AP Lit Vocab List 9

wayward

difficult to control or predict due to unusual or perverse behavior

wiles

devious or cunning strategies used to manipulate or persuade someone

parlay

to use or develop something to achieve success or gain an advantage

scorn

a feeling or expression of contempt or disdain for someone or something

coup

a sudden, decisive action or achievement, often a takeover or overthrow

subsistence

the minimum level of resources needed to survive

stupor

a state of near unconsciousness or insensibility

stigma

a mark of disgrace or shame associated with a particular circumstance or quality

dabbed

lightly touched or patted

stoically

enduring pain or hardship without showing emotions or complaint

plaintive

sounding sad or mournful

petulant

childishly sulky or bad-tempered

nebulous

vague, unclear, or ill-defined

smug

overly self-satisfied or pleased with oneself

vicarious

experienced through the feelings or actions of another person

reprieve

a temporary relief or delay from something difficult or unpleasant

laconic

using very few words; concise

indignation

anger or annoyance provoked by perceived unfair treatment

vacuous

lacking intelligence, thought, or meaning

privy

sharing in the knowledge of something private or secret