Section 1
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unctuous = exaggeratedly polite, trying to give good impression
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Date created
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Cards (340)
Section 1
(50 cards)
unctuous = exaggeratedly polite, trying to give good impression
exaggeratedly or insincerely polite; trying too hard to give a good impression
comport
conduct oneself; behave i try to comport myself in a way that my mom would approve of.
caustic & acerbic
(adj.) able to burn or eat away by chemical action; biting, sarcastic( tone) (especially of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright.
ephemeral
lasting a very short time
impromptu
(adj., adv.) without preparation, offhand, suddenly or hastily done; (n.) an extemporaneous composition or remark; suggestive of improvisation
esoteric
(adj.) intended for or understood by only a select few, private, secret
Amplitude, vacillation
Height of a wave Wavering, going back and forth; indecision
demonstratively
adv. openly displaying feeling
parrot
repeat mechanically
from soup to nuts
(informal) from beginning to end
unequivocal
absolute; certain, leaving no doubt; unambiguous. adv unequivocally
derivative
unoriginal; taken from something already existing; imitative of the work of another person, and usually disapproved of for that reason.
cachet
prestige, distinction, high status having the quality of being admired
superlative
adj. of the highest quality of degree noun. an exaggerated expression of praise
giddiness
dizziness
demonization
n. portraying someone or something as evil
speak truth to power
Speak truth to power means to confront those who hold important positions, whether in government, business or religious institutions. To speak truth to power means to demand a moral response to a problem, rather than an expedient, easy or selfish response.
garrulous
talkative
eccentric
adj. of a person of behaviour unconventional,strange
antiquity
the quality of being ancient; ancient times
incongruous
not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something; out of place, inappropriate, unsuitable, unsuited
disinterested
free of bias or self-interest; impartial, unbiased
intemperate
(adj.) immoderate, lacking in self-control; ie. intemperate/immoderate drink = excessive drinking; unrestrained, self-indulgent
It is not clear, however, the scope and validity of that survey.
it is not clear, however, (........ what is not clear/what is it)
to the exclusion of
without
ubiquity
the fact of appearing everywhere or of being very common. n. that statement was still parroted in ubiquity.
glaring
(of something bad) highly conspicuous; harshly bright; shining intensely and blindingly
affable
friendly and easy to talk to
swoon over
emotionally affected by someone/something teenagers swoon over pop music.
paradigm
a model; an example
save face
retain respect; avoid humiliation. "an outcome that allows them all to save face"
extoll
to praise highly
enumerate
to count, list, or itemize
sonorous
full, deep, or rich in sound
novelty
something new; newness
incantation
a series of words said as a magic spell or charm.
spectacle
something displayed for the public to see
abstemious
self denying; refraining from self-indulging
abstruse
difficult to understand; obscure
hedonism
self indulgence; pleasure-seeking
on a whim
all of a sudden
cogent
(adj.) forceful, convincing; relevant, to the point Syn.: persuasive, compelling Ant.: weak, unconvincing, ineffective, irrelevant
harbingers
a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another
arboreal
living in trees
probity + veracity( veracious)
honesty, integrity truthfulness
resolve
v. settle or find a solution to (a problem or contentious matter). decided firmly. n. determination
countenance
n.facial expression verb. admit as acceptable or possible
incredulity
the state of being unwilling or unable to believe something n. he stared down the street in incredulity
dichotomy
a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
professed
adj. openly declared i.e. someone's professed interest
Section 2
(50 cards)
Didactic/didacticism
adj.instructive noun. refers to a particular philosophy in art and literature that emphasizes the idea that different forms of art and literature ought to convey information and instructions, along with pleasure and entertainment.
ersatz
made or used as a substitute, typically an inferior one, for something else. artificial; not genuine; fake
magnanimous
generous
clandestine
(adj.) secretive, concealed; underhanded
ingenuity
the quality of being clever, original, and inventive
ruminate, rumination
to think deeply about, to ponder act of pondering, reflection, deep thinking
riveted
Fixed or held attention to ...
rudimentary
basic; elementary; in the earliest stages of development
pellucid/pellucidity
free from obscurity and easy to understand
malevolent
having or showing a wish to do evil to others
revere/reverence
v. to honor, to regard with respect n. a deep respect for someone or something.
mimetic
imitative
palatable
pleasant or acceptable to the taste or liking
parsimonious, stingy
excessively cheap with money
aloof
not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant
prosaic
(adj.) dull, lacking in distinction and originality; matter-of-fact, straightforward; characteristic of prose, not poetic common, commonplace
ingenious
clever; resourceful
tenuous
having little substance or strength; weak or slight (connection), insubstantial, doubtful
rivet
to hold attention tightly, as if physically attached join or fasten a short metal pin
belligerent
(adj.) given to fighting, warlike; combative, aggressive; (n.) one at war, one engaged in war
malign
(v.) to speak evil of, slander; (adj.) evil
polemical
controversial; argumentative
austerity
sternness or severity of manner or attitude
capricious
given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior; mercurial
personable
pleasing in manner and appearance
ingenuous, ingenious, genius
innocent; clever original inventive; exceptionally intellectual power or creativity
munificent
very generous
coy
pretending to be shy; shy in a flirtatious manner
austere
severe or strict in manner, attitude; plain or unadorned appearance; harsh ascetic conditions (of life)
trite
(adj.) commonplace; overused, stale. negative word SYNONYMS: banal, hackneyed, corny.
