AP Lang Unit 1 Vocabulary

assuage (v)

to make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense, relive: to quiet or to pacify; to satisfy (an appetite or desire)

austere (adj)

severe or stern in manner, attitude or appearance; (of living conditions or a way of life) having no comforts or luxuries, harsh; having an extremely plain and simple style or appearance; unadorned

coalition (n)

a combination, union, or merger for some specific purpose

concoct (v)

to prepare by combing ingredients; to devise, invent, or fabricate

crass (adj)

offensive because of lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence; not showing consideration of others

elicit (v)

to draw forth, bring out from some source (such as another person)

expostulate (v)

to attempt to dissuade someone from some course or decision by earnest reasoning

hiatus (n)

a pause or gap in a sentence, series, or process; break

intercede (v)

to plead on behalf of someone else; to serve as a third party or go-between in a disagreement

jaded (adj)

wearied, worn-out, dulled (in the sense of being satiated by excessive indulgence)

lurid (adj)

causing shock, horror, or revulsion; sensational; vivid or intense in color; terrible or passionate in intensity or lack of restraint

petulant (adj)

easily irritated or annoyed by trifles

pillage (v;n)

(v) to rob of goods by open force (as in war), plunder; (n) the act of looting

prerogative (n)

a special right or privilege; a special quality showing excellence

redoubtable (adj)

someone or something that inspires fear and awe and therefore commands respect

stalwart (adj, n)

(adj) strong and sturdy (of a person); brave, resolute; (n) a brave, strong person; a strong supporter; one who takes an uncompromising position

transcend (v)

to surpass, to rise above or go beyond, exceed

umbrage (n)

shade cast by trees; foliage giving shade; an overshadowing influence or power; offense, resentment, a vague suspicion

unctuous (adj)

excessively smooth talking or acting; trying too hard to give an impression of earnestness; sincerity, or piety; fatty, oily; pliable

wry (adj)

using or expressing dry, mocking humor, showing that you find a bad or difficult situation slightly funny; sarcastic