APLang Set 1

Set

Divergent

Describes something that deviates or differs from a standard or expected path. Often used in rhetoric to discuss ideas, perspectives, or arguments that move away from the mainstream or traditional viewpoints.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, fostering connection and emotional understanding.

Emulate

To imitate with the intent of matching or surpassing. In rhetoric, emulation often involves aspiring to emulate a particular style, argument, or ethos in writing.

Enervating

To weaken or drain energy. In a rhetorical context, something that is enervating may refer to an argument, situation, or language that reduces strength or intensity.

Enhance

To improve or make something better. In writing, it could refer to strengthening an argument, adding more persuasive elements, or enriching the clarity or impact of a message.

Ephemeral

Lasting for a very short time. This term can be used to describe trends, ideas, or moments in writing that are transient, fleeting, or temporary.

Evanescent

Similar to "ephemeral," something that fades away quickly. In literature or argumentation, it might refer to fleeting thoughts, emotions, or concepts that disappear before being fully realized.

Exasperation

A feeling of intense irritation or frustration. In writing, exasperation can be a tone or emotion an author conveys through characters or the narrative, highlighting frustration or discontent.

Exemplary

Serving as a model or ideal. In an AP Lang context, something exemplary would be a piece of writing or an argument that serves as a standard for excellence.

Extenuating

Making something less serious or more forgivable. This word is often used in persuasive writing to argue that certain factors or circumstances lessen the severity of a situation or behavior.

Florid

Elaborate, ornate, or excessively detailed. Often used to describe writing that is overly decorated, using heavy descriptions or flowery language. Can be either positive or negative, depending on the context.

Fortuitous

Happening by chance, often with a lucky or favorable outcome. In a rhetorical sense, a fortuitous event or detail could serve as a serendipitous moment in an argument or story.

Frugal

Economical, avoiding waste. When applied to writing, it can describe a style that is concise, direct, and avoids unnecessary elaboration or excess.

Hackneyed

Lacking originality; overused and clichéd. In AP Lang, a hackneyed expression or idea would be something that lacks fresh insight or creativity, typically diminishing the impact of an argument or piece of writing.

Haughty

Arrogant or disdainfully proud. This term might describe a tone or character in a text that conveys superiority or condescension.

Hedonist

A person who seeks pleasure as the highest good. In writing, a hedonist might be portrayed as a character driven by self-indulgence or the pursuit of sensory pleasure.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation or theory based on limited evidence. In argumentative writing, a hypothesis may refer to an assertion or claim that can be tested, supported, or refuted through reasoning and evidence.

Impetuous

Acting quickly and without thought or care; impulsive. In writing, impetuous actions or characters may lead to conflict or change, often showing a lack of foresight

Impute

To attribute (usually something negative) to someone or something. In argumentative writing, to impute is to assign responsibility or blame, often unjustly or without full evidence.

Incompatible

Not able to exist or work together. In rhetoric, two ideas, arguments, or perspectives may be deemed incompatible if they cannot coexist or support each other effectively.