AP Vocabulary 9\9\11

Pernicious Adjective Deadly, harmful Cancer is a pernicious disease.

Magnanimity Noun Great generosity The magnanimity of the foundation enabled all of the students to get computers.

Assiduous Adjective Diligent, persistent His assiduous pursuit of the truth was admirable.

Apocalyptic Adjective Involving or portending widespread devastation or ultimate doom Some religions predict an apocalyptic event to end the earth.

Acuity Noun Sharpness, keenness His acuity in math led to a college scholarship.

Connoisseur Noun A person with expert knowledge or training, especially in the fine arts Because he considered himself a connoisseur of wine, he selected the wine for dinner.

Tumult Noun Noisy commotion The tumult raised by the students in the hall interfered with students in class.

Qualm Noun An uncomfortable feeling of doubt about whether you are doing the right thing I had no qualms about hiring the young boy.

Ubiquitous Adjective Present everywhere, omnipresent Plastic doggy bags seem to be ubiquitous in Denver.

Prostrate Adjective/verb To lay face down on the ground in humility, submission, or adoration He was prostrate on the sidewalk after being hit by the truck.

Laconic Adjective Using very few words The laconic response was abrupt and rude.

Insouciant Adjective Free from concern, worry, or anxiety His insouciant attitude contributed to his failure.