English Vocab

Literal (adj)

The way something actually, really is. When one talks about something in literal terms, one generally doesn't embellish or enhance its description, instead speaking about it in exact or precise terms.

Figurative (adj)

The way something is in terms that are symbolic, representational or highly descriptive. When one talks about something in figurative terms, one is highly descriptive. One may compare the literal thing to something else in an imaginative way or use language to make something come to life by focusing on its relation to the senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, smell or emotion.

Connotation (n)

The figurative or symbolic meaning of something

Denotation (n)

The literal or primary meaning of something

Visual Imagery (n)

Descriptive language used to describe the way something appears.

Auditory Imagery (n)

Descriptive language used to describe the way something sounds.

Olfactory Imagery (n)

Descriptive language used to describe the way something smells.

Gustatory Imagery (n)

Descriptive language used to describe the way something tastes.

Tactile Imagery (n)

Descriptive language used to describe the way something feels to the physical touch.

Organic Imagery (n)

Descriptive language used to describe the way something feels internally or emotionally.

Kinesthetic Imagery (n

Descriptive language used to describe the way something moves.

Alliteration

Repetition of beginning consonant sounds in two or more sounds in 2 or more neighboring words/syllables

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds in words or syllables

Hyperbole

Big exaggeration, usually with humor

Idiom

An expression of 2 or more words meaning something other than the actual meaning of its words

Metaphor

Comparing two things that aren't alike to suggest that they have something in common

Onomatopoeia

Naming a thing/action by imitating the sound associated with it

Personification

Giving something actual human qualities

Simile

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things, using the words "like" or "as"

Diction

Word choice

Syntax

Word order (Yoda)

Discern (v)

If identify, pick out, or distinguish something, you can discern it. This is a word for recognizing and perceiving things.

Apprise (v)

To apprise someone about something is to fill them in, to give them the scoop, to inform.

Complacency (n)

The act of doing NOTHING about things because one is too lazy or at ease with the status quo.

Preeminent (adj)

Superior, the best at something, peerless.

Confluence (n)

The coming together of things. It can be literal -- the coming together of rivers is the confluence of the bodies of water. The figurative example: When the diplomats talked about global warming, they had a confluence of ideas.

Jocular (adj)

Merry, jolly, characterized by joking; humor or playfulness.

superfluous (adj)

unnecessary because it is more than is needed or wanted.

epistolary (adj)

a form of writing told exclusively through the exchange of written letters/mail

lipogram (n)

a form of writing where one letter of the alphabet is omitted entirely.

fealty (adj)

loyalty or faithfulness

promulgate (v)

to put a law into effect. Ex: On September 6 the school promulgated a dress code that forbids bare midriffs on students in class

moratorium (n)

the suspension of a particular activity. Ex: There is a moratorium on chewing gum in class until futher notice.

ostracize (v)

to avoid someone intentionally, or to prevent someone from taking part in the activities of a group. To shun

satire (n)

a genre in which the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to slyly expose and criticize people's foolishness

pangram (n)

a sentence that contains all the letters of the alphabet.

glean (v)

to collect gradually, bit by bit

contingent (adj)

dependent on certain situations. Used with "upon". Ex: The football game will take place contingent upon the weather

happenstance (n)

coincidence Ex: It was happenstance that we both showed up at the same movie on the same night at the same time

scant (adj)

barely sufficient or adequate. Ex: The scant amount of water in our canteens almost ran out before we escaped from the desert

reprisal (n)

an act of retaliation. Ex: The allies threatened economic reprisals against the invading country

venerate (v)

to regard with great respect (noun form -- someone who is respected -- is venerable) Ex: Abraham LIncoln is a venerated patriot, a highly respected man who gave his life to preserve the nation

semblance (n)

the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different. Ex: The Greek god descended from Mount Olympos and took on the semblance of a man

edict (n)

an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority

flaut (v)

to openly mock or treat something with contempt and disregard.

wrought (v)

Brought about, made, created. Ex: The gunslinger wrought havoc on the town. (He brought about destruction and devastation)

paradox (n)

A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

chasm (n)

A deep separation between areas, either literally (the space between two cliffs) or figuratively (we had such deep differences of opinions, nothing could ever connect the chasm between us).

despondent (adj)

extremely depressed or sad. For example:He became/grew increasingly despondent when she failed to return his phone calls.

Scintilla (noun)

A tiny trace or small spark of a specified quality or feeling. ex: a scintilla of hope

Taciturn (adj)

Soft-spoken, quiet, reserved, or uncommunicative in speech.

Beleaguered (adj)

In a very difficult situation; stuck without many choices

Mellifluous (adj)

Sweet or musical sounding; pleasant to hear. (this is an example of olfactory imagery)

Inebriation (noun)

Drunkenness, intoxication.

