American Literature Menzella/Zungoli Final Exam Vocabulary

Altruistic unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others

Apathetic showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern

Conscientious wishing to do what is right, especially to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly.

Defer put off

Discreet careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage

Fortuitous : happening by chance : having or showing good luck

Futile incapable of producing any useful result; pointless

Gaudy extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless

Imminent about to happen

Incessant continuing without pause or interruption

Juxtapose place or deal with close together for contrasting effect

Malicious characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm

Monotonous dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest

Obstinant stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.

Ominous giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening; inauspicious

Placid not easily upset or excited

Pompous affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important

Reproach address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment

Retribution the dispensing or receiving of reward or punishment especially in the hereafter

Serene calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.

Supercilious Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others

Tactless Having or showing a lack of adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with difficult issues

Undermine Damage or weaken

Vicarious Experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person

Zeal Enthusiastic