Section 1
Preview this deck
accrue
Front
| 5 | 0 | ||
| 4 | 0 | ||
| 3 | 0 | ||
| 2 | 0 | ||
| 1 | 0 |
Active users
0
All-time users
0
Favorites
0
Last updated
6 years ago
Date created
Mar 14, 2020
Cards (423)
Section 1
(50 cards)
accrue
(of sums of money or benefits) be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time
abjured
to renounce or recant
adroit
skillful, expert in the use of the hands or mind
anarchist
person who seeks to overturn the established government; advocate of abolishing authority
affirm
(v.) to declare to be true, state positively; to confirm
affability
a disposition to be friendly and approachable (easy to talk to)
actuarial
calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics
allegorical
symbolic
amiable
having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner
abhor
to regard with horror or loathing; to hate deeply
amended
corrected
accolades
an award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit.
aberrant
deviating from what is normal
acculturation
(n.) the modification of the social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another; the resultant blend
alluring
tempting; fascinating; charming
adulatory
to praise or admire excessively; fawn on
alienation
feeling isolated and separated from everyone else
adherence
faithful attachment
anachronistic
out-of-date, not attributed to the correct historical period
amicable
peaceable, friendly
affectless
lacking feeling or emotion; indifferent to the suffering of others
amity
a friendly relationship
adherents
someone who supports a particular party, person, or set of ideas
Abolition
the action or an act of abolishing a system, practice, or institution.
acrimony
ill-natured, bitter hostility
amicably
in a friendly manner
acerbic
biting, bitter in tone or taste
acumen
shrewdness shown by keen insight
abstruse
difficult to understand
amorality
Outside the sphere of moral sense; an attitude that lacks any moral orientation, dispensing from all moral norms; attitudes or orientations not characterized as either good or evil.
aggrieve
to mistreat; to do grievous injury to; to distress
abhorrent
inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant
aesthetic
pertaining to beauty
agglomerated
collect or form into a mass or group
agrarian
concerning farms, farmers, or the use of land
affinity
A likeness, a natural relationship, a kinship
abated
To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity; lessen
abreast of
(adv) side by side and facing the same way.
amalgamate
to combine; to mix together
anathema
(n.) an object of intense dislike; a curse or strong denunciation (often used adjectivally without the article)
amenable
agreeable
aghast
(adj.) filled with amazement, disgust, fear, or terror
abasement noun
humiliation; degradation
affluent
wealthy
albatross
(two meanings) a seabird; a constant burden
ameliorate
to improve, make better, correct a flaw or shortcoming
akimbo
with hands on the hips and elbows turned outward
amateurs
(n) a person considered contemptibly inept at a particular activity.
amorphous
(adj.) shapeless, without definite form; of no particular type or character; without organization, unity, or cohesion
amortized
Reduce or extinguish a debt by money regularly put aside.
Section 2
(50 cards)
ape
imitate or mimic (a person's behavior or manner)
ascent
a movement upward
artifacts
object made by human beings, either hand-made or mass-produced
arresting
attracting attention; striking
antagonism
hostility
artful
crafty; wily; sly
antediluvian
extremely old; antiquated
anecdote
a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person
aristocratic
Of an upper class; distinguished
artless
without guile; open and honest
arduous
hard to do, requiring much effort
apocryphal
of questionable authority or authenticity
appease
(v.) to make calm, soothe; to relieve, satisfy; to yield to
ascension
The "going up" into Heaven of the Risen Christ forty days after his Resurrection.
artfully
(adj) skillful or clever in adapting means to ends; ingenious
antiquated
obsolete, out of fashion, no longer usable
anecdotal
Using personal experience or an isolated example instead of a valid argument especially to dismiss statistics.
anomaly
abnormality
aptitudes
natural abilities that people possess
apportioned
to be distributed, as in the seats in the House of Representatives
appropriate
to take possession of for one's own use; confiscate
apathetic
showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern
arcades
a covered passageway with arches along one or both sides
apathy
a lack of feeling, emotion, or interest
anemic
Lacking in color, spirit, or vitality
appellation
a name or title
artifices
a skill; a clever device; a sly or artful trick; trickery
apologist
a person who makes an argument in support of someone or something
apex
(n.) the highest point, tip
apologia
a forensic speech that makes a defense against an accusation
aquiline
curved; hooked; of or like an eagle; Ex. aquiline nose
anomalies
deviation or departure from the normal or common order, form, or rule
apocrypha
unauthentic works
anticipate
to expect beforehand
articulate
(v.) To pronounce distinctly; to express well in words; to fit together into a system; (adj.) able to use language effectively; expressed clearly and forcefully
arcadian
simple, peaceful, rustic
artisans
skilled workers who make goods by hand
archaically
in an old-fashioned or ancient manner or form
antagonistic
opposed; hostile; aggressive
apocalyptic
prophetic; pertaining to revelations especially of disaster; N. apocalypse
approbation
(n.) the expression of approval or favorable opinion, praise; official approval
antithetical to
directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible
anomalous
abnormal, irregular, departing from the usual
anomie
a sense of aimlessness or despair that arises when we can no longer reasonably expect life to be predictable; too little social regulation; normlessness
annotated
to write critical explanatory notes in a literary work
ascertain
find (something) out for certain; make sure of
aphorism
A brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.
antipathy
(n.) a strong dislike, hostile feeling
antedated
to be of older date than; precede in time (ante-before).
arid
extremely dry
Section 3
(50 cards)
baneful
causing ruin; harmful; pernicious
assimilation
interpreting our new experiences in terms of our existing schemas
asylum
(n.) an institution for the care of children, elderly people, etc.; a place of safety
blandishments
coaxing by flattery
belie
contradict; give a false impression
beseeched
implored; begged
benign
harmless
autodidact
a person who has taught himself or herself something rather than having lessons
ascetic
practicing self-denial; austere
bedlam
(n.) a state or scene of uproar and confusion
aversion
strong dislike
balkanized
Descriptive of a small geographic area that could not successfully be organized into one or more stable states because it was inhabited by many ethnicities with complex, long-standing antagonisms toward each other.
asceticism
severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.
banality
ordinariness; dullness
assent
(v.) to express agreement; (n.) agreement
asymmetrical
no symmetry
belletristic
written and regarded for aesthetic value rather than content
bifurcated
divided into two branches; forked
asserts
to declare;state clearly
banal
hackneyed, trite, commonplace
assiduous
persistent, attentive, diligent
baseless
(adj.) without a basis in reason or fact (syn.) groundless, unwarranted
bedazzling
(v) greatly impress (someone) with brilliance or skill.
