AP Lang - Unit 3 Vocab

Esoteric

Adj. Something that is understood by only a small group of people with special knowledge; difficult for most people to understand.

Vulgar

Adj. Rude, crude, or lacking good taste; not polite or refined.

Trite

Adj. Overused and unoriginal; not interesting because it has been said too many times.

Obscure

Adj. Not well known; hard to understand or see clearly.

Provincial

Adj. Related to a small, limited area or region; narrow-minded or unsophisticated.

Precise

Adj. Exact, accurate, and clearly defined; showing careful attention to detail. Primarily when having to deal with measurements.

Euphemistic

Adj. Using a mild or indirect word or expression instead of one that might be harsh, or offensive

Bombastic

Adj. Using grand, fancy, or exaggerated language to sound impressive, but often lacking real meaning or substance.

Grotesque

Adj. Very strange, ugly, or distorted in a way that is shocking or unpleasant.

Concrete

Adj. Specific and real; based on facts or actual things rather than ideas or theories.

Narcissistic

Adj. Having an excessive interest in or admiration of oneself; overly self-centered.

Pedantic

Adj. Paying too much attention to small details or rules, often in a way that shows off knowledge and can be annoying.

Bantering

Adj. Teasing or joking in a friendly, playful way.

Flippant

Adj. Not showing a serious or respectful attitude; treating serious matters lightly or jokingly. Inappropriate casualness

Facetious

Adj. Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; joking in a way that is not meant to be taken seriously.

Inflammatory

Adj. Causing strong anger, excitement, or hostility; intended to provoke a reaction. Sometimes causes violence.

Cynical

Adj. Believing that people are motivated only by self-interest; distrustful of others’ sincerity or goodness.

Incisive

Adj. Clear, sharp, and direct; able to explain or understand things quickly and effectively.

Scornful

Adj. Feeling or expressing strong contempt, dislike, or disdain toward someone or something.

Irreverent

Adj. Showing a lack of respect for people or things that are usually taken seriously. Purposely disrespectful.