AP Lang vocab 8

Wistful (adj)

Feeling of sadness or regret when reflecting on memories and either missing the past or wishing that things had turned out differently. EX: "As she stared out of the window at the falling autumn leaves, she couldn't help but feel wistful, reminiscing about the carefree days of her childhood spent playing in the park." / "As the melody of the nostalgic song filled the room, he couldn't help but feel wistful, transported back to the cherished moments shared with loved ones now gone."

Resigned (adj)

Feeling or showing acceptance that something unwanted or unpleasant will happen or cannot be changed. EX: While she initially had high hopes regarding UNC's chances of reaching the Final Four, as the seconds of the game against Alabama wound down she became resigned to her team's season-ending loss. / While he had done everything he could to prepare for the exam, Bill was resigned to the fact that he might not pass it.

Poignant (adj)

Deeply or painfully affecting the feelings; touching. EX: The documentary is a ____ look at the victims of human trafficking. / The picture evoked poignant memories of happy days spent with his grandmother before she was severely affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Morose (adj)

Gloomily or resentfully silent; ill-tempered. EX: When Sally doesn't get her way, she becomes morose and gives everyone the silent treatment. / Despite the cheery holiday atmosphere, Joe, who had received the rejection letter earlier in the day, looked morose and sad.

Sober (adj/v)

Sedate or serious demeanor; Clear-headed. To make or become less reckless. EX: Her sober attitude during the meeting conveyed the seriousness of the company's financial situation. / His mother's heartfelt plea sobered him and caused him to realize the impact of his poor decision making on others.

Flippant (adj)

Lacking proper respect or seriousness; treating lightly something serious or worthy of respect. EX: The senator received a lot of media backlash after his flippant comments about the role of women in government. / "Her flippant response to his heartfelt confession left him feeling hurt and dismissed."

Caustic (adj)

Capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action; severely critical or sarcastic. EX: The caustic liquid burned a hole in the carpet. / She apologized profusely after realizing her attempt at a joke was actually a caustic comment that hurt her friend's feelings.

Patronizing (adj)

Showing or characterized by a superior attitude toward others; offensively condescending. EX: Leaving only a 25-cent tip is extremely patronizing and inappropriate and demonstrates how the giver has never once waited tables. / His boss's patronizing tone made him want to seek employment elsewhere.

Wry (adj)

Cleverly and often ironically amusing. EX: In the wry words of Michael Scott, "I'm not superstitious, but I am a little stitious." / "I could not be more proud of you!" my mother said in a wry tone as I warned her that the assistant principal would be calling her about my behavior.

Complimentary (adj)

Expressing praise or admiration; politely flattering. Given free as a gift or courtesy. EX: The teacher shared complimentary feedback about the student's use of rhetorical choices in his rough draft. / Because we were regular customers of that business, they gave us complimentary tickets to the hockey game.

Provocative (adj)

Tending to evoke a strong reaction, especially of a negative nature. EX: Her parents objected to, what they perceived to be, the provocative lyrics of the song. / The candidate's speech seemed especially provocative as it divided rather than united community members.

Conciliatory (adj)

Intended to win over, appease, or reduce hostility. EX: The supervisor used a conciliatory tone when talking to the disgruntled employees in the hopes that they would not walk out during the middle of a busy dinner shift. / She began the tense conversation with her parents by making the conciliatory gesture of repaying them the money she owed.

Fervent (adj)

Intensely passionate or enthusiastic. EX: As fervent fans of Taylor Swift, they have traveled to see her in concert in three different countries. / The police detectives committed several years to the case in a fervent effort to give the victim's family a sense of closure.

Belligerent (adj)

Marked by readiness to fight or argue; aggressively hostile. EX: The security guard escorted the belligerent customer out of the store. / While the vast majority of the protestors were very peaceful, several belligerent ones attracted media attention.

Pretentious (adj)

Making claim to distinction or importance, especially undeservedly. EX: "Despite never having set foot in a gym before, he adopted a pretentious persona, bragging about his workout routines and dietary habits." / "The actor's pretentious behavior, insisting on being addressed by his stage name in everyday conversations, grated on the nerves of his colleagues."