HONORS AMERICAN LIT. - MIDTERM REVIEW

Anatomy

the structure or parts, taken as a whole

Apparition

an unreal figure; a ghost

Aspect

a part that can be considered or viewed

Complacent

satisfied with a situation

Conducive

supportive; encouraging; helping to bring about

Conjecture

a guess, often one based on inadequate or faulty evidence

Convoluted

having too many twists and turns; overly complicated

Decriminalize

to do away with legal penalties

Deduce

to draw a conclusion from fact; to infer

Defer

to put aside until later; to yield respectfully

Dejected

downcast or sad; depressed

Destitute

having no money; poor

Diaphanous

lightweight and transparent

Diffuse

not concentrated or focused; wordy; to spread out or distribute

Diligent

hard-working and careful

Dismissive

showing little regard; scornful

Epiphany

a moment of great insight; a revelation

Epitome

the best or most typical example

Exonerate

to prove not guilty

Impulse

a sudden, involuntary urge to do something

Incoherent

not able to be understood; nonsensical

Incriminate

to reveal guilt or make

someone appear guilty

Induce

to lead toward some action

Invincible

unable to be conquered

Motif

a recurring theme, subject or idea

Motive

a cause for action

Petulant

irritable or short-tempered

Phenomenon

a fact or event which can be observed and/or documented

Placebo

something which has a positive mental effect, but no physical effect

Provincial

limited in knowledge of the world; narrow-minded

Pungent

stinging or biting, especially in taste or smell

Recollect

to remember; to recall

Resolute

determined; steadfast

Retract

to draw back; withdraw

Retrospective

looking backward over a period of time

Sacrilege

an act against a holy person or place

Stature

level of achievement or authority; standing

Viaduct

a bridge that carries a road or railroad over a valley