AP Language & Composition Lesson # 2 Vocabulary

reprove

• To praise someone for their actions.
• To ignore someone's mistakes completely.
• To criticize or correct someone gently.
• To reward someone for their behavior.

pessimism

• Pessimism is a negative outlook on life.
• Pessimism is a neutral perspective on life.
• Pessimism is a belief in positive outcomes.
• Pessimism is an optimistic view of the future.

cursory

• superficial
• shallow
• deep
• thorough

profligate

• Frugally managed resources
• Recklessly extravagant or wasteful.
• Moderately extravagant
• Carefully planned and executed

miser

• A person who is always in debt.
• A person who is stingy or frugal.
• A person who spends money freely.
• A person who is generous and giving.

jocular

• serious
• dull
• humorous
• sorrowful

fracas

• A peaceful gathering of friends.
• A type of musical instrument.
• A method of cooking food.
• A noisy disturbance or quarrel.

caricature

• A realistic depiction of a landscape.
• A detailed biography of a historical figure.
• A humorous or exaggerated portrayal of a person.
• A scientific analysis of human behavior.

corroborate

• to ignore or overlook
• to confuse or mislead
• to deny or reject
• to confirm or support

precarious

• Unstable or risky
• Safe and secure
• Predictable and certain
• Stable and reliable