blissful
extremely happy
beguiled
charm or enchant (someone), sometimes in a deceptive way
avaricious
having or showing an extreme greed for wealth or material gain
blunt
dull
askance to
with an attitude or look of suspicion or disapproval
bipartisan
Involving two political parties
aurora
an atmospheric phenomenon consisting of bands of light caused by charged solar particles following the earth's magnetic lines of force
auxiliary
(adj.) giving assistance or support; (n.) a helper, aid
bane
the cause of ruin, harm, distress, or death
besmirch
to make dirty; to stain
beneficent
(adj.) performing acts of kindness or charity; conferring benefits, doing good
baroque
overly decorated
assuage
(v.) to make easier or milder, relieve; to quiet, calm; to put an end to, appease, satisfy, quench
bloodthirsty
eager to kill or be violent
besotted
strongly infatuated
audit
to check the accuracy of financial accounts and records
avant garde
Ahead of the times, especially in the arts
blatant
(adj.) noisy in a coarse, offensive way; obvious or conspicuous, especially in an unfavorable sense
bask
(v.) to be in, or expose oneself to, pleasant warmth; to take pleasure in or derive enjoyment from
averse
having a deep-seated distaste; opposed, unwilling
asperity
(n.) roughness, severity; bitterness or tartness
aver
(v.) to affirm, declare confidently
base
supports the microscope
bellicose
Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.
austerity
sternness or severity of manner or attitude
blithe
cheerful, lighthearted; casual, unconcerned
attest to
provide evidence of
Section 4
(50 cards)
catharsis
the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.
bridge
A transition word, phrase, or sentence connecting paragraphs; designed to help essay flow smoothly
brook
Suffer or tolerate
cavalier
showing an offhand or carefree disregard; arrogant
bonobos
(n) a chimpanzee with a black face and black hair, found in the rain forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire).
catalyst
something that brings about a change in something else
candor
truthfulness; sincere honesty
chronicling
a recording of events in order of time
buttress
(v.) to support, prop up, strengthen; (n.) a supporting structure
boorish
(adj.) rude, unrefined; clumsy
bolster
(v.) to support, give a boost to; (n.) a long pillow or cushion; a supporting post
charismatic
exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others
cajole
(v.) to coax, persuade through flattery or artifice; to deceive with soothing thoughts or false promises
botched
carry out (a task) badly or carelessly.
cauterizes
destroying of tissue by electricity, freezing, heat, or chemical
chagrin
embarrassment; a complete loss of courage
cerebral
intellectual
caustic
(adj.) able to burn or eat away by chemical action; biting, sarcastic
bustling
full of energetic and noisy activity
brutality
savage physical violence; great cruelty
charade
an obvious pretense or deception
castigate
(v.) to punish severely; to criticize severely
bodes
be an omen of a particular outcome
chonology
the order or sequence of events
callous
emotionally hardened, unfeeling
calumnies
false and malicious statements; slander
buttressed
increase the strength of or justification for; reinforce
bogus
false, counterfeit
bombastic
(adj.) pompous or overblown in language; full of high-sounding words intended to conceal a lack of ideas
brandishes
wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement.
bogged down
(v) to sink in or as if in a bog
bucolic
pertaining to the countryside; rural; rustic
brusque
(adj.) abrupt, blunt, with no formalities
bon-mots
a witty remark
buoyancy
Ability to float
chided
scolded, rebuked
cabal
a small group working in secret
byzantine
highly involved or intricate
chide
(v.) to blame; scold
boisterous
(adj.) rough and noisy in a cheerful way; high-spirited
canny
showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
canonization
The process of becoming a saint
boosterish
supporting or promoting something enthusiastically, and often uncritically.
celebrated
famous, well-known
breach
(n.) an opening, gap, rupture, rift; a violation or infraction; (v.) to create an opening, break through
boondoggle
an unnecessary, wasteful project
burgeoning
expanding or growing rapidly
chary
(adj.) extremely cautious, hesitant, or slow (to); reserved, diffident
capricious
subject to whims or passing fancies
chaff
worthless matter
Section 5
(50 cards)
conglomerates
a number of different things or parts that are put or grouped together to form a whole but remain distinct entities.
congeal
(v.) to change from liquid to solid, thicken; to make inflexible or rigid
comprehension
understanding
coltish
energetic but awkward in one's movements or behavior.
clamor
Loud noise or shouting
cogent
forceful, convincing; relevant, to the point
commune
a group of people living together and sharing possessions and responsibilities.
contest
dispute; argue about the rightness of; compete for; try to win; Ex. contest the election results; Ex. contest a seat in Parliament; N.
communism
A theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state.
citing
giving credit for quotations or ideas taken from other writers
circumscribing
restrict (something) within limits
congruent
Having the same measure
comestible
something fit to be eaten
coalesced
come together and form one mass or whole
contravening
to come or be in conflict with; go or act against; deny or oppose
contraband
(n.) illegal traffic, smuggled goods; (adj.) illegal, prohibited
concessionary
the act of conceding or yielding, as a right, a privilege, or a point or fact in an argument
consecration
dedication to the service or worship of a god
contemptible
deserving contempt; despicable
collusive
acting together in secret toward a fraudulent or illegal end
conceit
a fanciful, particularly clever extended metaphor
contrary
opposite
clandestine
(adj.) secret, concealed; underhanded
conceded
admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it
condoned
to overlook, forgive, or disregard (an offense) without protest or censure.
complaint
a formal notice that a lawsuit is being brought
compatriots
fellow countrymen
conjectural
based on guesswork
confound
to confuse
constitution
A document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and the fundamental laws that govern a society
complement
something that completes or makes up a whole
concrete
existing in a material or physical form; real or solid; not abstract.
cite
(v.) to quote; to mention; to summon to appear in court; to commend, recommend
contrivance
a thing that is created skillfully and inventively to serve a particular purpose
contrite
extremely apologetic, remorseful, repentant
contribute
To give along with others who are giving
congress
coming together
contrived
deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously
consanguineous
of the same origin; related by blood
coda
An added ending
commentated
To make explanatory or critical comments
commando
a soldier who is trained to carry out surprise attacks on an enemy
concomitant
accompanying in a subordinate fashion
clairvoyant
(adj.) supernaturally perceptive; (n.) one who possesses extrasensory powers, seer
complementary
serving to complete something
confers
(v) grant or bestow (a title, degree, benefit, or right). have discussions; exchange opinions.
compel
To force or strongly persuade; coerce
conundrums
puzzling questions or problems
congenial
(adj.) getting on well with others; agreeable, pleasant
complicit
involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing
Section 6
(50 cards)
crouchback
reproach or contempt
cultivation
The preparation of land to grow and yield crops.
