Early American Literature Vocabulary Units 1 and 2

Vocabulary study set containing all definitions from Units 1 and 2 of Ms. Semler's Early American Literature course.

Adulterate

(v.) To corrupt, make worse by the addition of something of lesser value.

Ambidextrous

(adj.) Able to use both hands equally well; very skillful; deceitful, hypocritical.

Augment

(v.) To make larger, increase.

Bereft

(adj.) Deprived of; made unhappy through a loss.

Dour

(adj.) Stern, unyielding, gloomy, ill-humored.

Fortitude

(n.) Courage in facing difficulties.

Gape

(v.) To stare with open mouth; to open the mouth wide; to open wide.

Guise

(n.) An external appearance, cover, mask.

Intimation

(n.) A hint, indirect suggestion.

Opulent

(adj.) Wealthy, luxurious; ample, grandiose.

Pliable

(adj.) Easily bent, flexible; easily influenced.

Tentative

(adj.) Experimental in nature; uncertain, hesitant.

Unkempt

(adj.) Not combed; untidy; not properly maintained; unpolished, rude.

Verbatim

(adj., adv.) Word for word; exactly as written or spoken.

Warily

(adj.) Cautiously, with great care.

Amicable

(adj.) Peaceable, friendly.

Averse

(adj.) Having a deep-seated distaste; opposed, unwilling.

Belligerent

(adj.) Given to fighting, warlike; combative, aggressive.

Benevolent

(adj.) Kindly, charitable.

Cursory

(adj.) Hasty, not thorough.

Duplicity

(n.) Treachery, deceitfulness.

Extol

(v.) To praise extravagantly.

Feasible

(adj.) Possible, able to be done.

Grimace

(n.) A wry face, facial distortion; (v.) to make a wry face.

Impervious

(adj.) Not affected or hurt by; admitting of no passage or entrance.

Jeopardy

(n.) Danger.

Meticulous

(adj.) Extremely careful; particular about details.

Nostalgia

(n.) A longing for something past; homesickness.

Scrutinize

(v.) To examine closely.

Tepid

(adj.) Lukewarm; unenthusiastic, marked by an absence of interest.