AP Lit. Third Quarter Basic Vocabulary

Underscore

To underline (something); to emphasize.

Discursiveness

Moving from topic to topic without order; rambling.

Brevity

Concise and exact use of words in writing or speech.

Ardor

Enthusiasm or passion.

Terse

Sparing in the use of words; abrupt.

Pique

A feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride.

Doting

Extremely and uncritically fond of someone; adoring.

Pragmatic

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

Mundane

Lacking interest or excitement; dull.

Bemused

Puzzled, confused, or bewildered.

Lament

A passionate expression of grief or sorrow.

Exhort

Strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something.

Perseverate

Repeat or prolong an action, thought, or utterance after the stimulus that prompted it has ceased.

Ambivalence

The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

Emanate

To come out from a source.

Ennui

A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

Petulant

(of a person or their manner) childishly sulky or bad-tempered.

Garrulous

Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.

Innocuous

Not harmful or offensive.

Languor

The state or feeling, often pleasant, of tiredness or inertia.

Querulous

Complaining in a petulant or whining manner.

Repudiate

Refuse to accept or be associated with.

Undermine

To erode the base or foundation of (something) or to weaken gradually or insidiously.

Blithe

Showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper.

Frugal

Sparing or economical with regard to money or food.

Inane

Silly; stupid.