cumbersone
(adj.) clumsy, hard to handle; slow-moving
curtailing
cutting short, reducing, diminishing
cultivate
(v.) to nurture, improve, refine (At the library, she cultivated her interest in spy novels.)
corroborating
supporting with evidence or authority
croquet
a game played on a lawn, in which colored wooden balls are driven through a series of wickets by means of mallets.
counterfactual
relating to or expressing what has not happened or is not the case
debacle
a complete failure; a total collapse
defame
to libel or slander; take away a good name
crane
to stretch out one's neck
deftly
quickly and skillfully
dame
title given to a girl knight
declarative
a sentence that makes a statement
dauntless
showing fearlessness and determination
culminate
(v.) to reach a high point of development; to end, climax
curbed
anything that is checked or restrained
debased
reduced in quality or value
daunting
intimidating, causing one to lose courage
deft
skillful, nimble
cunning
Cleverness; slyness
convivial
festive, sociable, having fun together, genial
convoluted
intricate and complicated
definitive
(adj.) conclusive, final, representing the limit of what can be done
credible
believable; reliable
corroborate
(v.) to confirm, make more certain, bolster, substantiate, verify
cornerstone
(n.) the starting point of a building; a fundamental principle or element
conversance
familiar with or knowledgeable about something
copious
(adj.) abundant; plentiful; wordy, verbose
covey
A small flock of birds
couched in
to express something in carefully chosen or deceptive words
counterpoint
(n) contrasting item, opposite; a complement; the use of contrast or interplay in a work of art
cubist
A form of abstraction that emphasizes planes and multiple perspectives.
dearth
(n.) a lack, scarcity, inadequate supply; a famine
debauchery
corruption; self-indulgence
coup
the violent overthrow of a government by a small group; a victorious accomplishment
decipherable
legible, clear, lucid, comprehensible
deficient
not having enough; lacking
credulous
too trusting; gullible
defile
to make unclean, impure
culmination
the highest point of attainment; the end or climax
defeasible
open in principle to revision, valid objection, forfeiture, or annulment
deem
(v.) to think, believe; to consider, have an opinion
cosmopolitan
Worldly or sophisticated
culpable
deserving blame, worthy of condemnation
credence
belief, mental acceptance
curt
(adj.) short, rudely brief
defer
to put aside until later; to yield respectfully
decamped
depart suddenly or secretly, especially to relocate one's business or household in another area
deftness
skillful performance or ability without difficulty
Section 7
(50 cards)
degrade
to lower in dignity or esteem; insult
designation
a distinguishing name or mark
desiccated
dried up, dehydrated
demeaning
causing someone to lose their dignity and the respect of others
diatribes
a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something
denial
refusing to believe or even perceive painful realities
demarcate
to clearly set or mark the boundaries of a group or geographic area
discourse
written or spoken communication or debate
deprivation
the state of lacking or doing without something; loss
dilettante
someone with an amateurish and superficial interest in a topic
discreet
showing tact, respect, and restraint in speech or behavior
dementia
a slowly progressive decline in mental abilities, including memory, thinking, and judgment, that is often accompanied by personality changes
diffident
shy, lacking self-confidence; modest, reserved
discounted
(v) deduct an amount from (the usual price of something). regard (a possibility, fact, or person) as being unworthy of consideration because it lacks credibility.
deify
to make a god of
demagogic
making use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power
dire
dreadful
disaffection
a state or feeling of being dissatisfied with the people in authority and no longer willing to support them
devoid
(adj.) not having or using, lacking
deviation
departure or wandering away from the accepted standard
diligence
steadiness of effort; persistent hard work
despots
a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way.
delimit
Fix, mark, or define the boundaries of
delves
(v) research or make painstaking inquiries into something.
deified
officially declared to be a god
dialectical
relating to discussions; relating to the rules and methods of reasoning; approaching truth in the middle of opposing extremes
detriment
(n.) harm or loss; injury, damage; a disadvantage; a cause of harm, injury, loss, or damage
discretionary
left to one's own judgement
disconcertingly
causing one to feel unsettled
deprecating
to express disapproval of
detest
(v.) to hate, dislike very much, loathe
depicted
To represent or characterize in words; describe
deliberate
done consciously and intentionally
delineate
(v.) to portray, sketch, or describe in accurate and vivid detail; to represent pictorially
didactic
intended to instruct
denigrate
to attack the reputation of; to speak ill of
deposed
removed from office or power
disinclination
a desire to avoid, aversion
depreciated
fallen in value
deleterious
harmful, injurious
disclaim
(v.) to deny interest in or connection with; to give up all claim to
deliquent
someone who fails to follow rules
desultory
jumping from one thing to another; disconnected
derivative
something that comes from another source
discrepancy
a difference; a lack of agreement
demonized
portray as wicked and threatening
deification
The act of worshiping or revering as a god
diameter
the distance across a circle through its center
deplorable
Deeply regrettable; unfortunate
dicey
unpredictable and potentially dangerous
Section 8
(50 cards)
eclectic
selecting from or made up from a variety of sources
dispatch
(v.) to send off or out for a purpose; to kill; (n.) an official message; promptness, speed; the act of killing
divisive
(adj.) - causing conflict, opposition
dulcet
melodious; pleasing to the ear
ebullient
(adj.) overflowing with enthusiasm and excitement; boiling, bubbling
dissipation
wasteful spending, squandering
dissemble
(v.) to disguise or conceal, deliberately give a false impression
egoist
a self-centered person with little regard for others
distension
the act of expanding by pressure from within
egregious
(adj.) conspicuous, standing out from the mass (used particularly in an unfavorable sense)
dogmatic
strongly opinionated in an unwarranted manner
effeminate
(of a man) having or showing characteristics regarded as typical of a woman; unmanly
disingenuous
insincere
dry
dry
disparage
to degrade, to speak of someone or something in a derogatory manner
effusive
emotionally excessive; overly demonstrative
doyenne
a woman who is the senior member of a group
dissipation
wasteful spending, squandering
drafted
required to join the military
dissent
(v.) to disagree; (n.) disagreement
efficacious
effective, producing results
duplicitous
deliberately deceptive
disquieting
(adj) disturbing, causing anxiety
dissonance
Unpleasant or unharmonious sound
dwindled
reduced in number or amount
dispensation
exemption from a rule or usual requirement
effacement
Shortening and thinning of the cervix
earthy
down-to-earth; realistic; coarse; low
distinction
a difference or contrast between similar things or people
disseminate
to scatter or spread widely
dissuaded
to deter by advice or persuasion; persuade not to do something
ecology
the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.
