American Lit Vocab

Lark

An enjoyable activity or adventure, often mischievous or daring.

Vocation

A strong feeling of suitability or calling towards a specific career or occupation.

Manifestation

A visible or tangible event or action that clearly demonstrates a theory or abstract idea.

Scrupulous

Characterized by diligence, thoroughness, and careful attention to detail.

Psychic

Related to faculties or phenomena that seem inexplicable by natural laws.

Indefatigable

Referring to an individual or effort that persists tirelessly.

Intrepid

Fearless and adventurous.

Painstaking

Describes an effort involving great care and thoroughness.

Reproach

To address someone in a way that expresses disapproval or disappointment.

Patter

Refers to rapid or smooth-flowing continuous talk, often without significant content.

Intermittently

Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.

Stationery

Writing paper, especially when paired with matching envelopes.

Wanton

Describes an action that is deliberate and unprovoked.

Insuperable

Referring to a difficulty that is impossible to overcome.

Apt

Appropriate or suitable in the circumstances.

Dainty

Small and delicate, often appealing in appearance.

Apprehensive

Feeling anxious or fearful about something bad that may happen.

Docile

Readily accepting control or instruction; submissive.

Mar

To impair the appearance of something; to disfigure.

Arbor

A shaded garden alcove formed by trees or climbing plants.

Pennant

A tapering flag, especially on a ship.

Intoxicating

Referring to substances that cause one to lose control over their faculties.

Sullen

Bad-tempered, sulky, or gloomy.

Whim

A sudden, unpredictable desire or change of mind.

Rut

Refers to a deep groove made by vehicles or a monotonous behavior pattern.

Wry

Displaying dry, especially mocking humor.

Incredulous

Unwilling or unable to believe something, often expressing doubt.

Mirth

Amusement often expressed through laughter.

Ominous

Giving the impression that something bad is going to happen.

Dogged

Demonstrating tenacity and grim persistence.

Ineffectual

Not producing any effect or the desired result.

Reprove

To reprimand or censure someone for a fault.

Alacrity

Eager and cheerful readiness to respond or act.

Fleeting

Lasting for a very short duration, emphasizing brevity.

Retainer

An object that holds something in place or a fee for services.

Finality

The sense of an irreversible ending or conclusion.

Disreputable

Lacking respectability in appearance or character.

Turret

A small, tower-like structure atop a larger building.

Buttress

A supporting structure built against a wall to reinforce it.

Spire

A tall, tapering structure on the top of a building.

Tentative

Uncertain or hesitant; not definitive.

Gingerly

Done in a cautious or delicate manner.

Emphatic

Expression that is forceful, showing emphasis in speech or action.

Contrition

Sorrow for sins or wrongdoings.

Compulsive

Driven by or suggestive of mental compulsion.

Gaudy

Tastelessly showy or flashy in appearance.

Clandestine

Conducted with hidden aims or purposes; secretive.

Patent

A legal document granting sole rights to an inventor for their invention.

Elude

To escape from capture, understanding, or memory.

Aberration

A deviation from the usual or expected course.

Gilded

Covered in a thin layer of gold; appears attractive but flawed.

Mauve

A moderate shade of purple.

Leper

A pariah or someone who is ostracized.

Brandish

To wave or swing something, especially a weapon, in a dramatic way.

Acquiescent

Willingly compliant or ready to carry out the orders of another.

Vigil

A purposeful watch or surveillance for guarding or observing.

Bravado

A showy display of courage, often seen as swagger.

Coup

A sudden and often violent change in government or leadership.