futile
adj. useless; pointless syn: ineffectual; fruitless ant: effective; useful
circumscribe
limit; confine; draw a line around
ascribe
(v.) to assign or refer to a cause or source; attribute, give credit for
placid
calm, peaceful
nugatory
worthless, of no value or importance; useless, futile
attribute
regard something as being caused by someone or something. he attributed the firm's success to the efforts of the managing director" ascribe a work or remark to (a particular author, artist, or speaker)."the building was attributed to Frank Lloyd Wright"
tranquil
peaceful, calm
attain attainment
succeed in achieving, reach an accomplishment, the act of achieving
taciturn/taciturnity
not inclined to talk; closemouthed
skittish
(adj.) extremely nervous and easily frightened; shy or timid; extremely cautious; unstable, undependable
diachronic
changing,developing, evolving over time
restive
(adj.) restless; unable to keep still or silent or becoming hard to control due to impatience, dissatisfaction etc. edgy, uneasy, nervous, agitated, impatient
penitential
showing that you are sorry for having done something wrong
shore up
to strengthen or support
sunny disposition
（人）很阳光 cheerful, active, bright, friendly. Ex. My child's teacher has a very sunny disposition. A warm and friendly disposition.
advent
(n.) an arrival; a coming into place or view
thorny
covered with spines; very complicated and difficult
frugal, thrifty, economical
using money economically, carefully, wisely
hackneyed
(of a phrase or idea) lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and trite. (a little negative)
fastidious, fastidiousness
adj. very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
Section 3
(50 cards)
passable
good enough, but not excellent
foible
(n.) a weak point, failing, minor flaw; a minor character flaw
literati
well-educated people who are interested in literature
enfeeble
to make feeble; to weaken
undue
more than you think is reasonable or necessary, inappropriately excessive
misnomer
an incorrect or inappropriate name
denigrate
to attack the reputation of; to speak ill of
laudable
worthy of praise; commendable
aptitude
Capacity for learning; natural ability
acumen
keen insight; shrewdness
on slippery ground
doubtful, unreliable, dishonest, disapproval Burke is often on slipper ground when it comes to collecting sources, especially dubious is the mode by which she collects her oral evidence.
peccadillo
a small sin or fault
painstaking
extremely careful, thoroughfcfcre; taking pains
boon
a thing that is helpful or beneficial, ie, the GPS is a boon to all users. a gift or blessing
dubious
doubtful
incendiary
(adj.) deliberately setting or causing fires; designed to start fires; tending to stir up strife or rebellion; (n.) one who deliberately sets fires, arsonist; one who causes strife
cabal
a small group working in secret
delineate
(v.) to portray, sketch, or describe in accurate and vivid detail; to represent pictorially
inept
unskilled; clumsy
arresting
attracting attention; striking
ran the gamut
to cover a wide range
dulcet
melodious; pleasing to the ear
deft
skillful, nimble, proficient; demonstrating skill and cleverness
faculty
mental or bodily powers; teaching staff
solipsistic
believing that oneself is all that exists
evasiveness
trying to avoid something, intentionally vague or ambiguous
Trope
The generic name for a figure of speech such as image, symbol, simile, and metaphor.
sophomoric
immature and overconfident
noxious, obnoxious
harmful; poisonous; lethal extremely unpleasant, unpalatable, nasty
facile
(adj.) easily done or attained without attention to details; superficial; simplistic (especially of success in sports) easily achieved; effortless.
accessible
easy to approach; obtainable
baneful
causing ruin; harmful; pernicious
hoi polloi
n. the common people; the masses
impute
attribute or credit to
quixotic
exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical
shabby
(adj.) worn or faded from use or wear; dressed in worn-out clothes; not fair or generous (of behavior or opinion) mean or shameful
overtake
to catch up with
snare
(v.) to trap, catch; (n.) a trap or entanglement
patronizing
treating with condescension; acting superior
poultice
a medical dressing spread on a cloth and applied to the skin
stolid
not easily moved mentally or emotionally; dull, unresponsive
posturing
behaviour in a way that is intended to impress or mislead others
whimscal
acting or behaving in a capricious manner. playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.
