AP LIT VOCAB 1

Question 1

Idiosyncratic

Answer 1

Unique in an eccentric or unusual way.

Question 2

Lexicon

Answer 2

The vocabulary of a language, subject, or person

Question 3

Languid

Answer 3

Weak from exhaustion, sluggish disposition

Question 4

Rend

Answer 4

To tear (something) in two or more pieces

Question 5

Versimilitude

Answer 5

The notion that something is true / The appearance of being true

Question 6

Miasma

Answer 6

A very unpleasant smell

Question 7

Apocryphal

Answer 7

a) a story or statement widely believed to be true but actually fabricated
b) fictitious, made-up, fabricated, false

Question 8

Lyrical

Answer 8

The quality of a work of art, literature, or music that reveals the artist’s emotions in a beautiful manner

Question 9

Providential

Answer 9

Relating to or determined by Providence (God’s power over human destiny)
Well-timed, taking place at a convenient moment

Question 10

Lasciviousness

Answer 10

Sexual obscenity, lustfulness

Question 11

Adage

Answer 11

A saying that expresses a common observation or general truth; a proverb.

Question 12

Allegory

Answer 12

The representation of an abstract theme or spiritual idea.

Question 13

Anachronism

Answer 13

Something that belongs in another era and appears out of place in its current setting

Question 14

Largesse

Answer 14

The generosity of one who freely gives money to others

Question 15

Picaresque

Answer 15

Relating to a type of fiction that deals with a dishonest/unprincipled protagonist

Question 16

Bombast

Answer 16

Pretentious exaggerated language or writing with little meaning

Question 17

Cacophony

Answer 17

An unpleasant mixture of sounds

Question 18

Caricature

Answer 18

A comical depiction meant to poke fun at an individual or event using exaggerated characteristics.

Question 19

Coax

Answer 19

To persuade someone to do something gently and persistently

Question 20

Sagacious

Answer 20

Having good judgment; wise

Question 21

Diaphanous

Answer 21

Light, airy, and semi-transparent. Most commonly used for fabrics.

Question 22

Veritable

Answer 22

Assuring the thing named is real, not fake, or imaginary. Used as an intensifier. Often used to qualify metaphors.

Question 23

Staunch

Answer 23

Loyal and committed in attitude

Question 24

Equivocate

Answer 24

To use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself

Question 25

Synechdoche

Answer 25

A figure of speech by which a part is used to represent the whole

An example is: “my great-aunt’s favorite activity was finishing the bottle.”

Question 26

Apostrophe

Answer 26

A rhetorical way of addressing an absent person or personified thing/idea. It is usually exclamatory.

An example is: “O money, what is done in your name!”

Question 27

Circumspect

Answer 27

Careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences

Question 28

Obsolescence

Answer 28

The process of becoming antiquated or outdated

Question 29

Interrogative

Answer 29

Expressing the force of a question

Question 30

Affectation

Answer 30

Behavior that is affected; behavior that is artificial and aims to impress

Question 31

Corpulence

Answer 31

The state of being overweight

Question 32

Prudence

Answer 32

The ability to govern oneself through reason

Question 33

Vicissitude

Answer 33

A change of circumstances, often one that is unfavorable

Question 34

Consort

Answer 34

To regularly associate with

Question 35

Ignoble

Answer 35

Of low social class, unsophisticated