dull
(of colors or surfaces) not bright; cloudy; overcast; boring; (of edge or sound) not sharp; not rapid; sluggish; slow in thinking and understanding; stupid; V.
effete
worn out; barren
dissolution
the breaking up into parts; termination of a legal bond or contract
distort
(v.) to give a false or misleading account of; to twist out of shape
dispersal
Movement of individuals away from centers of high population density or their area of origin.
duplicity
treachery, deceitfulness
dramaturgy
Approach that depicts human interaction as theatrical performances
duplicitously
(adv) in a deceitful manner
ecologies
The communities of plants and animals that supply raw materials for all living things.
divergent
(adj.) going in different directions; different from each other; departing from conversation, deviant
dissolute
loose in one's morals or behavior
draconian
extremely harsh and severe
doggedly
persistent in effort; stubbornly tenacious
earmark
(v.) to set aside for a special purpose; to mark an animal's ear for identification; (n.) an identifying mark or feature
dust
to lightly sprinkle the surface of a food with sugar, flour, or crumbs
effect
result; to bring about
dystopian
nightmarish; grim
disinterested
(adj.) fair-minded, free from selfish motives; indifferent
Section 9
(50 cards)
entail
(v.) to put a burden on, impose, require, involve; to restrict ownership of property by limiting inheritance; (n.) such a restriction
enshrine
to cherish as precious or sacred
erudite
(adj.) scholarly, learned, bookish, pedantic
equivocal
ambiguous
erstwhile
Former, previous (adj); in the past, formerly (adv)
euphony
pleasant, harmonious sound
elitist
belief that certain people or groups are superior
ernest
serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely zealous
enervate
(v.) to weaken or lessen the mental, moral, or physical vigor of; enfeeble, hamstring
emulate
to imitate
equilibrium
A state of balance
encumbrances
a burden or impediment
enraptured
delighted beyond measure
equivocate
(v.) to speak or act in a way that allows for more than one interpretation; to be deliberately vague or ambiguous
elude
to escape notice; to get away from
enigmatic
(adj.) puzzling, perplexing, inexplicable, not easily understood
epitomized
typified; characterized; personified
equanimity
(n.) calmness, composure, refusal to panic
equivocations
the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself; prevarication
emblematic
standing for another thing
empirical
based on practical experience rather than theory
eulogized
praise highly in speech or writing
eradication
the complete destruction of every trace of something
enraged
very angry; furious
eliminate
to get rid of; do away with
equable
steady; unvarying; serene
enshrinement
to cherish as sacred
estrangement
state of being separated or kept at a distance
erode
to wear away gradually, eat away
emblazoned
to decorate; to display brilliantly
eloquence
fluent or persuasive speaking or writing
eons
an extremely long period of time
elite
the choice members or best of a group
ersatz
artificial; not genuine; fake
ephemeral
short-lived
esteemed
highly respected
eminence
high station, rank, or repute
euphemistically
by means of a mild or indirect word or expression instead of one considered too harsh or blunt
eschew
to avoid, shun, keep away from
equitable
fair, just, embodying principles of justice
eloquent
persuasive and moving, especially in speech
epoch
period of time
entreaty
a plea, an earnest request
ensues
happen or occur afterward or as a result
ergonomic
relating to or designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment.
etymologies
the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history
epicurean
taking pleasure in food and drink
erudition
profound scholarly knowledge
enamored
Fond of; feeling love towards
ephermera
things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time
Section 10
(50 cards)
evasive
tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly.
fecund
fruitful in offspring or vegetation; intellectually productive
farcical
absurd; ludicrous
explicate
(v.) to make plain or clear, explain; to interpret
feckless
(adj.) lacking in spirit and strength; ineffective, weak; irresponsible, unreliable
exemplary
(adj.) worthy of imitation, commendable; serving as a model
excruciating
extremely painful
exhaustive
complete and thorough
exuded
gave off; oozed; radiated
extirpated
A species that no longer exists in a specific area
explicit
definite, clearly stated
fabricate
(v.) to make, manufacture; to make up, invent
fascism
A political system headed by a dictator that calls for extreme nationalism and racism and no tolerance of opposition
extrapolate
to infer or estimate by extending or projecting known information
factions
Political groups that agree on objectives and policies; the origins of political parties.
explicitly
very clear; nothing hidden
excoriation
Skin sore or abrasion produced by scratching or scraping
evasions
attempts to avoid duties or questions
fervent
(adj.) very earnest, emotional, passionate; extremely hot
expatiation
to enlarge in discourse or writing; be copious in description or discussion
extemporaneous
made or delivered on the spur of the moment
fatuous
(adj.) stupid or foolish in a self-satisfied way
fallacy
A failure of logical reasoning. Fallacies often seem to make sense on the surface, but they are actually weak claims.
fanciful
using the imagination
fastidious
Difficult to please
falacious
based on a mistaken belief
fascist
governmnent with one leader who has complete power. opress opposition/religion/race/commerce (hitler, stalin, mousalinii)
exculpate
to free from blame
expatiation
to enlarge in discourse or writing; be copious in description or discussion
fickle
(adj.) liable to change very rapidly, erratic; marked by a lack of constancy or steadiness, inconsistent
fettered
bound by chains fastened around the ankles
evinced
displayed clearly; revealed
fester
to grow embittered over time; to rot
exegetic
(adj) explanatory; interpretative.
