AP Lang Vocab #1

altruistic

(adj.) unselfish, concerned with the welfare of others

ambivalent

Having mixed or opposing feelings at the same time

angular

lean; sharp cornered; gaunt

arrogant

(adj) overbearing; proud; haughty

aversion

A strong dislike or disinclination

discern

(v) to see clearly, recognize; to distinguish one thing from another

disdain

(n.) Intense dislike; (v.) to treat with scorn or contempt

disparage

To degrade, to speak of someone or something in a derogatory manner.

disparity

An inequality; a gap; an imbalance

embellish

to add ornamental or fictitious details

engender

to produce, cause, or bring about

innocuous

harmless; causing no damage

insipid

Boring and stupid

lament

To express sorrow or regret; to mourn

laud

to give praise; to glorify

obscure

Difficult to see or understand; partially hidden

ostentatious

(adj.) marked by conspicuous or pretentious display, showy

prodigal

(adj.) wastefully extravagant; lavishly or generously abundant; (n.) one who is wasteful and self

repudiate

To disown, reject, or deny the validity of

reticence

Restraint in speech, reluctance to speak

revere

To honor, to regard with respect

serene

Calm, placid

subtle

Difficult to detect; faint; mysterious; likely to elude perception

superfluous

Exceeding what is sufficient or required, excess

taciturn

Not talking much, reserved; silent, holding back in conversation