AP Lang - Vocab in The Tempest

anon

soon; in a short time (Prospero told Miranda he would explain everything anon.)

brine

salty water, often referred to the sea or a mixture used for preserving food (After the storm, the sailors were soaked with brine from the crashing waves.)

contentious

causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument (The contentious sailor often quarreled with his shipmates over the smallest matters.)

credulous

too ready to believe things; easily fooled or convinced (The credulous servant believed every tale of magic and spirits he heard on the island.)

extirpate

to completely destroy or remove something (Prospero sought to extirpate all traces of betrayal from his island and his heart.)

fain

gladly; willingly (I would fain serve Prospero, for he has shown me great kindness.)

injunction

an authoritative order or command (By Prospero’s injunction, Ariel was bound to carry out every task he was given.)

inveterate

firmly established by long habit; deep-rooted (Caliban’s inveterate hatred for Prospero could not be easily changed.)

knell

the sound of a bell, especially when rung slowly for a death or funeral; a sign of something coming to an end (The distant knell echoed through the island, signaling the sorrow of what had been lost.)

odious

extremely unpleasant or repulsive, deserving hatred (Prospero described the treacherous men as odious for their betrayal and greed.)

paragon

a model of excellence or perfection; someone or something regarded as a perfect example (Miranda was considered a paragon of innocence and virtue on the island.)

peerless

without equal; unrivaled (Prospero’s magic made him a peerless figure, unmatched by anyone on the island.)

perfidious

deceitful and untrustworthy (Antonio’s perfidious actions against his brother left Prospero stranded on the island.)

precedent

an earlier event or action that serves as an example or guide for future situations (Prospero’s forgiveness of his enemies set a precedent for mercy and reconciliation on the island.)

prepose

to prefer or set something before another; to place in a position of priority (Prospero did prepose his magical duties over all else, dedicating himself entirely to mastering the arts.)

supplant

a person who asks or begs for something earnestly or humbly (The suppliant knelt before Prospero, pleading for forgiveness and mercy.)

tempest

a violent storm, often used metaphorically to describe chaos or turmoil (The ship was tossed by a fierce tempest, just a Prospero had planned with his magic.)

precept

a rule, principle, or guideline that directs behavior or thought (Prospero taught Miranda the moral precepts needed to live a just and honorable life.)

unwonted

unusual; not typical or habitual (The unwonted calm on the island surprised everyone after the violent tempest had passed.)

vouchsafe

to give or grant something, often graciously or as a favor (Prospero did vouchsafe a moment of kindness to the shipwrecked men, offering them food and shelter.0