fetid
foul-smelling; putrid
exacting
extremely demanding
exploits
brilliant or heroic acts or deeds; adventures
exorbitant
(adj.) unreasonably high; excessive
exemplars
individual instances of a concept or category, held in memory
evoked
bring or recall to the conscious mind
evoking
bring or recall to the conscious mind
excise
(v.) to remove by cutting; (n.) an indirect tax on the manufacture, sale, or distribution of a commodity or service
exacerbate
(v.) to make more violent, severe, bitter, or painful
expatriate
someone who chooses to live outside of, or renounce, his or her native country
fealty
obligated loyalty or faithfulness
farce
(n.) a play filled with ridiculous or absurd happenings; broad or far-fetched humor; a ridiculous sham
fantastical
Imaginary, magic, supernatural
facetious
(adj.) humorous, not meant seriously
evanescent
(adj.) vanishing, soon passing away; light and airy
facile
(adj.) easily done or attained; superficial; ready, fluent; easily shown but not sincerely felt
Section 11
(50 cards)
guru
spiritual teacher
gauche
(adj.) awkward, lacking in social graces, tactless, clumsy
guise
an external appearance, cover, mask
gauntlet
an armored or protective glove; a challenge
hallmark
any mark or symbol of genuineness or high quality
flagrancy
conspicuously bad, offensive, or reprehensible
fidelity
faithfulness; loyalty
forfeit
Surrender or lose as a result of an error, crime, or failure to fulfill an obligation
flag
to decline in vigor, strength, or interest
genial
(adj.) cordial, pleasantly cheerful or warm
habituated
make or become accustomed or used to something
flamboyant
Excessively showy; unrestrained
foster
(v.) to bring up, give care to; to promote, encourage; (adj.) in the same family but not related by birth
gambits
a device, action, or opening remark, typically one entailing a degree of risk, that is calculated to gain an advantage
gaffe
a clumsy social error; a faux pas
galvanize
to startle into sudden activity
grandiloquent
using big and fancy words when speaking for the purpose of impressing others
gilt
golden
gadfly
an irritating and persistent person
frank
open and sincere in expression; straightforward
foibles
a minor weakness or failing of character
fruition
the attainment or completion of something desired
garrulous
given to much talking, tediously chatty
futile
useless; hopeless
guileless
free of cunning or deceit; artless
hackneyed
used so often as to lack freshness or originality
hamlet
small village
formalism
strict observance of the established rules traditions and methods employed in the arts. _____ can also refer to the theory of art that relies heavily on the organization of forms in a work rather than on the content.
galleys
a low, flat ship with one or more sails and up to three banks of oars, chiefly used for warfare, trade, and piracy.
fulmination
an expression of vehement protest
gregarious
outgoing; sociable
gist
the main point
flabbergasted
astounded
finale
conclusion; concluding part
forte
a person's strong point; what a person does best
fledgling
an inexperienced person, beginner; a young bird about to leave the nest; inexperienced, budding
flouted
openly disregard (a rule, law or convention).
flummox
to confuse; to perplex
grizzled
having or streaked with gray hair
gainsay
to deny, contradict, controvert; to dispute, oppose
fiduciary
a person who holds assets in trust for a beneficiary
gamut
the whole range or extent
grotesque
(adj.) unnatural, distorted; bizarre
figurative
departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical.
germane
(adj.) relevant, appropriate, apropos, fitting
fortuitous
(adj.) accidental, occurring by a happy chance
hale
strong and healthy
gunning
(v) shoot someone with a gun. cause (an engine) to race.
hadron
particles and antiparticles that can interact through the strong interaction
genteel
well-mannered; refined; polite
Section 12
(50 cards)
hector
to bully; to pester
horrific
causing extreme horror or disgust
hyperboles
deliberate exaggerations as a figure of speech to make a point
iconoclastic
attacking or seeking to overthrow popular or traditional beliefs, ideas, or institutions
happenstance
coincidence
hindered
create difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction.
hapless
(adj.) marked by a persistent absence of good luck
hinging
(v) depend entirely on. attach or join with or as if with a hinge.
hermeneutic
(adj) (n) a method or theory of interpretation.
imbues
inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality
illiberal
narrow-minded
hardy
able to survive under bad conditions; tough
house
where the audience sits
hysteria
exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, especially among a group of people.
hedonism
pursuit of pleasure, especially of the senses
hegemonic
ruling or dominant in a political or social context
heuristic
a rule-of-thumb problem-solving strategy
hobble
To limp or move with difficulty
hindrance
a thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone.
humanize
v. To make gentle or refined.
ignominious
deserving or causing public disgrace or shame
heralded
announced or publicized
immoderate
excessive; extreme
honeycombed
(v) fill with cavities or tunnels. infiltrate and undermine.
idioms
words and phrases that mean something different from the literal meanings of the words
histrionic
overly dramatic, theatrical
heads
hydrophilic; go towards
heterodox
not widely accepted
husband
to manage economically; to use sparingly
idiosyncratic
Peculiar to one person; highly individualized
honed
improved something to a state of completion or excellence
hierarchical
arranging things one above the other by rank
helmsmanship
(n) the skill or function of a man who steers a ship
hemorrhaging
uncontrolled bleeding
honorific
showing respect
heeding
paying attention to
hermetic
tightly sealed
hamstring
(v.) make ineffective or powerless
idealogues
an impractical idealist; theorist
homogeneous
of the same kind
harbingers
indicators; bringers of warnings
hinterland
a remote and undeveloped area
illicit
(adj.) not permitted, unlawful, improper
hodgepodge
Mixture of different kinds of things, jumble
idealogical
based on a system of ideas, principles, or values
immaterial
insignificant; unimportant
hirsute
covered with hair
heterogeneous
(adj.) composed of different kinds, diverse
iconoclasm
Opposing or even destroying images, especially those set up for religious veneration in the belief that such images represent idol worship.
idle
Not active or in use
Section 13
(50 cards)
incensed
very angry; enraged
impartiality
idea that the same ethical standards apply to everyone
incumbent
(adj.) obligatory, required; (n.) one who holds a specific office at the time spoken of
indignant
feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
impervious
not affected or hurt by; admitting of no passage or entrance
infirmity
physical or mental weakness
immutable
(adj.) not subject to change, constant
indolence
avoidance of activity or exertion; laziness
impasse
blocked path; dilemma with no solution
immortalized
confer enduring fame upon
impartial
unbiased; neutral
important
of great significance or value
inevitably
impossible to avoid or prevent
impecunious
having little or no money
infuses
flows into the body by gravity (e.g., IV drips through a tube into the body)
imperil
to put in danger
incipient
beginning to exist or appear
impediment
a barrier; obstruction
incite
to arouse to action
incongruous
(adj.) not in keeping, unsuitable, incompatible
indeterminable
cannot be determined or decided
imperious
(adj.) overbearing, arrogant; seeking to dominate; pressing, compelling
inexorably
impossible to stop or prevent
impede
To obstruct or interfere with; to delay
immolate
to kill someone as a sacrificial victim, usually by fire
infinitesimal
(adj.) so small as to be almost immeasurable; minute
impotent
powerless; lacking strength
impressed
left with a positive feeling
impenetrable
impossible to pass through or enter
ineffectual
Not bringing about the desired result, futile.
