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AP Literature Vocabulary Flashcards

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10639107055adjunct(n.) something added to something else as a helpful but not necessary element; an assistant or helper (adj.) added or connected in a subordinate capacity0
10639150378bellwether(n) leader of a group; indicator of trends1
10639156679caterwaul(n) a harsh or noisy cry (intransitive verb) to howl or screech like a cat2
10639174653chimerical(adj) absurd; wildly fantastic, impossible3
10639182748effete(adj) lacking in energy; work-out; sterile4
10639188217metaphor(n) figure of speech in which a term is applied to something which is not literal in order to suggest a resemblance5
10639199918elegiac(adj) expressing sorrow or lamentation6
10639206091hidebound(adj) narrow-minded and rigid; stubborn7
10639214628hierarchy(n) system of things or people arranged in order of rank, wealth, class, etc.8
10639226205liturgy(n) religious service or rite9
10639237254morass(n) a patch of low, soft, wet ground; swamp; confusing situation in which one is entrapped10
10639247782simile(n) a comparison of two unlike things explicitly, generally using "like" or "as"11
10639260776noisome(adj) offensive or disgusting; foul-smelling; harmful or injurious12
10639270229personification(n) the attribution of human nature or character to non-human entities as a figure of speech13
10639317528poltroon(n) a base coward; one rules by fear14
10639321391proselyte(n) a convert; a disciple15
10639330288raillery(n) good-humored ridicule; teasing16
10639337521ribald(adj) irreverently mocking; coarse, vulgar, or indecent in language17
10894195899supine(adj) lying flat on one's back; listless or lethargic; apathetic or passive18
10894208347vignette(n) a short description or sketch19
10894222334aegis(n) protection, patronage, sponsorship20
10894228387apprise(V) to inform of; to make aware of through verbal or written notice21
10894244350bibulous(adj) fond of or inclined to drink22
10894248970figurative language(n) any use of non-literal language23
10894255784claque(n) a group of people hired to applaud a performer or performance; enthusiastic or fawning admirers; an opera hat24
10894281177Deracinate(v) to pull up by the roots; to root out, or dislocate; to eliminate all traces of25
10894295497Indigenous(adj) originating in the country or region where found, native; inborn; inherent26
10894309779lachrymose(adj) given to tears or weeping; causing to shed tears; mournful27
10894326247sardonic(adj) characterized by bitter or scornful decision, mocking and cynical, sneering28
10894337079symbol(n) use of a literal idea within a text to stand for a non-literal idea29
10894345142allusion(n) a reference to a recognizable element - often a literary text - in order to build in some of the meaning of that text30
10894363529lexicon(n) a dictionary of a language; the special vocabulary of a person, group, or subject31
10894375804microcosm(n) a miniature world or universe; a group or system viewed as a model of a larger group or system32
10894392284obfuscate(tr. v) to darken or obscure; to confuse or bewilder33
10894404199paternalism(n) policy or practice of treating or governing people in the manner of a father dealing with his children34
10894425260Polarize(tr. v) to cause to concentrate around two conflicting or contrasting positions35
11261570566Purview(n) range, extent, or scope of something36
11261574307Sanguine(adj) having a ruddy complexion; of a naturally cheerful outlook37
11261585953solecism(n) ungrammatical usage; mistake38
11261588902vassal(n) person under protection of feudal lord; a subordinate or dependent (adj) subservient39
11261603240Verisimilitude(n) quality of appearing to be true, real, or likely40
11261612799Iambic Pentameter(n) a repetition of five iambs (two syllables, first unaccented, second accented) in a single line of poetry for a total of ten syllables41
11261631888Bowlderize(v) remove material considered offensive from a book, play, or film42
11261637168Cozen(v) to trick; to cheat or swindle43
11261644242Didactic(adj) intended to teach44
11261647286Enclave(n) an enclosed district, region, or area inhabited by a particular group of people45
11261652716Gratis(adv) free; without charge46
11261660152Irony(n) figure of speech in which expectations are defied47
11261665930Idiosyncratic(adj) peculiar to the individual48
11261681760Imagery(n) the presentation of a vibrant and graphic scene or character through sensory description49
11261694026interstice(n) a small space between things50
11261697032mountebank(n) a trickster or swindler51
11261698889Paean(n) a song of praise, joy, or triumph52
11261703742pragmatic(adj) practical53
12922075092quizzical(adj) puzzled; mocking; odd; equivocal54
12922098253rapacity(n.) inordinate greed; the disposition to obtain one's desires by force, extortion, or plunder55
12922104748schism(n.) a formal split within a religious organization; any division or separation of a group or organization into hostile factions56
12922116556affinity(n.) a natural attraction to a person, thing, or activity; a relationship, connection57
12922124823biliouspeevish or irritable; sickeningly unpleasant58
12922143149sonneta poem of fourteen lines using any of a number of formal rhyme schemes, in English typically having ten syllables per line.59
12922149787balladA narrative poem written in four-line stanzas, characterized by swift action and narrated in a direct style.60
12922162555cognates(adj.) closely in origin or function (n.) such as person or thing61
12922176783corollary(n.) a proposition that follows from one already proven; a natural consequence or result; (adj.) resultant or consequent62
12922181362derring-do(n.) valor or heroism; daring deeds or exploits63
12922186356divination(n.) the art or act of predicting the future or discovering hidden knowledge64
12922192830folderol(n.) foolish talk, ideas, or procedures; nonsense; a trifle65
12922196026admoinsh(v.) warn or reprimand someone firmly66
12922202570Allegory(n.) a narrative comprising a series of symbolic entities that builds a cohesive second meaning under the first, generally to instill a specific moral67
12922229838gamut(n.) the whole range or extent68
12922234953hoi polloi(n). the common people; the masses69
12922245679ineffable(adj.) inexpressible70
12922261577lucubration(n.) laborious study or thought, especially at night71
12922267323connotation(n.) the implied or associative meaning of a word72
12922281028obloquy(n.) public abuse indicating strong disapproval or censure73
12922285737pundit(n.) a learned person; one who gives authoritative opinions74
12922289867risible(adj.) pertaining to laughter; inclined to laugh75
12922307382ubiquitous(adj.) present or existing everywhere76
12922311846wry(adj.) using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor77
12922320615aficionado(n.) an enthusiastic fan or admirer78
12922337371browbeat(v.) bully; intimidate79
12922354473commensurate(adj.) proportional80

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