AP English Literature AP English Literature & Composition & Composition

VocabularyVocabulary

Set 2Set 2

pecuniary: • adj - of or

pertaining to money

• Example: Learning not to

stress over pecuniary issues can be challenging when your funds are running low.

plight:

• n - a condition, state, or situation, esp. an unfavorable or unfortunate one

• Example: Even though one person can not resolve every plight in the world, he can make a difference for someone in a time of need.

presumptuous:

• adj - unwarrantedly or impertinently bold; forward

Example: Giving unwanted advice without being asked may cause someone to consider you rather presumptuous.

subversive:

• adj - liable to subvert or overthrow a government, legally constituted institution, etc

• n - a person engaged in subversive activities, etc

Example: The subversive behavior of the students went unnoticed until they held their demonstration.

vacuous: • adj - without contents; empty

Example: After a major crisis, one may be emotionally vacuous because his emotions seem to shut off for a time.

avocation:

• n - something a person does in addition to a principal occupation, esp. for pleasure; hobby

Example: One of Mrs. Herring’s avocations is fire fighting. However, she might not like it so much if it were actually her job.

capricious:

• adj - subject to, led by, or indicative of caprice or whim; erratic

Example: Babysitting a very capricious child can be quite taxing because you have to constantly deal with his mood swings.

disparity: • n - lack of similarity or equality; inequality;

difference

Example: The disparity in pay between the genders is quite disturbing in some occupations.

efficacy: • n – capacity for producing a desired result

or effect; effectiveness

Example: Using impractical methods to accomplish a task shows a lack of efficacy. It is important to be able to do the most work with the least amount of effort.

epistle: • n - a letter, esp. a formal or didactic one;

written communication

Example: Many books of the Bible were epistles that were actually written and sent.

hospice: • n - a house of shelter or rest for pilgrims,

strangers, etc., esp. one kept by a religious order

Example: Monks were often known for offering hospice to weary travelers. There were no Ramada Inn’s back in the day.

impetus:

• n - a moving force; impulse; stimulation

Example: The impetus of the principal’s decision was noticed by every student in the school.

moribund:

• adj - in a dying state; near death

Example: After the extreme workout, the girl thought she was moribund. However, she really was nowhere near death.

reticent: • adj - disposed to be silent or not to speak

freely; reserved; reluctant or restrained

Example: Reticent people often end up with a reputation for being stuck up when they really aren’t simply because they don’t talk very often.

vacillate

• v – to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute

Example: Women are stereotypically known for their vacillating nature. They often have a hard time making up their minds. (At least Mrs. Herring does anyway)