ape
imitate or mimic (a person's behavior or manner)
conundrum
A difficult problem; a dilemma with no easy solution
Partisanship
the strong support of their party and its policy stands
Mores
fixed customs or manners; moral attitudes
outstrip
to get ahead of (physicaly), do better than, exceed
urbane
refined, elegant in manner or style
supersede
to take the place of (someone or something that is old, no longer useful, etc.) : to replace (someone or something)
Section 4
(50 cards)
dissolute
loose in one's morals or behavior
hysteria
exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, especially among a group of people. a psychological disorder
tawdry
(adj.) showy and flashy but lacking in good taste
lackey
n. a uniformed male servant; a servile follower v. behave servilely, wait upon like a lackey
pompous
(adj.) overly self-important in speech and manner; excessively stately or ceremonious
contortion
a sharp twist or bend in something; a twisted shape or position
promulgate
to announce; to make known to put a law into effect by official proclamation
Fleeting, Ephemeral, Transitory, Cursory, Transient
lasting for a very short time
entreaty
an earnest or humble request; similar to supplication
stigma
a mark of disgrace
subservient
(adj.) subordinate in capacity or role; submissively obedient; serving to promote some end
demarcate
set the boundaries or limits of
covet
to desire something belonging to another crave, yearn for
swindle
to cheat someone out of money or property
Ruminate (Ponder, reflect, mull over, muse)
think deeply about something
boisterous
(adj.) rough and noisy in a cheerful way; high-spirited
presage
to foretell; indicate in advance
avert
(v.) to turn aside, turn away; to prevent, avoid
economy
careful management of available resources, ie fuel economy sparing or careful use of something, ie economy of words financial savings, ie economies to be made
tangential
merely touching or slightly connected ( tangent) ; only superficially relevant, going off topic
preposterous
ridiculous, senseless, absurd
raffish
marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness
correct
v. adjust (a numerical result or reading) to allow for departure from standard conditions. ie. Our data were corrected for data were corrected for radionuclide decay ie. if we correct (adjust/account) for the fact that most kids actually died during infancy...
addled
unable to think clearly; confused
turbid
cloudy, muddy; in a state of turmoil; can be used to describe choppy/turbulent water
supplication
the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly
portend
(v.) to indicate beforehand that something is about to happen; to give advance warning of, presage, foretell
contort
twist or bend out of its normal shape
husband
to manage economically; to use sparingly; conserve
notwithstanding
in spite of, despite ( always think of it like this, ie the demands of brevity/economy notwithstanding, ... = despite/in spite of the demands of brevity/economy)
convivial
festive, sociable, having fun together, genial
addlepated
confused
forestall
prevent by taking action in advance
apportion
to divide and give out in shares, to distribute
tepid
lukewarm; unenthusiastic, marked by an absence of interest
obtuse
lacking sharpness of intellect; not clear or precise in thought or expression
vulgar
common; lacking refinement or taste; crude
prodigal
(adj.) wastefully extravagant; lavishly or generously abundant; (n.) one who is wasteful and self-indulgent
vicissitude
a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant
askance (to)
adv. with an attitude or look of suspicion or disapproval
gratification
satisfaction; a feeling of being rewarded for one's efforts
turgid
(adj.) swollen, bloated, filled to excess, congested ( turgid rivers) overdecorated or excessive in language
correct
v. counteract, rectify ie. My terrible vision is corrected by eyeglasses v. put right ie. He corrected the errors in my essay v. tell someone that they are mistaken She assumed that I was married, but I didn't correct her.
stigmatize
to brand with disgrace; to set a mark of disgrace upon
akimbo
with hands on the hips and elbows turned outward She stood there with arms akimbo...
abreast
Side-by-side. The more common "abreast of" means keeping up with, staying aware of, or remaining equal in progress with.
hysterical
uncontrollably emotional
trumpet
n. a music instrument v. play a trumpet; proclaim widely or loudly = announce, declare, promulgate
steward
v. supervise arrangements or keep order at large events v. manage one's property
procure
obtain (something), especially with care or effort.
Section 5
(50 cards)
equable = placid
not easily disturbed or angered; calm and even-tempered
laconic
not talking much, using few words, concise
impious
disrespectful toward God
counterfactual
adj. relating to or expressing what could happen but what has not happened
vexation
the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried; discomfort, distress
lithe/supple
(adj.) bending easily, limber, flexible
peruse
(v.) to read thoroughly and carefully; scrutinize
solicit
to ask for; to seek earnestly
lax
not strict or careful; careless
pilfer
to steal in small quantities
upend
set or turn (something) on its end or upside down
patent
adj. evident or obvious syn: indisputable; apparent
dialectical
relating to discussions; concerned with or working through opposing forces, approaching truth in the middle of opposing extremes
gore
n. blood that has been shed, especially as a result of violence. " ...a stew of blood and gore." v. pierce or stab with a horn or tusk
proof one's galleys
to proofread
defiant
Boldly resistant or challenging (authority or rules)
redoubtable
worthy of fear or respect; mighty; formidable, especially as an opponent
hale
strong and healthy to drag or draw forcibly
slapdash
careless and hasty
naivete/naive
innocence, inexperience
Parody
A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule.
melange
a mixture; a hodgepodge
anguish
(n.) great mental suffering, distress, or pain; (v.) to be deeply tormented by pain or sorrow
anoint
(v) rub or sprinkle oil on; make sacred, such as by ceremony that includes applying oil to someone
priggish
self-righteously moralistic and superior, sanctimonious
lamented
a conventional way of describing someone who has died or something that has been lost or that has ceased to exist. ie. The late and lamented Bill Russell
punctilious
showing great attention to detail or correct behavior.
