AP Lang - Educated Vocabulary #2

dilapidated

falling apart from neglect, age, or lack of maintenance. the family’s junkyard and old house are described as _ and unsafe.

bodice

the fitted upper part of a woman’s dress, covering the torso. tara describes wearing homemade dresses with _s sewn by her mother.

repertoire

a collection of skills, behaviors, or performances someone regularly uses. tara develops a new _ of academic language after entering formal education.

mundane

ordinary or routine; lacking excitement or uniqueness. college exposes tara to _ tasks that once seemed extraordinary to her.

despondency

a state of deep sadness or hopelessness. tara feels _ when family rejection conflicts with her pursuit of education.

bravado

a bold show of confidence meant to hid fear or insecurity. shawn’s _ masks his anger and instability through tara’s childhood.

feckless

lacking responsibility, determination, or effectiveness. tara describes _ adults who ignore danger in the junkyard and household.

belligerence

hostile, aggressive, or confrontational behavior. shawn’s _ creates fear and tension within the family.

inherent

existing as a natural or essential part of something. tara learns that human worth is inherent, not dependent on family approval.

capricious

unpredictable; changing mood or behavior suddenly without reason. tara’s father is _, swinging between charm and cruelty unpredictably.

perpetuity

endless duration; lasting forever. tara feels trapped by her family’s rules, as if in _.

seraphic

angelically pure, serene, or blissful. tara describes moments of _ calm while reading or studying alone.

gerund

a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun. tara writes about studying, reading, and learning _ showing her growing independence.

feign

to pretend or fake a feeling, action, or quality. tara _s confidence in school to hide her fear and inexperience.

euphemism

a mild or polite word used instead of harsh or offensive one. tara’s father calls her mother’s mental struggles “illness” as a _ for deeper issues.

impregnable

impossible to attack, break, or defeat; very strong or secure. tara’s determination to learn makes her mind nearly _ against her father’s doubts.

innate

existing naturally; inborn or intrinsic. tara discovers an _ curiosity and intelligence despite her isolated upbringing.

empathic

able to understand and share another person’s feelings. tara becomes _ toward her brother tyler, understanding his struggles despite family tension.

visceral

deep, instinctive, and emotional rather than intellectual. tara feels a visceral fear when facing her father’s anger.

fatalism

belief that all events are predetermined and unavoidable. tara’s family shows fatalism, believing their hardships are destined and unchangeable.