AP Lang Vocab (Unit 3)

abominate

abominate

to have an intense dislike or hatred for

acculturation

the modification of the social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another; the resultant blend

adventitious

resulting from chance rather than from an inherent cause or character; accidental, not essential; (medicine) acquired, not congenital

ascribe

to assign or refer to (as a cause or source), attribute

circuitous

roundabout, not direct

commiserate

to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress

enjoin

to direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way; to prohibit

expedite

to make easy; cause to progress faster

expiate

to make amends, make up for; to avert

ferment

a state of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence; to be in or work into such a state; to produce alcohol by chemical action

inadvertent

resulting from or marked by lack of attention; unintentional, accidental

nominal

existing in name only, not real; too small to be considered or taken seriously

noncommittal

not decisive or definite; unwilling to take a clear position or to say yes or no

peculate

to steal something that has been given into one’s trust; to take improperly for one’s own use

proclivity

a natural or habitual inclination or tendency (especially of human character or behavior)

sangfroid

composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances

seditious

resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government

tenuous

thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance or significance; lacking a sound basis, poorly supported

vitriolic

bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid)

wheedle

to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end