Philipic
a bitter verbal attack
Mores
norms that are widely observed and have great moral significance
flagging
Weak from exhaustion
improbable
not likely to be true or to happen
lissome
easily flexed; limber; agile, lithe
jettison
(v.) to cast overboard, to discard, get rid of as unnecessary or burdensome
pervasive
to spread throughout
peddle = sell ( illegally)
Travel around while selling; sell illegally; give out or disseminate
olio
mixture; hodgepodge; medley; olla podrida
paean
a song of praise, thanksgiving, joy, or triumph
eulogy
(n.) a formal statement of commendation; high praise
spurn
to refuse with scorn, disdain
crescendo
steadily increasing in volume or force
vanquish
(v.) to defeat in a battle or contest, overthrow; to overcome a feeling or condition
idealistic
believe the world is a perfect place; every good things can happen when others don't think so
carnage
(n.) large-scale bloody slaughter or loss of life
spurious
not genuine, not true, not valid
loathsome
disgusting
solicitous
attentive, anxious or concerned
intransigent
refusing to compromise, irreconcilable
panacea
a remedy for all ills; cure-all; an answer to all problems
indefatigable
persistently tireless
cunning
Cleverness; slyness ( can mean clever at being deceitful)
Section 6
(50 cards)
reverberant
echoing
purport
to suppose, claim, profess
ecumenical
worldwide or universal in influence or application
fretful
worrisome, irritable
adroit
skillful, clever, expert in the use of the hands or mind
clamor
loud noise
irrevocability
inability to revoke or retract or recall
pertinacious
(adj.) very persistent (even stubbornly); holding firmly to a course of action or a set of beliefs; hard to get rid of, refusing to be put off or denied
staid
adj. sedate, respectable, and unadventurous
prognosis
a forecast of the probable course and outcome of a disease or situation
libelous
injurious to reputation; defamatory; calumnious
Coherence
quality of a piece of writing in which all the parts contribute to the development of the central idea, theme, or organizing principle
clamorous
Characterized by a loud noise or outcry
obviate
to anticipate and prevent; to remove, dispose of
mien
(n.) air, manner; appearance; expression
unflappable
always knows what to do in any situation; cannot be made nervous or anxious
hoax
(n.) an act intended to trick or deceive, a fraud; (v.) to trick, deceive
distill
(v) purify; extract the essential elements of
unremitting
(adj.) not stopping, maintained steadily, never letting up, relentless
waggish
(adj.) fond of making jokes; characteristic of a joker; playfully humorous or droll
indiscernible
difficult or impossible to discern or perceive
impugn
(v.) to call into question; to attack as false
remediate
to improve
fascistic
having or relating to extreme right-wing, authoritarian, or intolerant views or practices.
chary
(adj.) extremely cautious, hesitant, or slow (to); reserved, diffident
intelligible
understandable
defunct
no longer existing or functioning
damp
adj. slightly wet v. control or restrain feelings or actions
literary
concerning the writing, study, or content of literature, especially of the kind valued for quality of form.
cerebration
the action of thinking; thought
constellation
A group of stars that form a pattern in the sky
affirm
(v.) to declare to be true, state positively; to confirm
revocable
able to be repealed or withdrawn
Vassal
A knight who promised to support a lord in exchange for land
looming
appearing large and scary
vanguard
the foremost part of an army; the leading position in any field
indignant
feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
remit
(v.) to send or hand in (as money); to cancel (as a penalty or punishment), forgive, pardon; to lessen, diminish; to put off, postpone, defer
preternatural
beyond what is normal or natural
startling
very surprising, astonishing, or remarkable
reproach
to find fault with, blame, to scold
abrasive
rough; coarse; harsh
ascendant
dominant
pugnacious
quarrelsome, fond of fighting, combative
Lyrical (adj) Lyricism (n)
expressing a poet's inner feelings; emotional; full of images; song-like
discern
to see clearly, recognize
indigent
(adj.) needy, impoverished
sated
satisfied fully, indulged to excess
supplant
to take the place of, supersede
precursor
forerunner; predecessor
Section 7
(50 cards)
Catharsis
a release of emotional tension
toadies
sycophants; flatterers; boot-lickers
insolent
showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect
exalt
to glorify, to praise, to raise in rank
pathological
diseased
Prologue
A speech, passage, or event coming before the main speech or event
recidivate
go back to bad behavior, return to criminal behaviour, repeat offences
iridescent
displaying a play of lustrous colors like those of the rainbow
pretension
having an attitude of dignity or importance, arrogance
liberality
(n.) generosity, generous act; breadth of mind or outlook
coda
concluding part of a literary or musical composition; something that summarizes or concludes
ominous
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
quixotic
overly idealistic; impractical
detractor
someone who belittles something else; critics
Ledger
A group of accounts
paragons
models or examples of excellence
nonchalant
cool and confident, unconcerned
grandiloquent
using big and fancy words when speaking for the purpose of impressing others
conciliatory
intended or likely to placate or pacify; peacemaking
divest
to deprive rights, powers, or possessions, to remove
anachronistically
belonging to a period other than that being portrayed; out of time, old-aged old fanshioned
detract
to take away, especially from the value, beauty, or importance of
lull
(n, v) soothe or cause to fall asleep (as in a lullaby); quiet down; make to feel secure, sometimes falsely (verb); a period of calm or quiet (noun)
vestige
a trace or evidence of something that once existed, a remnant
recidivism
the act of repeating an offense
drab
dull or dreary or without colours; monotonous
agglomerated
collect or form into a mass or group
Provindential
happening by good fortune
cajole
(v.) to coax, persuade through flattery or artifice; to deceive with soothing thoughts or false promises
Boycott
A refusal to buy or use goods and services.
