"Letter from Birmingham Jail" Vocabulary Set

untimely

too soon; earlier than expected

deplore

to feel or express strong disapproval of

gainsay

to deny, contradict, controvert; to dispute, oppose; to take exception to

moratorium

a suspension of activity; an authorized delay

nonviolence

peaceful resistance to a government

unfettered

free from restraints, liberated

gadfly

an irritating and persistent person

lamentable

regrettable; unfortunate

unduly

improperly, unjustly; beyond a necessary degree; excessively

segregation

separation of people based on racial, ethnic, or other differences

affluent

having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value

harried

troubled persistently, especially with petty annoyances

paradoxical

something that appears false or contradictory but is actually correct

relegate

to assign to a lower position

existential

relating to or dealing with existence and the state of being

estrangement

state of being separated or kept at a distance; the feeling of being alienated from other people

sublime

exalted, noble, uplifting; inspiring awe

plight

a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation

precipitate

to bring about quickly or abruptly

stagnation

a state of inactivity