AP Lang Semester 1

Accolade

An expression of praise or an award of merit.

Cache

A hidden storage space or collection of items.

Endemic

Native or restricted to a certain area or group.

Lithe

Flexible and graceful in movement.

Pugnacious

Eager or quick to argue or fight; combative.

Alacrity

Cheerful readiness or promptness.

Conflagration

A large destructive fire.

Expunge

To erase or remove completely.

Morose

Sullen, gloomy, or ill-tempered.

Surfeited

Fed or supplied to excess.

Ardor

Passion or intense enthusiasm.

Diffidence

Shyness due to lack of confidence.

Implausible

Not seeming reasonable or probable.

Obdurate

Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course.

Torpid

Inactive, sluggish, or lethargic.

Bequeath

To leave (a personal estate or one's body) to a person by a will.

Embroil

To involve someone in conflict or difficulty.

Indelible

Not able to be erased or forgotten.

Placate

To calm or soothe, especially by making concessions.

Voluble

Speaking fluently and readily; talkative.

Acuity

Sharpness or keenness (especially of mind or senses).

Cacophonous

Harsh-sounding or jarring.

Effrontery

Shameless boldness or impudence.

Incontrovertible

Unquestionable; not able to be denied or disputed.

Plethora

An excessive amount or overabundance.

Aggrandizement

An increase in power, status, or wealth.

Circumspect

Cautious and unwilling to take risks.

Eschew

To deliberately avoid or abstain from.

Licentious

Lacking moral discipline or legal restraint.

Sublime

Of such excellence or beauty as to inspire awe.

Belligerent

Hostile and aggressive.

Despotic

Ruling with absolute power; tyrannical.

Fallow

Land left unplanted to restore fertility; inactive.

Magnate

A wealthy and influential businessperson.

Surreptitious

Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.

Buttress

A support or reinforcement; to support or strengthen.

Distend

To expand or swell out due to pressure.

Harbor

To give shelter or protection; to keep (a thought or feeling) secretly.

Obfuscating

Making something unclear or confusing.

Zeal

Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.

Acerbic

Sharp or biting in temper, mood, or tone.

Dissuade

To persuade someone not to take a particular course of action.

Humility

A modest or low view of one's importance.

Mettle

Courage and determination; resilience.

Recluse

A person who lives in seclusion or apart from society.

Anomalous

Deviating from what is standard or expected; abnormal.

Docile

Easily taught, led, or managed; obedient.

Indignation

Anger or annoyance at perceived unfair treatment.

Modicum

A small quantity of something desirable or valuable.

Sated

Satisfied fully, often with food or desire.