AP Literature Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms, definitions, and literary concepts covered in the AP Literature Fall lecture.

Meticulous

Showing great attention to detail.

Ambiguous

Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.

Recalcitrant

Stubbornly uncooperative, particularly toward authority.

Euphemism

A mild or indirect word substituted for a harsh or embarrassing word or concept.

Gregarious

(Of a person) fond of company; sociable.

Satiate

To satisfy to the full.

Insatiable

Unable to be satisfied.

Incandescent

Emitting light; full of passion or strong emotion.

Laconic

(Of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words.

Flippant

Not showing a serious or respectful attitude.

Motif

A recurring word, phrase, image, object, symbol, or action that creates unity throughout a text and may also reinforce its theme.

Discerning

Having or showing good judgment.

Acrimonious

(Typically of a speech or debate) angry and bitter.

Reproach

To address someone in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment; (as a noun) the expression of disapproval or disappointment.

Didactic

Intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.

Reverent

Feeling or showing a deep and solemn respect.

Derisive

Expressing contempt or ridicule.

Ambivalent

Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

Erudite

Having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarly, well-read, or cultured.

Sanguine

Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation (can also describe a blood-red color or being bloodthirsty).

Maudlin

Tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental; sometimes associated with drunkenness.

Abject

(Of something bad) experienced or present to the maximum degree; very severe; sunk to or existing in a low state.

Austere

Severe in manner or appearance; rigorously self-disciplined; grave and solemn; without excess or luxury; severely simple; lacking softness; or harsh in flavor.

Paradox

A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth, often contrary to accepted traditional ideas.

Epigraph

A short, stand-alone quote, line, or paragraph that appears at the beginning of a book, commonly used to set up themes or context.

Imperious

Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering.

Hubris

A way of talking or behaving that is too proud; an extraordinary ego.

Hamartia

A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine.

Catharsis

An emotional discharge through which one can achieve a state of moral or spiritual renewal, or liberation from anxiety and stress; the cleansing of emotions.

Denigrate

(1) To attack the reputation of; defame. (2) To deny the importance or validity of; belittle.

Abhorrent

Inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant.

Harbinger

A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another.

Zeitgeist

The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.

Acquiesce

To accept something reluctantly but without protest.