hubristic
arrogant; excessive pride or self-confidence
homily
(n.) a sermon stressing moral principles; a tedious moralizing lecture or discourse
truculent
(adj.) fierce and cruel; aggressive; deadly, destructive; scathingly harsh
salutary
(adj.) beneficial, helpful; healthful, wholesome
berate
to scold or rebuke severely and at length
transcendent
going beyond the limits of ordinary experience
offciate
(v) to perform the duties of an office, to conduct a religious ceremony, to referee
maudlin/maudlin over
sentimental
codify
to systematize, to arrange
simpatico
( of a person) having or characterized by shared attributes or interests; compatible. likable, easy to get along with
inure/inured to
to harden; get accustomed ; become used to ( usually something unpleasant)
epitome
(n.) a summary, condensed account; an instance that represents a larger reality ( the best example)
ulterior
lying beyond what is evident, revealed, or claimed, hidden intentionally
odious
extremely unpleasant; repulsive; hateful
degenerate
to break down; to deteriorate
habiliments
clothes
recrimination
an accusation in response to one from someone else
wary
careful, cautious
inveterate
firmly established, long-standing; habitual
effusive/effusive towards
emotionally excessive; overly demonstrative; gushing
Section 8
(50 cards)
partake
to take part; participate. Share. "foreign languages can open the world to those who partake..."
discourse
written or spoken communication or debate, a formal discussion
Sermon
a talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one given during a church service and based on a passage from the Bible.
progeny
offspring; children
forebear
ancestor
tremulous
shaking or quivering slightly
autodidact
self-taught person
risible
relating to laughter; laughable
Sages
wise persons; mentors
desuetude
a state of disuse or inactivity
abhorrent
Very repugnant; hateful, loathing
rail
to scold, protest with bitter and abusive language
debauch
(v.) to corrupt morally, seduce; to indulge in dissipation; (n.) an act or occasion of dissipation or vice
recant
To formally withdraw
potable
suitable for drinking
omnipotent
almighty, having unlimited power or authority
myrmidon
a loyal obedient and unquestioning follower
plunder
(v.) to rob by force, especially during wartime; to seize wrongfully; (n.) property stolen by force
salubrious
healthy
archaic
ancient; old-fashioned
unbeknownst
without the knowledge of ie. Unbeknownst to most people, it is actually an insect.
anachronism
a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned; out of place in time
forswear
renounce; repudiate
misanthropy
a dislike of humankind
amortize
Gradually pay off a debt by installments of payments, or gradually write off an asset
depredate
to prey upon, to plunder with violence if necessary
consanguineous
of the same origin; related by blood
bemoan
express discontent or sorrow over, moan about
odious
extremely unpleasant; repulsive
chary/chary of
cautiously or suspiciously reluctant to do something.
fecund
fruitful/fertile in offspring or vegetation; intellectually productive
complaisant
overly polite; willingness to comply with the wishes of others
slake
(v.) to satisfy, relieve, calm down, or bring to an end
abrogate
(v.) to repeal, cancel, declare null and void with laws or agreements evade, refuse to fulfill responsibility of an agreement, obligation, debt...
dissipation
wasteful spending, squandering
cursory
hasty and superficial not thorough, a short time
libertine
a free thinker, usually used disparagingly; one without moral restraint
transmute
(v.) to change from one nature, substance, or form to another
imperious
(adj.) overbearing, arrogant; seeking to dominate; pressing, compelling
coltish
energetic but awkward in one's movements or behavior.
neologism
new word or expression
utilitarian
practical, useful
Stanza
A group of lines in a poem
arch
ruler
repugnant
(adj.) offensive, disagreeable, disgusting
quagmire
a swamp; a difficult or inextricable situation
inextricable
(adj.) hopelessly tangled or entangled (Unless I look at the solution manual, I have no way of solving this inextricable problem.)
