AP English 12 Vocab 2022-23

allegory

n. a story, poem, or picture with a hidden meaning

syn: anecdote, metaphor

churlish

adj. rude, mean-spirited, surly

syn: rude, mean-spirited, surly

ant: polite

colloquial

adj. language used in ordinary/familiar conversation

syn: informal, conversational, casual

ant: formal, literary

ambivalent

adj. having mixed/contradictory feelings

syn: unsure, uncertain, indecisive

ant: certain

euphemism

n. word or expression substituted for another, harsher one

syn: replacement, substitution

pugnacious

adj. inclined to quarrel or fight

syn: belligerent, combative

syn: passive, peaceable

elude

v. to evade or escape from

syn: escape, evade, ditch

temerity

n. excessive boldness or confidence

syn: boldness, confidence, audacity

ant: cowardice

venerable

adj. commanding respect due to age, dignity, or wisdom

syn: respectable, august

ant: lowly, undignified

ardent

adj. passionate, enthusiastic, fervent

syn: passionate, enthusiastic, fervent

ant: indifferent, apathetic

entice

v. to lead by exciting hope or promise

syn: lure, lead

ant: repel, reject

mien

n. someone’s demeanor, presentation

syn: demeanor, presentation

desecrate

v. to treat with violent disrespect

syn: destroy

ant: praise

idiom

n. an expression that means something other than the words

syn: expression, saying