AP Notes, Outlines, Study Guides, Vocabulary, Practice Exams and more!

Ms. Taylor's Vocab. Unit 8

If you were absent, or just want the full definition she gave us in class, (with the etymology, and big words to be held accountable for) here you go!
[Edit: corrected savoir-faire spelling]

Terms : Hide Images
258740633gambol[It. gamba-leg] (vi) frolic; to jump or skip playfully
258740634microcosm[Gk. micros-small + kosmos-universe] (n) a group or system viewed as the model of a larger group or system; a miniature world or universe
258740635ambivalent[L. ambi-both + valere-to be strong] (adj) having opposite and conflicting feelings, torn
258740636éclat[Fr. brilliance] (n) dazzling or conspicuous or acclaim; great brilliance (of performance or achievement); elaborate display, pomp
258740637sanguine[L. sanguis-blood] (adj) having a ruddy complexion; of a naturally cheerful, confident, or optimistic outlook
258740638abeyance[MFr. abaer-to expect] (n) a state of being temporarily inactive, suspended, or set aside
258740639imbue[L. imbuere- to wet, drench] (vt) to instill feelings, opinions, etc. profoundly; to soak or stain thoroughly
258740640carte blanche[Fr. "white card"-blank but for king's signature] (n) full freedom or authority to act at one's own discretion
258740641verisimilitude[L. verus- true + similis- like] (n) the state of being lifelike, appearing to be true, real, likely, or probable
258740642fastidious[L. fastus- pride + taedium-tedium/tedious] (adj) excessively careful in regard to details, meticulous; overly demanding or hard to please; easily disgusted
258740643cataclysm[Gk. kata-down + klyzein-to wash] (n) a disaster, tragedy; a sudden, violent, or devastating upheaval; a surging flood, deluge
258740644solecism[Gk. Soloi, a city where a nonstandard form of Attic Greek was spoken] (n) a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage (like "unflammable" or "they was"); a breach of manners or etiquette, faux-pas, gaffe; any error, impropriety, or inconsistency
258740645beleaguer[be-about + Du. leger-camp] (vt) to set upon from all sides; to surround with an army; to trouble, harass
258740646debauch[Fr. débaucher-to deprave] (vt) to seduce or corrupt; to lead away from duties (vi) to indulge in dissipation(n) an uninhibited spree or party
258740647savoir-faire[Fr. knowing how to do] (n) the ability to say and do the right thing in any situation; social competence, tact
258740648inchoate[L. inchoare-to begin] (adj) just beginning; not fully shaped or formed
258740649tacit[L. tacere-to be silent] (adj) understood without being openly expressed, implied, implicit; silent; unspoken
258740650refractory[L. re-again + frangere- to break] (adj) stubborn, intractable, obstinate; difficult to manage; not responsive to treatment or cure
258740651philistine(adj) lacking in, hostile to, or smugly indifferent to cultural and artistic values or refinements (n) such a person
258740652malleable[L. malleus-hammer] (adj) moldable, shapeable, adaptable; capable of being shaped by hammering or pressure

Need Help?

We hope your visit has been a productive one. If you're having any problems, or would like to give some feedback, we'd love to hear from you.

For general help, questions, and suggestions, try our dedicated support forums.

If you need to contact the Course-Notes.Org web experience team, please use our contact form.

Need Notes?

While we strive to provide the most comprehensive notes for as many high school textbooks as possible, there are certainly going to be some that we miss. Drop us a note and let us know which textbooks you need. Be sure to include which edition of the textbook you are using! If we see enough demand, we'll do whatever we can to get those notes up on the site for you!