AP Lang — Vocab: Set 6

anathema: (n) something or someone that one vehemently dislikes

anomalous: (adj) abnormal, irregular, departing from the usual

aspersion: (n) a damaging or derogatory statement (used often with “cast”)

astute: (adj) having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things quickly

brusque: (adj) abrupt, blunt, with no formalities

cajole: (v) to coax, persuade through flattery or artifice; to deceive with soothing thoughts or false promises

contrive: (v) to plan with cleverness or ingenuity; to think up in an ingenious way, invent, fabricate

culpable: (adj) deserving blame, worthy of condemnation

demagogue: (n) a leader who exploits popular prejudices, false claims, and promises in order to gain power

despondent: (adj) showing extreme discouragement or loss of hope

disabuse: (v) to free from deception or error; to set right in ideas or thinking.

egregious: (adj) conspicuous, standing out from the mass (used in an unfavorable context)

fetter: (n) a chain or shackle placed on the feet (often used in plural); anything that confines or restrains; (v) to chain or shackle; to render helpless or impotent

heinous: (adj) very wicked, offensive, hateful.

immutable: (adj) not subject to change, constant.

indignant: (adj) feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair or unjust treatment

insurgent: (n) one who rebels or rises against authority; (adj) rising in revolt, refusing to accept authority; surging or rushing in or on.

nebulous: (adj) in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy; (of an idea) unclear, vague, indistinct

surreptitious: (adj) stealthy, secret, intended to escape observation; made or accomplished by fraud

vicarious: (adj) performed, suffered, or otherwise experienced by one person in place of another