AP Lang Vocab

insipid

Lacking flavor, vigor, or interest.

apologetic

Expressing regret or remorse.

sarcastic

Using irony to mock or convey contempt.

seductive

Tending to entice into a desired action or state.

colloquial

Used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.

restrained

Characterized by reserve or moderation; unemotional or dispassionate.

fantasy

The faculty or activity of imagining things, especially impossible or improbable things.

pessimistic

Tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.

sentimental

Of or prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.

humorous

Causing laughter or amusement; funny.

objective

Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.

flippant

Not showing a serious or respectful attitude.

elegiac

Relating to or characteristic of an elegy (a mournful poem), expressing sorrow or lamentation.

innocence

The state, quality, or fact of being innocent; lack of worldly experience or sophistication.

warning

A statement or event that indicates a possible or impending danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation.

optimistic

Hopeful and confident about the future.

condescending

Having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority.

detached

Separate or disconnected, or impartial and objective.

nostalgic

Characterized by or exhibiting nostalgia, a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.

candid

Truthful and straightforward; frank.

shallow

Of little depth; not exhibiting or requiring much thought, seriousness, or profundity.

sardonic

Grimly mocking or cynical.

rebellion

An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler; resistance to any authority or control.

disdain

The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt.

narcissistic

Having an excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one's physical appearance.

poignant

Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.

hollow

Having a hole or empty space inside; empty or meaningless.

irreverent

Showing a lack of respect for things that are generally taken seriously.

provocative

Arousing discussion, thought, or feeling; deliberately tending to upset or annoy people.

informative

Providing useful or interesting information.

contentious

Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

complacent

Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.

triviality

The quality or state of being trivial; insignificance.

nihilistic

Rejecting all religious and moral principles in the belief that life is meaningless.

sympathetic

Feeling, showing, or expressing sympathy.

joyful

Feeling, expressing, or causing great pleasure and happiness.

bitter

Having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; feeling or showing deep-seated resentment.

didactic

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

patronizing

Apparent kindness or help that treats others as inferior.

pity

The feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others.

disgust

A feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval aroused by something unpleasant or offensive.

extravaganza

An elaborate and spectacular entertainment or display.

contemptuous

Showing contempt; scornful.

allusive

(Of a remark or reference) working by suggestion rather than explicit mention.

benevolent

Well meaning and kindly.

whimsical

Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.

ironic

Happening in a way contrary to what is expected, and typically causing wry amusement.

satirical

Containing or using satire, which is the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices.

pedantic

Excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning.

reverence

Deep respect for someone or something.

vulgar

Lacking sophistication or good taste; rude.

stoic

A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.

subjective

Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.

condemning

Expressing strong disapproval of; censuring.

conservative

Holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation.

liberal

Open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values.

cynical

Believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.

idealistic

Characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection.

malevolent

Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

pedestrian

Lacking inspiration or excitement; dull.

fond

Having a strong liking or affection for someone or something.

effusive

Expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.

obsequious

Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.

ardent

Enthusiastic or passionate.

frank

Open, honest, and direct in speech or writing, especially when dealing with unpalatable matters.

gullible

Easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.

naive

(Of a person or action) showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.

reticent

Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily.

unassuming

Not ostentatious or arrogant; modest.

imploringly

In a pleading, begging manner.

ambivalent

Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

apathetic

Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

callous

Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.

conciliatory

Intended or likely to placate or pacify.

docile

Ready to accept control or instruction; submissive.

lugubrious

Looking or sounding sad and dismal.

solemn

Formal and dignified; serious.

caustic

Sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way.

farcical

Of or resembling a farce; ludicrous.

scathing

Witheringly scornful; severely critical.

vindictive

Having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.

incredulous

(Of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something.

belligerent

Hostile and aggressive.

malicious

Characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm.

insolent

Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.

pensive

Engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought.

egotistical

Excessively conceited or absorbed in oneself; self-centered.

facetious

Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.

indignant

Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.

supercilious

Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others.

placating

Making (someone) less angry or hostile.

pragmatic

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

pompous

Affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important.

jaded

Tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something.

impartial

Treating all rivals or disputants equally; unbiased.

moralistic

Overly concerned with morality, especially in a judgmental way.

taunting

Provoking or challenging someone with insulting remarks.

turgid

Swollen or distended; (of language or style) tediously pompous or bombastic.