indifference
a lack of interest or concern
indemnify
compensate for loss, damage, or injury
inconsequential
trifling, unimportant
improvident
(adj.) not thrifty; failing to plan ahead
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
impact
(n) the striking of one object against another; the shock caused by a collision; (v.) to affect especially forcefully
ineptness
lack of competence or judgement
inchoate
in an initial stage; not fully formed
indecipherable
not able to be read or understood
importunate
Extremely demanding; insistent
impeccable
flawless
imputation
an accusation
indisputably
without a doubt
ingenious
Marked by imagination, resourcefulness, or cleverness
incentivize
to motivate somebody by offering something
implacability
inability to be pleased or pacified
impious
not devout in religion
impudent
disrespectful
implicit
(adj.) implied or understood though unexpressed; without doubts or reservations, unquestioning; potentially contained in
incorrigible
not able to be corrected; beyond control
Section 14
(50 cards)
irredeemable
not able to be saved, improved, or corrected
inured to
not affected by
irrefutable
impossible to disprove; beyond argument
innumerable
too many to count
investiture
ceremony conferring authority
jibes
teasing, taunting, mocking
jeopardize
to endanger
insights
the clear (and often sudden) understanding of a complex situation
insipid
lacking flavor; dull; not at all stimulating
inherently
related to part of something's inmost nature
inquisitions
Legal procedures supervised by special judges who tried suspected heretics
intrepid
fearless
insidious
intended to deceive or entrap; sly, treacherous
irate
angry; enraged
joviality
cheerfulness
inimical
hostile, unfriendly
intransigence
stubbornness; refusal to compromise
irascible
easily angered
jurisprudent
the science or philosophy of law
iterative
A process that repeats a series of steps over and over until the desired outcome is obtained.
interlocutors
a person who takes part in a dialogue or conversation
irony
A contrast between expectation and reality
intentions
plans to act in a certain way
interlude
a period of time between two events
inundates
overwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt with
insurmountable
impossible to overcome
innocuous
not harmful or offensive
instigating
(v) bring about or initiate (an action or event). incite someone to do something, especially something bad.
innovative
showing creativity and originality
insensibly
unaware or incapable of perception
inter
between
inscribing
(v.) to write or engrave; to enter a name on a list
keen
having a sharp edge; intellectually sharp; perceptive
instigation
urging, provocation; initiation
innuendos
indirect suggestions, or implied meanings
iteration
repetition
inveigle
to obtain by deception or flattery
injecting
(v) introduce (a new or different element) into something, especially as a boost or interruption.
intersperse
To distribute in between
iota
a very small part or quantity
insolent
showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect
insolvent
without money
insinuated
suggested by hints; implied
interpolate
to insert; change by adding new words or material
insightful
discerning; perceptive
jingoistic
overly patriotic
jaundiced
cynical; pessimistic
insouciance
casual lack of concern; indifference
inkling
a hint; a vague notion
ironically
in a way that is contrary to what is expected or intended
Section 15
(50 cards)
laudable
worthy of praise
loath
unwilling, reluctant
listlessly
without energy or interest
laconic
brief and to the point
laxity
Carelessness; indifference.
maladies
a disease or ailment
lax
careless or negligent
leitmotifs
a recurrent theme throughout a musical or literary composition, associated with a particular person, idea, or situation.
kudos
acclaim or praise
logistical
relating to or involving organization and planning
language
A system of communication through the use of speech, a collection of sounds understood by a group of people to have the same meaning.
lubricious
lewd, wanton, greasy, slippery
malign
(v.) to speak evil of, slander; (adj.) evil
laconic
brief and to the point
malleable
capable of being shaped
malicious
Intended to hurt or harm
lofty
(adj.) very high; noble
lascivious
lustful or lewd
kinetic
pertaining to motion
manacled
handcuffed; shackled
magnanimity
having a lofty, generous, and courageous spirit
lithe
(adj.) bending easily, limber
laurels
honor, glory
luminary
enlightening person
lackey
a slavish follower
literati
scholarly of learned persons
lapses
times of falling back into former habits, a normal part of both weight change and weight maintenance
languid
(adj.) drooping; without energy, sluggish
lavishness
expended, bestowed, or occurring in profusion
maladjusted
poorly adjusted, disturbed
leery
Suspicious or wary
maladroitness
lacking in adroitness; unskillful; awkward; bungling; tactless
laud
to praise, to extol
lackluster
dull; monotonous; bland
laudatory
full of praise
labyrinthine
complicated; highly convoluted
licentious
morally unrestrained
lassitude
(n.) weariness of body or mind, lack of energy
legume
a flowering plant with simple dry fruit, characterized by nodes on their roots that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria
loathsome
disgusting
magnitude
Greatness of size, strength, or importance
labile
Changing rapidly and often
litigation
lawsuit
macabre
(adj.) grisly, gruesome; horrible, distressing; having death as a subject
lionize
to treat as a celebrity
lissome
easily flexed; limber; agile
longtime
existing, occurring, or continuing for a long period of time; longstanding
limelight
a focus of public attention
lard
fat from the abdomen of a pig that is rendered and clarified for use in cooking.
lucid
easy to understand, clear; rational, sane
Section 16
(50 cards)
minutiae
small or trivial details, trifling matters
mindfulness
The state of being alert and mentally present for one's everyday activities.
melancholy
depression of spirits
moderate
to mediate
momentum
The product of an object's mass and velocity
meticulousness
marked by extreme or excessive care in the consideration or treatment of details
mongers
(n) a person who is involved with something in a petty or contemptible way (usually used in combination):
mordant
(adj.) biting or caustic in thought, manner, or style; sharply or bitterly harsh
melange
mixture
mishmash
a confused mixture
morbidities
the proportion of sickness or of a specific disease in a geographical locality
maxim
a general truth or rule of conduct; a short saying
manifest
clear or obvious to the eye or mind
monolithic
Exactly the same throughout; lacking any diversity
meticulous
extremely careful; particular about details
mercantilist
belief in the benefits of profitable trading; commercialism.
millennia
thousands of years
minuscule
very small
misnomer
an unsuitable or misleading name
martial
warlike
mercenary
a professional soldier hired by a foreign army
mitigate
to make milder or softer, to moderate in force or intensity
mercurial
quick, shrewd, and unpredictable
mores
fixed customs or manners; moral attitudes
mendacious
(adj.) given to lying or deception; untrue
maudlin
excessively sentimental
menacing
threatening
mollifies
appease the anger or anxiety of (someone)
morose
having a gloomy or sullen manner; not friendly or sociable
moribund
(adj.) dying, on the way out
moralizing
giving advice that is particular to the situation
mote
small particle, speck
manumit
to grant freedom to slaves; to emancipate
motivation
a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior
motley
(adj.) showing great variety; composed of different elements or many colors; (n.) a jester's costume; a jester
marginalize
treat (a person, group, or concept) as insignificant or peripheral
medley
an assortment or a mixture, especially of musical pieces
mead
an alcoholic drink of fermented honey and water
messianic
focusing on the coming of an individual who will usher in a utopian world
mitigation
lessening of something that causes suffering
mirthful
merry or amusing
mimetic
mimic, copy
moot
(adj.) open to discussion and debate, unresolved; (v.) to bring up for discussion; (n.) a hypothetical law case argued by students
militant
(adj.) given to fighting; active and aggressive in support of a cause; (n.) an activist
monological
a prolonged talk or discourse by a single speaker, especially one dominating or monopolizing a conversation.
