AP Lang Vocab 2.2

Word

Sentence

Extra Information

Lampoon (v): to publicly criticize someone or something by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm

Jonahthan Smith lampooned both the British and the Irish in his satirical essay, “A Modest Proposal”. 

Negative connotation ; harsh and humorous satire

Bolster (v): to support or strengthen; to pop up

By listing all the “benefits” of eating children, Swift bolsters his satirical solution for poverty in Ireland. 

Positive connotation

Conduit (n): a means of transmitting or distributing, such as a channel or pipeline

Social media has become the main conduit for news for most Americans. 

Neutral connotation

Vexation (n): state of being annoyed or frustrated

The vexation of not understanding the physics homework was so overwhelming that Alexis cried herself to sleep.

Negative connotation

Conflate (v): to improperly combine two or more things; to not properly differentiate 

Be careful not to conflate gossip with real news!

Negative connotation

Subversive (adj): seeking to undermine, overthrow, or destroy (an established government, institution, authority, belief, etc.)

Banksy’s subversive graffiti often conveys anti-establishment undertones 

Contested connotation 

Not a direct answer, ex: some may see protests as positive whilst others do not agree

Effrontery (n): impudence; nerve; insolence; rudeness; presumption; gall; audacity 

One juror had the effrontery to challenge the judge’s decision

Negative connotation

Deference (n): courteous regard for another’s wishes; respect for someone or standing

I defer to my partner’s request to take off my shoes before entering the house. (used as a verb)

Neutral connotation

Veracity (n): integrity; accuracy; truthfulness 

No one doubted the veracity of the news article because the author included multiple reputable sources. 

Positive connotation 

Specious (adj): superficially plausible, but actually wrong; misleadingly attractive (in a idea/argument, not a person)

A specious argument that the earth is flat only seems correct if you do not think about it. 

Negative connotation