vituperate
to abuse verbally; berate
repulse
(v.) - to cause disgust or distaste, or to drive back, repel
beguile
To deceive; to charm; to enchant
Section 9
(50 cards)
obsequious, sycophantic
obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree
verdant
(adj.) green in tint or color; immature in experience or judgment
dogged
(adj.) persistent, stubbornly determined, refusing to give up
deify, deification
to worship, regard (someone) as a god
uncouth
lacking good manners, refinement, or grace
spurious
not genuine, not true, not valid
adulterate
to make impure; to contaminate
adumbrate
to sketch out in a vague way
fleeting
lasting for a very short time
uninhibited
unrepressed; free in behavior and feelings
admonish
(v.) to caution or advise against something; to scold MILDLY; to remind of a duty
shirk
(v.) to avoid or get out of doing work, neglect a duty; to sneak, slink
swiftly
in a very fast manner; quickly
prurient
(adj.) having lustful desires or interests; tending to arouse sexual desires
Triage
n. the medical screening of patients to determine their relative priority of need and the proper place of treatment v. assign urgency to
Excoriation
a scratch mark on the skin
Confounding
confusing, puzzling; baffling ( surprising)
irredentist
a person advocating the return of any land to their country that previously belonged to it.
hysterical
Emotionally out of control informal: extremely funny
amicable
peaceable, friendly
pulchritude
physical beauty
disingenuous
Insincere, not genuine; typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does.
stasis
standing still, maintenance of a constant level
abash
to make ashamed; to embarrass
vitiate
to weaken, debase, or corrupt; to impair the quality or value of
dismay
to discourage
depose
To remove (kings or dictators) from office or power
Pyrrhic
(of a victory) won at too great a cost to have been worthwhile for the victor.
glacial
hostile; unfriendly; cold; icy ( pertaining to glaciers)
puritanical
Strict in matters of religious or moral conduct
facetious
(adj.) humorous, not meant seriously syn glib, frivolous, waggish
motley
(adj.) showing great variety; composed of different elements or many colors; (n.) a jester's costume; a jester miscellaneous
excoriate/castigate
to criticize or scold harshly
enamor
to inspire with love; to captivate
standoffish
distant and cold in manner; unfriendly
revivify
give new life or energy to
puckish
Mischievous; impish; naughtily or annoyingly playful
mirth
gladness and merriment usually accompanied by laughter
truncate
to shorten
obloquy
strong disapproval or public criticism; disgrace
ginger
dogmatism
arrogant, stubborn assertion of opinions or beliefs the tendency to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true, without consideration of evidence or the opinions of others.
hermit
A person who lives a solitary life in order to commit himself or herself more fully to prayer and in some cases to be completely free for service to others.
expeditious
done with ease, speed and efficiency
artifice
a skillful or ingenious device; a clever trick; a clever skill; trickery
abridge
(a piece of writing of text) to make shorter/concise
gauche
(adj.) awkward, lacking in social graces, tactless, clumsy
wry
using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor
recluse
(n.) a person who leads a life shut up or withdrawn from the world
garlands
a wreath of flowers and leaves, worn on the head or hung as a decoration.
Section 10
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debunk
to prove wrong or false
exigent
urgent; requiring immediate action
opaque
(adj.) not letting light through; not clear or lucid; not transparent obscure, hard to understandable, unfathomable uncertain
scant
Not enough or barely enough
foreclosure
The seizure of property from borrowers who are unable to repay their loans
proscribe
to prohibit, forbid
allusive
characterized by indirect references
stipulate
to specify
feign
to pretend
Potlach
an opulent ceremonial feast at which possessions are given away or destroyed to display wealth or enhance prestige; a wild party
curb
to restrain, keep in check, hold back
estrange
to alienate, to drive away
heinous
(adj.) very wicked, offensive, hateful
quietus
death or something that causes death, regarded as a release from life. ( in jobs it can mean a retirement)
aggrandize
to increase in power, influence, and reputation
callow
(adj.) without experience; immature, not fully developed; lacking sophistication and poise; without feathers
prim
overly neat, precise, proper, or formal; prudish
ominous
giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening; inauspicious
boorish
crude, offensive, rude
flagitious
(of a person or their actions) criminal; villainous.
Interregum
a pause or interruption; a period between rulers
turmid
swollen, marked by swelling
gadfly
an irritating and persistent person
perspicacious, prescient, discerning
all three words mean insightful and perceptive
impetus
a moving force, impulse, stimulus
momentous
of extreme importance
indolence
avoidance of activity or exertion; laziness
meretricious
attractive in a cheap, flashy way
rebuff
to reject bluntly
circumspect
careful, cautious
denounce
to condemn openly
implode
collapse inward violently
stoic
indifferent to pleasure or pain, impassive
portentous
a sign that something of momentous or ominous significance is likely to happen
sinecure
(n.) a position requiring little or no work; an easy job
innuendo
(n.) a hint, indirect suggestion, or reference (often in a derogatory sense)
disaffection
dissatisfaction, discontent
distend
to swell; to expand; to float
Adulate/Adulation
To flatter or admire excessively; to idolize
oblique
(adj.) slanting or sloping; not straightforward or direct
Semantics
the meaning of a word, phrase, sentence, or text
unseemly
not suitable; inappropriate or improper
squalid
filthy, wretched, debased
castigation
severe criticism or punishment
chump
a stupid or silly person
devout
very religious
solicitude
care or concern for someone or something
abhor
to regard with horror or loathing; to hate deeply
rota
a period of work done in rotation with others
measured
careful; restrained; deliberate
Section 11
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ostracize
(v.) to exclude from a group, banish, send away
staid
unemotional; serious
prompt, punctual
consistently on time
acquiesce
(v.) to accept without protest; to agree or submit
impalpable
unable to be felt; intangible
impuissant/impuissance
powerless; feebleness
feign/feigned
to pretend/pretended, false
venal/venality
corrupt, open to bribery
temerity
rashness, boldness
treacherous
dangerously unstable and unpredictable
venial
easily excused; pardonable
officious
meddling; excessively forward in offering services or assuming authority
axiomatic
self-evident, expressing a universally accepted principle or rule
divulge
(v.) to tell, reveal; to make public
tractable (intractable)
Easily managed, controller/not easily managed controlled Docile.