meddlesome
adj. Given to taking part in others' affairs without being asked.
mellifluous
Sweetly flowing or sounding
modishness
in the current fashion; stylish
metastasize
the process by which cancer spreads from one place to another
modicum
a small amount
Section 17
(50 cards)
omissions
What has been deliberately left out.
nonplussed
puzzled, not knowing what to do, at a loss
noxious
harmful; poisonous; lethal
negating
nullify; make ineffective
opportunism
grabbing opportunities; seeking unprincipled advantage
notorious
widely and unfavorably known
nadir
the lowest point of something
obviate
to anticipate and prevent; to remove, dispose of
onerous
burdensome
nave
the central part of a church building, intended to accommodate most of the congregation
nose
nasal
obtuse
lacking sharpness of intellect; not clear or precise in thought or expression
orthodoxy
authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice
ode
A lyric poem usually marked by serious, respectful, and exalted feelings toward the subject.
oust
(v.) to remove, drive out of a position or place
officious
meddling; excessively forward in offering services or assuming authority
national
A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's country
nascent
beginning to exist or develop
normalizing
(v) bring or return to a normal condition or state.
mundane
ordinary
mummified
Shriveled, dried up, but preserved
mystics
people who seek direct communion with divine forces
opprobrium
public disgrace
naive
lacking sophistication or experience
obsequious
obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree
nettled
annoyed, irritated
neanderthals
Homo sapiens neanderthalensis, a European variant of Homo sapiens that died out about 25,000 years ago.
obloquies
disgrace cause by public blame, abuse
nonchalance
indifference; lack of concern; composure
ostracize
(v.) to exclude from a group, banish, send away
obscure
difficult to see, vague
obliterated
destroyed
orthodox
in agreement with established or generally accepted beliefs or ways of doing things
ominously
in a threatening way
ostensibly
apparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually
narcissist
someone in love with themselves
myopic
(adj.) nearsighted; lacking a broad, realistic view of a situation; lacking foresight or discernment
novice
(n.) one who is just a beginner at some activity requiring skill and experience (also used adjectivally)
nebulous
(adj.) cloudlike, resembling a cloud; cloudy in color, not transparent; vague, confused, indistinct
opulent
wealthy, luxurious; ample; grandiose
munificent
extremely generous, lavish
nemesis
someone or something a person cannot conquer or achieve; a hated enemy
musing
a period of reflection or thought
mutiny
Open rebellion against authority
omnipotent
almighty, having unlimited power or authority
ostentatious
(adj.) marked by conspicuous or pretentious display, showy
munitions
war materials, such as weapons
novel
new and different
nugatory
trifling; invalid
myriad
(adj.) in very great numbers; (n.) a very great number
Section 18
(50 cards)
panned
to criticize severely
parlay
turn an initial stake or winnings from a previous bet into (a greater amount) by gambling.
patrons
a person who supports artists, especially financially
pedestrian
ordinary or dull
peculiarly
Distinctively; strangely
parameter
(n.) a determining or characteristic element; a factor that shapes the total outcome; a limit, boundary
parsimony
frugality, stinginess
pander
play up to another's desires and weaknesses
paragon
model of perfection
pedagogy
the art or profession of teaching
palettes
a thin board or slab on which an artist lays and mixes colors.
pathologize
(v) regard or treat (someone or something) as psychologically abnormal or unhealthy.
paradox
a contradiction or dilemma
palliate
to make less serious; ease
overt
Done or shown openly
passable
good enough, but not excellent
peccadilloes
a small, relatively unimportant offense or sin
pallid
lacking color or liveliness
parsimoniousness
excessive frugality and economy to the point of niggardliness
pedantry
(n.) a pretentious display of knowledge; overly rigid attention to rules and details
pale
light (color)
outright
(adj.) complete; instantaneous; without reservation, thoroughgoing; (adv.) completly, instantaneously
peddle
Travel around while selling; sell illegally; give out or disseminate
parochial
limited in range or scope, narrow, provincial
parlous
full of danger or risk, perilous
pedantic
tending to show off one's learning
pacific
peaceful; serene
parcel
To divide into parts and distribute
partisanship
Government action based on firm allegiance to a political party
pantheon
all the gods of a people or religion
pacifist
one who is against war or the use of violence
panacea
a remedy for all ills; cure-all; an answer to all problems
partiality
A favorable bias or a prejudice toward something
patronize
treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority
paradigmatic
(adj.) of or relating to a typical example
partition
divide into parts
override
to overrule; to prevail over
paean
a song of praise, joy, or triumph
partriarch
the male head of a family or tribe
palatable
(adj.) agreeable to the taste or one's sensibilities; suitable for consumption.
paternal
of or like a father
overseer
person who supervises a large operation or its workers
patrician
an aristocrat
painstaking
very thorough; careful
patent
(n.) exclusive rights over an invention; copyright; (v.) to arrange or obtain such rights; (adj.) plain, open to view; copyrighted
parables
a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.
paucity
scarcity
parodied
humorously imitated
partisan
a strong supporter of a party, cause, or person
peasant
a person who does farm work for wealthy landowners
Section 19
(50 cards)
peer
look searchingly
politic
(adj.) prudent, shrewdly conceived and developed; artful, expedient
piques
(v) stimulate (interest or curiosity). feel irritated or resentful.
phased in
(n) (v) gradual introduction or implementation.
placid
calm, peaceful
piety
religious devotion
personable
(adj.) pleasing in appearance or personality, attractive
perspicacious
wise; insightful; acutely intelligent
polemic
controversy; argument; verbal attack
phlegmatic
slow-moving, sluggish; unemotional
pertinent
relevant
piddling
insignificant; trifling; petty
polymath
a person with knowledge of many subjects
penchant
a strong attraction or inclination
polemical
causing debate or argument
pitch
to throw or make a bid
poultices
a soft, moist mass of material, typically of plant material or flour, applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation and kept in place with a cloth.
