US Literature Trimester 3 Lists 8-11

austere

Describes something plain and simple and without any decoration OR describes someone who is very strict and serious

ironic

Describes a situation that is unusual or amusing because something strange happens, or the opposite of what is expected happens or is true

proselytize

To try to persuade someone to join a religious group, political party, or to otherwise convince someone to do something your way - used especially when you disapprove of this

analogous

Describes something that is similar to another situation or thing so that a comparison can be made

efficacy

The ability of something to produce the right result

posthumous

Describes something that happens or is printed after someone's death

resolute

Describes someone who does something in a very determined way because they have very strong beliefs, goals, or values

loquacious

Describes someone who likes to talk a lot

pragmatic

Describes someone who deals with problems in a sensible practical way instead of strictly following a set of ideas

respite

A short time when something bad stops happening, so that the situation is temporarily better; a period of time before you have to do something that you do not like

incubus

Someone or something that causes a lot of worries or problems

camaraderie

A feeling of friendship that a group of people have, especially when they work together

anemic

Describes someone or something that seems weak and uninteresting

rescind

To officially end a law, or change a decision or agreement

specious

Describes someone or something that seems to be true or correct, but is actually false

precedent

An action or official decision that can be used to give support to later actions or decisions

callow

Describes someone young and without experience, used disapprovingly

embroil

To involve someone or something in a difficult situation

indigent

Describes someone who is very poor

paramount

Describes something more important than anything else

anomaly

Describes something that is noticeable because it is different from what is usual

decorous

Describes someone who has the correct appearance or behaviour for a particular occasion

lugubrious

Describes someone or something very sad and serious, sometimes used comedicly

elusive

Describes someone or something difficult to find or not often seen or a result that is difficult to achieve

patois

A spoken form of a language used by the people of a small area and different from the national or standard language

risible

Describes something so stupid that it deserves to be laughed at

defunct

Describes something not existing anymore or not useful anymore

aplomb

A confidence and skill, especially when someone has to deal with difficult problems or a difficult situation

endow

To give a college, hospital, or other organization a large sum of money that provides it with an income

synergy

The additional effectiveness when two or more companies or people combine and work together

indulge

To let yourself do or have something that you enjoy, especially something that is considered bad for you

ineffable

Describes something too great to be described in word

adulation

Excessive admiration or praise.

aesthetic

Connected with beauty and the study of beauty. Pleasing to the senses because of being beautiful.

demagogue

A political leader who tries to make people feel strong emotions in order to influence their opinions - used to show disapproval.

enervating

Making you feel tired and weak.

complacent

Pleased with a situation, especially something you have achieved, so that you stop trying to improve or change things - used to show disapproval.

erudite

Showing a lot of knowledge based on careful study.

misanthrope

Someone who does not like other people and prefers to be alone.

impetuous

Tending to do things very quickly, without thinking carefully first, or showing this quality - used to show disapproval.

intrepid

Willing to do dangerous things or go to dangerous places - often used humorously.

mundane

Ordinary and not interesting or exciting. Concerned with ordinary daily life rather than religious matters.

opulent

Very beautiful, with a lot of decoration, and made from expensive materials.Very rich and spending a lot of money.

predilection

If you have this for something, especially something unusual, you like it very much.

sedentary

Spending a lot of time sitting down, and not moving or exercising very much. A sedentary group of people tend always to live in the same place.

proximity

Formal: Nearness in distance or time.

frivolous

Not serious or sensible, especially in a way that is not suitable for a particular occasion. A frivolous person likes having fun rather than doing serious or sensible things.

incessant

Continuing without stopping.

aberration

An action or event that is very different from what usually happens or what someone usually does

brevity

The quality of expressing something in very few words or continuing for only a short time

cajole

To gradually persuade someone to do something by being nice to them, or making promises to them

dearth

A lack of something that people want or need

egregious

Describes a mistake, failure, or problem that is extremely bad and noticeable

haphazard

Describes something that happens or is done in a way that is not planned or organized

incidental

Describes something that happens or exists in connection with something else that is more important; naturally happening as a result of something else

judicious

Describes something that is done in a sensible and careful way

negligent

Describes someone who does not take enough care over something that they are responsible for, with the result that serious mistakes are made

ersatz

Describes something artificial and not as good as the real thing

scrutinize

To examine someone or something very carefully

tirade

A long angry speech criticizing someone or something

querulous

Describes someone who complains about things in an annoying way

vacillate

To continue to change your opinions, decisions, ideas

whimsical

Describes something that is unusual or strange and often amusing

decadence

Behavior that shows that someone has low moral standards and is more concerned with pleasure than serious matters