AP Lang Vocab list

Palindrome

A word or phrase which reads the same backward and forward

adage

an old saying now accepted as being truthful

hackneyed

made common by overuse

lurid

glowing through haze; shocking; sensational

throe

spasm or pang

edify

to instruct and improve the mind

vitiate

to spoil; to cause moral weakness

eminence

a lofty place; superiority

vehement

using great force; described by strong feelings

astringent

harsh, biting

chary

cautious

untoward

unfortunate

educe

to draw out

whet

to sharpen by rubbing; to stimulate

relegate

1. to assign to an inferior position; 2. to commit to an action

lucid

1. shiny; 2. clear-minded

hone

1. something to sharpen; 2. To sharpen

coy

1. modest; bashful; 2. Pretending shyness to attract

effervescence

1. liveliness; spirit; enthusiasm; 2. bubbliness

fervid

1. intensely hot; 2. impassioned

imperious

1. arrogant; 2. urgent

miscreant

an evil person; villain

chafe

to annoy; to irritate

duress

1. imprisonment; 2. the use of threats

goad

to push into action

ideology

representative way of thinking

salient

noticeable

recluse

solitary; a person who lives in seclusion

censure

a strong expression of disapproval

servile

a slave-like manner

prattle

to babble while speaking

auspicious

successful

fathom

to understand

covetous

eagerly desirous

malign

to speak evil of

pensive

engaged in deep thought

tether

the range or limit of one’s abilities

ulterior

undisclosed

wanton

unjustifiably malicious

odium

hatred

superfluous

excessive; unnecessary

accrue

to come to a person or thing by way of gain or increment

lacerate

to tear or mangle

demur

to hesitate due to doubts

prodigal

wasteful

virile

masculine; manly

ignominious

contemptible; disgraceful

impiety

lack of respect