Semester One American Studies Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Lists 1 through 11 of the Semester One American Studies Vocabulary curriculum.

Relevant

Applicable; significant; having clear bearing on the matter at hand

Deduce

To come to a conclusion in a logical fashion using the available information and principles; to figure out logically

Valid

Having legal force; logically correct; reasonable or convincing

Logic

The science of reasoning; a science in which conclusions are arrived at through a sort of scientific method—hypotheses are developed and are proven or disproven with evidence/demonstration

Coherent

Consistent; clear, understandable

Rational

Reasonable; sane; based on ordered thinking

Abstract

Difficult to understand; describing non-tangible and difficult concepts

Integral

Essential to completeness; a necessary part

Fallacy

A false or mistaken idea; an illogical argument

Synthesize

To combine information from various sources in order to make an argument

Perspective

Point-of-view; seeing the big picture—the interrelation between various objects or concepts

Objective

Dealing with facts or conditions as perceived without distortion by personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations; relating to the facts which all can agree upon

Subjective

Relating to one’s personal feelings, prejudices, and interpretations; based on opinion

Dissent

Disagreement; to oppose accepted or popular beliefs

Ambiguous

Obscure; having more than one possible interpretation due to vagueness

Impartial

Unbiased; treating both sides equally

Bias

Prejudice; tendency; personal inclination

Evaluate

To judge the value of someone or something; to give one’s opinion about someone or something; to solve (math)

Principle

A fundamental rule; a rule or code of conduct

Philosophy

The most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group

Advocate

To plead in favor of; to support; one who pleads the cause of another; one who defends a cause or proposal

Ideology

An organized set of concepts, theories, or beliefs about human nature and society

Integrity

Honesty; incorruptibility; completeness; firm adherence to one’s moral or artistic code

Prohibit

To forbid by authority/law

Manipulate

To control or play upon by artful, unfair, or deceitful means in order to benefit oneself; to change or alter something in order to benefit oneself

Exploit

To make use of; to use unfairly for one’s own advantage

Discretion

Cautiousness in speech; individual choice or judgment

Incumbent

Current holder of an office or position; (with “upon”) required

Regime

A form of government; a government currently in power; a regular pattern of behavior (like a habit)

Exclude

To prevent or restrict the entrance of; to not permit the participation of

Domain

A territory that is ruled absolutely; an area of knowledge

Perceive

To become aware of through the senses

Reluctance

Hesitation; unwillingness; disinclination

Ostracize

To exclude from society; to banish; to refuse to associate with

Liberal

Generous; broad-minded, non-traditional; unorthodox

Credence

Acceptance as true or valid; belief; belief as to the truth of something (usually used as “to give __ to”)

Disposition

An inclination or tendency; one’s characteristic attitude, mood, or nature; disposal of something

Vouch

To support as being true, certain, reliable (usually followed by “for”); to guarantee or certify

Felonious

Criminal

Mesmerized

Hypnotized; fascinated by to such an extent that one cannot turn away from something

Raucous

Coarse-sounding; loud and unruly

Clamor

Unpleasant sound; loud noise

Stigma

To be tainted; mark of disgrace; stain

Alleged

To assert without proof; to declare before a court; suspected, supposed

Notorious

Having an infamous reputation; well-known for having committed evil or unacceptable acts

Disconcerted

Perturbed; thrown into disorder or confusion; frustrated

Lethargic

Lacking energy for movement; listless

Archetype

The original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied; a model or prototype; an ideal type

Blatant

Offensively or shamelessly obvious

Nepotism

Favoritism to relatives in giving jobs or offices

Travesty

Ridiculous imitation or representation; a mockery, sham or parody

Concise

Using few words in speaking and writing to communicate as much as possible (positive connotation)

Taciturn

Silent; sparing with words; close-mouthed (negative connotation)

Colloquial

Having to do with everyday speech; conversational

Verbose

Using too many words; wordy; long-winded

Complacent

Marked by satisfaction with the status quo especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies

Diffident

Shy, timid; lacking self-confidence; insecure

Eloquence

Ease with speaking; speech that can impact people’s feelings

Articulate

Able to speak easily and well; to speak well; to put into words

Egotistical

Excessively self-absorbed; very conceited or arrogant

Supercilious

Looking down on others; proud and scornful

Lackluster

Lacking vitality, energy, or brightness; boring

Derivative

Unoriginal; taken from something already existing

Alleviate

To lessen pain or tension

Panacea

A cure for all desires, sufferings, or troubles; a cure-all

Narcissism

Extreme self-love or self-admiration; conceit; vanity

Contempt

Lack of respect; scorn

Placate

To make calm; to soothe

Gregarious

Sociable; outgoing; extroverted

Levity

Lightheartedness; carefree disposition

Introverted

Finding more comfort or happiness in solitude than in being with other people

Cantankerous

Bad-tempered; quarrelsome (usually refers to an older person with such traits)

Conciliatory

In an effort to make peace or resolve a conflict

Cynical

Doubting the goodness and sincerity of others’ motives; assuming the worst of everyone

Intrepid

Fearless

Animosity

Hatred; ill-will

Altruistic

Showing an unselfish regard for others

Magnanimous

Generous in overlooking insult or injury by others; rising above pettiness

Prodigal

Wasteful; lavish

Austerity

Lack of luxury, frills; sternness of manner or appearance; show of self-control when it comes to luxury and comfort

Extraneous

Not necessary, not essential or relevant

Sly

Underhanded; sneaky

Candor

Honesty; openness

Nebulous

Unclear, hazy, indistinct

Chagrin

Embarrassment, shame, humiliation

Precocious

Advanced beyond one’s age

Meander

To wander aimlessly; to follow a winding course

Decimate

To destroy or kill a large part of

Lascivious

Indecent; lustful, lewd

Havoc

Great destruction or confusion; ruin or devastation

Scruple

Doubt or uneasiness as to what is right and proper; misgiving; principle