sober
serious, sedate
lionize
to assign great social importance to; to treat as a celebrity
despotic
exercising absolute power; tyrannical
abdicate
to give up a position, right, or power
indemnify
compensate for loss, damage, or injury; reimburse; repay
conflate
to bring together; to merge into a composite whole
tardy
slow; late; overdue; delayed
hypnagogic
inducing sleep
strident
loud and harsh
confluence
a meeting or gathering together
hallow
(v.) to set apart as holy or sacred, sanctify, consecrate; to honor greatly, revere
revel
to take great pleasure in; a wild celebration
volatile
easily aroused or changeable; lively or explosive
bedlam
(n.) a state or scene of uproar and confusion
bathetic
producing an unintentional effect of anticlimax
trenchant
(adj.) incisive, keen; forceful, effective; cutting, caustic; distinct, clear-cut
grave
very serious
skullduggery
trickery; underhandedness
gesticulate
to make gestures, especially when speaking
depredate
to prey upon; to plunder
heterodox
not in agreement with accepted beliefs; holding unorthodox opinions
propound
to suggest for consideration; to propose
occlusion
blockage
Genesis
beginning; origin
despoil
plunder; sack; Ex. despoil the village
profane
v. showing contempt toward sacred things
stentorian
Very loud and powerful (generally of a human voice)
licentious
immoral; unrestrained by society
quiescent
inactive; at rest; motionless
Laity
regular church members
dubitable
questionable, causes doubt
somniferous
sleep-inducing
suffuse
to fill up from within; to spread throughout
gauge
an instrument for measuring or testing; to measure
spontaneity
impulsive action, unplanned events
Section 12
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monolithic
Exactly the same throughout; lacking any diversity; large, powerful but inflexible to change, very uniform
stoic
indifferent to pleasure or pain or strong feelings: impassive
suffrage
the right to vote
iniquitous
showing a lack of fairness; wicked; vicious
penchant
a strong attraction or inclination,like predilectionplu
Temperance Movement
An organized campaign to eliminate alcohol consumption
supine
passive, apathetic
ennui
a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
frisson
a sudden strong feeling of excitement or fear; a thrill
wheedle
to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end v. coax, ingratiate
equanimity
composure; calmness
foreground
v. make something the most important prominent feature
obdurate
stubborn; unyielding
vocation
(n) any trade, profession, or occupation; a sense of fitness or special calling for one's work
innocuous
harmless
latent
hidden, present but not realized
forsake
(v.) to give up, renounce; to leave, abandon
conflagration
a large destructive fire
devious
dishonest or deceptive; tricky; indirect
dilute
To make a liquid less concentrated
probe
(v.) to examine, investigate thoroughly; (n.) an investigation; a device used to explore or examine
latency
the state of existing but not yet being developed or manifest; concealment.
disportment
the act of diverting or amusing oneself
fortitude
courage in facing difficulties
plutocracy
government of the wealthy
scintilla
a tiny tracelu or spark of a specified quality or feeling
benign
harmless
brandish
v. wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement. ie. a man exited the car brandishing a knife
rankle
(v.) to cause anger, irritation, or bitterness (with the suggestion that the pain grows worse with time)
jocular
humorous, jesting, jolly, joking
droll
amusing in an odd or whimsical way
panegyric
an expression of praise
consternation
dismay, confusion
cull
To select and remove weak or inferior members from.
mar
impair the appearance of; disfigure
flout
to mock, treat with contempt
bugaboo
an object of fear
insular
ignorant of or uninterested in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside one's own experience. lacking contacted with others; narrow-minded
ostensible
supposedly true, but not necessarily true
surfeit
an excessive amount of something
coin coinage
invent, create invention or creation( of a new word or phrase)
synoptic (n) synopsis
providing a general overview; summary
virulence
ability to produce disease
pith
n. the essential or central part
recalcitrant
stubbornly disobedient, resisting authority
utterance
a spoken word, statement, or vocal sound
lucid
easy to understand, clear; rational, sane
beset
to persistently harass; to surround
degrade
treat with contempt and disrespect; break down chemically, deteriorate
pious
devoutly religious
Section 13
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rube
a country bumpkin
sidereal
relating to the stars
animadversion
a comment indicating strong criticism or disapproval
ethereal
extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world heavenly, exquisite
imperil
to put in peril or danger; endanger.
