AP Language and Composition

Vocabulary List #8

Instructions: Review the list of words below to become more familiar with them, both by definition and how they are used within sentences (context).

Scrutinize (verb) – to examine closely.
Coalesce (verb) – to come together; to merge; to join.
Orthodox (adjective) – standard; commonly accepted; conventional (not just in religion).
Innate (adjective) – inborn; inherited.
Preclude (verb) – to prevent; to make impossible.
Efface (verb) – to erase; to wipe out.
Marred (verb) – damaged; bruised.
Ameliorate (verb) – to make better; to improve.
Prodigious (adjective) – of enormous quantity or size.
Concise (adjective) – briefly and clearly stated.
Immutable (adjective) – unchanging; permanent.
Stoic (adjective) – indifferent to pleasure and pain; brave.
Innocuous (adjective) – harmless.
Indolence (adjective) – laziness.
Benign (adjective) – harmless; something is benign rather than malignant.
Tedious (adjective) – boring; painstaking.
Amiable (adjective) – friendly.
Laud (verb) – to praise.
Caustic (adjective) – burning/corrosive; uncomplimentary.
Atrophy (noun or verb, depends on use) – to waste away from lack of use.