First Quarter Vocab List - Language and American Literature 2 Honors

Abstruse (adj)

Definition: Difficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.

Synonyms: arcane, unfathomable, incomprehensible

Antonyms: obvious, simple, uncomplicated, clear

Example: The professor's abstruse lectures left many students puzzled.

Affable (adj)

Definition: Friendly and easy to talk to; approachable, kind, and polite.

Synonyms: friendly, genial, amiable, cordial, approachable, sociable

Antonyms: unfriendly, aloof, unapproachable, hostile

Example: The host's affable manner put all the guests at ease.

Alienate (v)

Definition: to turn friends into enemies, make someone feel isolated and unwelcome, or transfer property ownership to someone else

Synonyms: Estrange, isolate, disaffect, antagonize, detach.

Antonyms: Unite, integrate, engage, reconcile, include.

Example: The politician's harsh new policy threatened to alienate his core supporters.

Amity (n)

Definition: a peaceful, friendly relationship or harmony between individuals, groups, or nations

Synonyms: Friendship, harmony, cordiality, accord, goodwill, concord.

Antonyms: Hostility, enmity, discord, animosity, antagonism.

Example: The two neighboring countries lived in amity for decades before trade disputes arose.

Antiquated (adj)

Definition: old-fashioned, out of date, or no longer useful and suitable for modern times

Synonyms: Obsolete, Outdated, Archaic, Outmoded, Dated

Antonyms: Modern, Current, Innovative, Advanced, New

Example: Her antiquated views on workplace roles had no place in the modern office.

Arbitrary (adj)

Definition: based on random choice, personal whim, or individual preference rather than any reason, system, or consistent law

Synonyms: Capricious, whimsical, random, erratic, dictatorial, subjective, discretionary

Antonyms: Logical, reasonable, consistent, rational, objective, systematic

Example: The dictator's arbitrary arrests of political opponents violated basic human rights.

Arrogant (adj)

Definition: having or showing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, abilities, or rights, often acting proud and looking down on others

Synonyms: Haughty, Conceited, Supercilious, Pompous, Overbearing, Hubristic, Condescending

Antonyms: Humble, Modest, Unassuming, Meek, Diffident

Example: The essay depicts the monarch not as a benevolent leader, but as an arrogant autocrat blind to the suffering of his people.

Assail (v)

Definition: to attack violently, criticize harshly with words, or overwhelm with strong emotions or unpleasant sensations

Synonyms: Assault, Criticize, Impugn, Revile, Beset, Plague

Antonyms: Defend, Protect, Support, Praise, Shield, Guard

Example: The guard was assailed by a group of intruders near the gate.

Astute (adj)

Definition: having or showing an ability to accurately assess people, situations, or data and turn them to one's advantage

Synonyms: Shrewd, perceptive, discerning, canny, sagacious, insightful, clever

Antonyms: Stupid, obtuse, naive, foolish, unintelligent

Example: The astute investor bought the company stock right before its value tripled.