Sagacity (noun)

The ability to make good judgments; possessing common sense.

Meritorious (adj)

Deserving reward or praise.

Posthumously (adverb)

After the death of someone.

Ludicrous (adj)

Ridiculous, seeming to be comically out of place

Eradicate (verb)

To get rid of something completely or destroy it.

morose (adj)

a sulky, bleak outlook or attitude

resolute (adj)

purposeful and determined

facetious (adj)

treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.

misanthrope (noun)

a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society.

apoplectic (adj)

overcome with anger

penitence (noun)

the action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance.

rebuke (v)

to express sharp disapproval or criticism

morose (adj)

a sulky, bleak outlook or attitude

facetious (adj)

treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.

misanthrope (noun)

a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society.

apoplectic (adj)

overcome with anger

penitence (noun)

the action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance.

rebuke (v)

to express sharp disapproval or criticism

congenial (adj)

pleasant and friendly. In the Sandra Bullock film Miss Congenialty (the noun form of congenial), that title is given to the friendliest contestant.

haggard (adj)

tired-looking

malady (n)

an illness

palpable (adj)

when a feeling or atmosphere so intense as to seem almost physically real

covetous (adj)

covetous (adj) having or showing a great desire to possess something, usually driven by envy.

credulity - (noun)

gullibility, or a willingness to believe anything

brusque (adj)

blunt, short, or abrupt style of speech or action blunt often to the point of deliberate rudeness or harshness

vestige (noun)

A trace or sign that something was there, but no longer is. Ex: a footprint in the snow might be a vestige of the fact that a bear had walked here.

prodigious (adj)

extraordinary in bulk, quantity, or degree

caustic (adj.)

very sarcastic & intended to offend, mock, or belittle somebody.

dissemble (verb)

to conceal or disguise something. You might dissemble the truth; you might dissemble yourself by putting on a costume. In a sentence: Her plan was to dissemble her intentions from her husband so she could successfully plan him a surprise party.

usurp (verb)

to steal or wrongfully take the place of someone or something. Ex: How can paintings remain relevant in a world where photography has usurped its role?

forbear (verb)

refrain (hold back) from acting. Ex: I can hardly forbear hurling things at him.

didactic (adj)  

designed to teach; intended to convey instruction. Ex: Textbooks are, of course, didactic, as are recipe books, fables, parables, and instructional manuals.

pedantic (adj) 

Pedantic is an insulting word used to describe someone who annoys others by correcting small errors, caring too much about minor details, or emphasizing their own expertise, especially in some narrow or boring subject matter; overly concerned with small details or formalisms, especially in teaching. Ex: Mr. Schleifer can be a bit pedantic whenever he corrects our papers, frequently pointing out typos, missing commas, and lack of appropriate apostrophes.

prudent (adj)

wise, using careful, cautious, or sagacious thought before doing something.

nonpareil (adj)

peerless, having no equal

fervor (n)

intensity of feeling or expression. Ex: As a chef, I show great fervor whenever I get the chance to roast a duck. It makes me smile from ear to ear.

peevish (adj) 

easily irritated, especially by unimportant things.

caterwauling (n)

noisy howling, like the sound of fighting cats! Ex: Dolly & Gypsy began caterwauling at 3am and that's why Mr. Schleifer is so haggard.

stupor (n)

 a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility. Ex: After my operation, I was in a stupor before the anesthesia wore off.

doggedly (adverb)

persistently, determinedly. Ex: Though she had been told that women couldn't be good lawyers, Ruth Bader Ginsberg doggedly pursued her career all the way to the Supreme Court.

raucous (adj)

making disturbingly harsh and loud noise(s). Ex: My next-door neighbor’s party kept me awake all night with its raucous music and laughter.

bastion (n)

in a literal sense, a fortification; in a figurative sense, an institution, place, or person strongly defending or upholding particular principles, attitudes, or activities. Ex: The exclusive men's club was the last bastion of male privilege.

stupor (n) 

a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility. Ex: After my operation, I was in a stupor before the anesthesia wore off.

doggedly (adverb)

persistently, determinedly. Ex: Though she had been told that women couldn't be good lawyers, Ruth Bader Ginsberg doggedly pursued her career all the way to the Supreme Court.

raucous (adj)

making disturbingly harsh and loud noise(s). Ex: My next-door neighbor’s party kept me awake all night with its raucous music and laughter.

bastion (n)

in a literal sense, a fortification; in a figurative sense, an institution, place, or person strongly defending or upholding particular principles, attitudes, or activities. Ex: The exclusive men's club was the last bastion of male privilege.