AP Lit Vocab Terms

Quiz 09-10-25

Meticulous

adj. showing great attention to detail

Ambiguous

adj. open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning

Recalcitrant

adj stubbornly uncooperative, particularly toward authority

Euphemism

n. mild or indirect word substituted for a harsh or embarrassing word of concept.

Gregarious

adj (of a person) fond of company; sociable

Satiate

v. to satisfy to the full

Insatiable

adj. unable to be satisfied

Incandescent

adj. emitting light; full of passion or strong emotion

Laconic

adj. (of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words.

Flippant

adj. not showing a serious or respectful attitude.

Motif

n. [a device in which] a recurring word, phrase, image, object, symbol, or action that creates unity throughout a text and may also reinforce its theme.

Discerning

adj. having or showing good judgement.

Acrimonious

adj. (typically of a speech or debate) angry and bitter.

Reproach

v. to address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.

n. the expression of disapproval or disappointment.

Didactic

adj. intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.

Reverent

adj. feeling or showing a deep and solemn respect.

Derisive

adj. expressing contempt or ridicule.

Ambivalent

adj. having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

Erudite

adj. having or showing great knowledge or learning.

Sanguine

adj. optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation.

Maudlin

adj. tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental, sometimes associated with drunkenness.

Abject

adj. (of something bad) experienced or present to the maximum degree; very severe; sunk to or existing in a low state.

Austere

adj. severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; having no comforts or luxuries.

Paradox

n. a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional ideas.

Epigraph

a short, stand alone quote, line, or paragraph that appears at the beginning of a book. sets up themes or places the events of their story in context.

Imperious

adj. describing someone who assumes power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering.

Hubris

n. a way of talking or behaving that is too proud; an extraordinary ego.

Hamartia

n. a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine.

Catharsis

n. a “good cry”, emotional release and you feel better afterwards. a prospective can end up changing.

Denigrate

1. v. to attack the reputation of; defame. 

2. to deny the importance of validity of; belittle.

Abhorrent

adj. inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant.

Harbinger

n. a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another.

Zeitgeist

n. the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.

Acquiesce

v. to accept something reluctantly but without protest. synonyms include permit, consent to, agree to, allow, assent to.

perverse

adj. turned away from what is right or good; willfully determined to go against what is expected or desired.

poignant

adj. evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; producing a keen or strong emotion. can also mean to the point, apt.

scrutinize

v. examine or inspect closely and thoroughly. synonyms: survey, study, investigate

petulant

adj. (of a person or their manner) childishly sulky or bad tempered.

excoriate

v. to criticize someone severely; to damage or remove part of the surface of the skin.

futile

adj. incapable of producing any useful result; pointless; ineffective.

ennui

n. a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement (boredom).

pragmatic

adj. dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

trifle

n. a thing of little value or importance.

v. to treat (someone or something) without seriousness or respect. to talk or act frivolously.

metonymy

n. a figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated (such as “crown” in lands belonging to the crown).