AP Literature Key Terms- Lesson 40

Ingneue (ingenuous woman)

In plays or films, an innocent young woman, an actress who plays naive young women. "Many screen actresses who began their careers as ingenues have made a successful switch to playing older women."

Ambiance (atmosphere)

Atmosphere, mood. "Spotless tablecloths and fresh flowers gave the modest restaurant a pleasant ambiance."

Faux pas (false step)

A mistake in social manners, a tactless blunder. "To forget a dinner engagement is a serious faux pas because it both insults and inconveniences other people."

Precis (summary)

Summary, outline, abbreviated version. "The novelist submitted to the publisher one complete chapter and precis of the rest of the book."

Manque (failed, lacking)

Would-be, unsuccessful or defective, not fulfilling potential. "I guessed from the way he told stories for the children that he was an actor manque."

Au courant (in the current)

With it, up-to-date, in the know, well-informed. "She browsed through fashion magazines to keep au courant with the latest styles."

Soupcon (suspicion)

Hint, tiny amount, trace. "The chef seasoned the dish with a soupcon of cayenne.

Rapprochement (a drawing closer)

A reconciliation, a reestablishing of friendly relations. "The couple became estranged with no hope of rapprochement."

Sobriquet (nickname)

Nickname, pseudonym. "His name was Edgar, but he wrestled professionally under the sobriquet 'Tiny'."

Coterie (social set)

Group of people who frequently socialize together, a clique, especially a socially or intellectually exclusive group. "She held a salon frequented by a coterie of painters, writers, and intellectuals."

Elan (spirit)

Ardor, energy, active drive. "The boy threw himself into the game with such elan that what he lacked in skill he made up for in enthusiasm."

Eclat (a sudden burst)

Dazzling brilliance, success that brings wide acclaim. "The newly discovered actor burst upon the social scene with such eclat that his name and picture were soon a regular feature of the gossip columns.