unbecoming
not flattering, not attractive not appropriate or fitting, unseemly
medicant
beggar
deride
to ridicule, laugh at with contempt
provenance
place or source of origin
subdued
quiet, soft, depressed
malleable
easy to shape or bend
clangor
(n.) a loud ringing sound; (v.) to make a loud ringing noise
fledgling
an inexperienced person, beginner; a young bird about to leave the nest; inexperienced, budding
circumambulate
to walk all the way around something circumambulation
peevish
(adj.) cross, complaining, irritable; contrary
traipse
walk or move wearily or reluctantly
palliate
to make less serious; ease
bop
to dance to pop music; move or travel energetically
sardonic
grimly or scornfully mocking, bitterly sarcastic
cognoscenti
people who are considered to be especially well informed about a particular subject Origin late 18th century: from Italian conoscenti, literally 'people who know.' The g was added under the influence of Latin cognoscent- 'getting to know,' from the verb cognoscere [Italian conoscere ].
halcyon
calm, peaceful
evince
(v.) to display clearly, to make evident, to provoke
laxity
carelessness
cordial
warm and friendly
heteromorphic
occurring in two or more different forms, especially at different stages in the life cycle.
reconnoiter
(v.) to engage in reconnaissance(to do recon); to make a preliminary inspection; to scout
stratified
arranged in layers; hierarchy
epaulet
a shoulder decoration
opus
(n.) an impressive piece of work, especially a musical composition or other work of art
sidle
move sideways, especially in a shy or sneaky manner
euphony
pleasant, harmonious sound
condign
adequate; (of punishment) severe and well deserved
erstwhile
previous (adj); in the past, formerly (adv)
amiability
the quality of having a friendly and pleasant manner; geniality
malefactor
a criminal, an evildoer; a person who does bad things
crotchet
a note that lasts for one beat, a perverse or unfounded belief or notion
glib
(of words or the person speaking them) fluent and voluble but insincere and shallow. slick
abettor
one who encourages or assists in the achievement of a purpose
fungible
can replace or be replaced by an identical item; interchangable
neophyte
beginner
condone
to forgive, pardon, or disregard
awl
pointed tool used for piercing
propinquity
(n.) nearness in place or time; kinship
malign
(v.) to speak evil of, slander; (adj.) evil
haggard
(adj.) thin, pale, and careworn as a result of worry or suffering; wild-looking gaunt, cadaverous
commodious
roomy, spacious
undulate
v move with smooth up and down
pique
to cause resentment; to provoke
timbre
quality of sound
woebegone
affected with great sadness, esp. as reflected in one's appearance
Section 14
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risque
bordering on being indecent or improper
paltry
(adj.) trifling, insignificant; mean, despicable; inferior, trashy
haphazard
(adj.) by chance; not planned; lacking order
heedless
careless
onerous
burdensome; heavy; hard to endure
epigram
witty comment
bathos
the use of insincere or overdone sentimentality
malinger
to evade responsibility by pretending to be ill
atavistic
characteristic of a former era, ancient
runic
mysterious; magical
bouyed
to keep afloat or support
proliferate
to reproduce, increase, or spread rapidly
penury
extreme poverty
pigsty
a place where pigs live; a messy or dirty place
allay
(v.) to calm or pacify, set to rest; to lessen or relieve
insipidity
dull, flat, boringness
buttress
(v.) to support, prop up, strengthen; (n.) a supporting structure
disgorge
to vomit, discharge violently
iota
a very small part or quantity
inchoate
not fully formed; disorganized
apathy
a lack of feeling, emotion, or interest
convalescene
the gradual recovery of health and strength after illness
antediluvian
extremely old; antiquated
inductive
specific to general
stringent
(adj.) strict, severe; rigorously or urgently binding or compelling; sharp or bitter to the taste
natty
(of a person or an article of clothing) smart and fashionable.penury
medley
an assortment or a mixture, especially of musical pieces
antipathy
strong dislike
Allegory
a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
trepidatious
fearful, anxious, apprehensive
squalor
filthy, wretched condition
georgic
agricultural, rustic, pastoral
casuistry
the use of clever but unsound reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions; sophistry.
costiveness
slow or reluctant in speech or action; unforthcoming.
chasm
a deep, gaping hole; a gorge
emend
to correct or revise a written text
impasse
blocked path; dilemma with no solution
malady
illness
toothsome
tasty
pauper
an extremely poor person
venerable
respected because of age
tenable
capable of being held or defended
malefaction
an evil deed; crime; wrongdoing
patronage
(politics) granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support
protract
to prolong
embezzle
(v.) to steal property entrusted to one's care
gloat
to brag greatly
disconcert
to confuse; to disturb the composure of
peremptory
(especially of a person's manner or actions) insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a brusquely imperious way.
malaise
A sense of unease; depression
Section 15
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