AP English Literature & Composition Vocabulary Set 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)