecting the feelings); a sense of sadness or regret.

Pragmatic

dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

Uncouth

awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior; rude.

Venerable

accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.

Arcane

Known or knowable to only a few people; secret, mysterious, obscure.

Benighted

In a state of moral or intellectual darkness; unenlightened.

Decorous

Marked by propriety and good taste; polite and restrained.

Deterrence

The action of discouraging an action or event through instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.

Fantastic

Conceived or appearing as if conceived by an unrestrained imagination; highly fanciful.

Imperious

Marked by arrogant assurance; commanding or dominant.

Malice

The intention or desire to do evil; ill will.

Pedant

One who makes a show of knowledge; also: a person who is unimaginative or who adheres to a narrow set of rules.

Portly

Having a stout body; somewhat fat.

Utopian

Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a utopia (an imaginary place where everything is perfect); a visionary system of political or social perfection.

Virtue

Conformity to a standard of right; moral excellence.