AP Lang Vocab Lists

• Analyze - discover or reveal (something) through detailed examinatiion
• Belligerent - hostile and aggressive
• Connote - (of a word) imply or suggest (an idea or feeling) in addition to the literal or primary meaning
• Disabuse - persuade (someone) that an idea or belief is mistaken
• Dispute - question whether (a statement or alleged fact) is true or vaild
• Earnest - resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction
• Poignant - evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
• Sophisticated - having, revealing, or proceeding from a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture; (of a person or their thoughts, reactions, and understanding) aware of and able to interpret complex issues
• Wry - using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor
• Ambivalent - having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or somone
• Assert - state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully
• Characterize - describe the distinctive nature or features of
• Corroborate - confirm of give support to (a statement, theory, or finding)
• Elucidate - make (something) clear; explain
• Epigram - a pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way
• Impartial - treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just
• Pretentious - attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed
• Vexed - annoyed, frustrated, or worried
• Insight - a deep understanding of a person or thing
• Jovial - Cheerful and friendly; jolly
• Acknowledge - (of a body of opinion) recognize the fact or importance or quality of
• Construe - interpret (a word or action) in a particular way
• Didactic - intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive, usually in a patronizing way
• Disdainful - showing contempt or lack of respect
• Emphasize - give special importance or prominence to (something) in speaking or writing; make (something) more clearly defined
• Fanciful - (of a person or their thoughts and ideas) over imaginative and unrealistic
• Impassive - not feeling or showing emotion
• Outrage - the anger and resentment aroused by injury or insult
• Resolved - firmly determined to do something
• Shift - change in emphasis, direction, or focus
• Advocate - publicly recommend or support
• Contemptuous - manifesting, feeling, or expressing deep hatred or disapproval
• Contest - oppose (an action, decision, or theory) as mistaken or wrong
• Differentiate - recognize or ascertain what make (someone or something) different
• Effusive - expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner
• Egotistical - excessively conceited or absorbed in oneself; self-centered
• Eulogy - a commendatory oration or writing especially in honor of one deceased
• Evoke - bring or recall to the conscious mind
• Nonchalant - (of a person or manner) feeling or appearing causally calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm
• Stoic - enduring pain and hardship without showing one's feelings or complaining