politicized
made partisan
populace
common people
plastic
able to be molded, altered, or bent
perilous
full of danger or risk
plaudits
applause; enthusiastic praise or approval
populist
a supporter of the rights and power of the people
posited
put forward as truth
pidgins
structurally simple communication systems that arise when people who share no common language come into constant contact
plunder
(v.) to rob by force, especially during wartime; to seize wrongfully; (n.) property stolen by force
perennially
persistently, enduringly, constantly
postmodern
characterized by a set of values that center on "quality of life" considerations and give less attention to material gain
philandering
engaging in many casual love affairs
polarized
Divided into sharply opposed groups
posit
to put forth; assert
perturbing
agitating
perpetuate
to make permanent or long lasting
pliant
bending readily; easily influenced
perpetuity
a time period lasting through the ages; eternity
pillory
(n.) a device for publicly punishing offenders; a means for exposing one to public contempt or ridicule; (v.) to expose to public contempt or ridicule
posterity
all future generations
poignant
evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
pithy
brief and full of meaning and substance; concise
pith
the essential or central part
plethora
excess
posture
the way one holds one's body; a pose or position
ponderous
Heavy and slow moving
piecemeal
(adj) one piece at a time; (adv) gradually
peril
serious and immediate danger
pernicious
(adj.) extremely harmful; deadly, fatal
peers
people of the same age who share similar interests
pervades
spreads throughout
plodding
walking slowly; working slowly at a boring task
pert
(adj.) high-spirited; lively; bold, saucy; jaunty
Section 20
(50 cards)
primal
original; dating from the beginning of existence
predilection
A preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something
providential
happening by good fortune
profligate
wasteful and immoral
prescient
having or showing knowledge of events before they take place
puerile
childish; immature
prodigal
(adj.) wastefully extravagant; lavishly or generously abundant; (n.) one who is wasteful and self-indulgent
presentation
A set of slides or handouts that contains information you want to convey to an audience.
punctilious
(adj.) very careful and exact, attentive to fine points of etiquette or propriety
puritanical
Strict in matters of religious or moral conduct
procure
to obtain through special effort; to bring about
profound
Having great depth or seriousness
protean
readily changing form or character
primacy
condition of being first in time or importance
pragmatic
practical, as opposed to idealistic
prophetic
accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future
provincial
(adj.) pertaining to an outlying area; local; narrow in mind or outlook, countrified in the sense of being limited and backward; of a simple, plain design that originated in the countryside; (n.) a person with a narrow point of view; a person from an outlying area; a soldier from a province or colony
puckish
playful, especially in a mischievous way
prurient
(adj.) having lustful desires or interests; tending to arouse sexual desires
probity
honesty, integrity
progeny
offspring; children
protagonist
main character
prodigies
signs of disaster
propriety
(n) the state of being proper, appropriateness; (pl) standards of what is proper or socially acceptable
proclivity
a natural or habitual inclination or tendency (especially of human character or behavior)
proscribe
to forbid
pundits
a learned person, expert, or authority
proponent
(n.) one who puts forward a proposal; one who supports a cause or belief
priggish
self-righteously moralistic and superior
presage
to foretell; indicate in advance
propound
to suggest for consideration; to propose
prologue
introductory remarks in a speech, play or literary work, introductory action
promulgates
(v) promote or make widely known (an idea or cause). put (a law or decree) into effect by official proclamation.
pragmatists
they believed that the true value of an idea was in its ability to solve problems
psyche
soul, mind
prolific
Abundantly productive
prudish
exaggeratedly proper
preternatural
beyond what is normal or natural
prudent
wise, careful, cautious
presumptuous
too forward or bold; overstepping proper bounds
precocious
(adj.) showing unusually early development (especially in talents and mental capacity)
purported
Claimed as true, but probably false
preordained
determined in advance
pulchritude
physical beauty
profane
showing contempt toward sacred things
preposterous
ridiculous, senseless
profundity
great depth of intellect, feeling, or meaning
prose
written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.
proverbially
of, relating to, or characteristic of a wise saying or precept
prolix
long-winded and wordy; tending to speak or write in such a way
Section 21
(50 cards)
realist
writer or artist who shows life as it really is
resilience
the personal strength that helps most people cope with stress and recover from adversity and even trauma
retort
To respond critically or sarcastically
quips
a witty remark
reciprocal
given, felt, or done in return
quaint
charmingly old-fashioned
reminiscences
memories
quixotic
idealistic but impractical
razed
completely destroy (a building, town, or other site).
renowned
well-known, famous, celebrated
railed
to revile or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language
relished
to enjoy greatly
redacted
(v) censor or obscure (part of a text) for legal or security purposes.
reneged
to go back on a promise
revisionist
a Marxist who rejected the revolutionary approach, believing instead in evolution by democratic means to achieve the goal of socialism
redundant
(adj.) extra, excess, more than is needed; wordy, repetitive; profuse, lush
recanted
say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief, especially one considered heretical.
redresses
remedy or set right (an undesirable or unfair situation).
quantum
the minimum amount of energy that can be gained or lost by an atom
repentant
(adj.) penitent, sorry (The repentant Dennis apologized profusely for breaking his mother's vase.)
regressive
disposed to move backward; retrogressive
reactionary
strongly opposed to change; conservative
rash
reckless
revivification
to restore to life; give new life to; revive; reanimate
resurrected
bring to attention or use again; revived, reactivated
rapier
long, slender sword
recoiling
moving backward, as in fear
pynchon
pessimistic
quarks
smaller particles that make up protons and neutrons
radiative
energy carried by light
repertory
the range of works an artist can produce or perform
reverent
deeply respectful
recapitulated
summarize and state again the main points of
quotidian
everyday; commonplace
requisite
required; necessary
rejoinder
An answer; a reply
retrograde
backward
retching
Nonproductive vomiting
referents
the persons, systems, or selves against which individuals compare themselves to assess equity
quanta
packets of energy
render
(v.) to cause to become; to perform; to deliver officially; to process, extract
rhetoric
the art of using language effectively and persuasively
raucous
(adj.) disagreeably harsh-sounding; disorderly
retrospective
Looking backward over a period of time
restitution
(n.) the act of restoring someone or something to the rightful owner or to a former state or position; making good on a loss or damage
qualified
(adj) modified, limited, conditional on something else
putative
(adj.) generally regarded as such; reputed; hypothesized, inferred
repulsed
disgusted
rancorous
bitter, hateful
redoubtable
inspiring fear or awe; illustrious, eminent
Section 22
(50 cards)
seriously
in a way that is not joking
sectarian
narrowly confined to a particular group
salutation
the greeting of a letter
simulacrum
an image or representation of someone or something
semblance
(n.) a likeness; an outward appearance; an apparition
seasoned
experienced
sardonic
grimly or scornfully mocking, bitterly sarcastic
salubrious
healthy
satiric
ridiculing to show weakness in order to make a point, teach
simony
the buying and selling of church offices
salvo
(n.) a burst of gunfire or cannon shot, often as a tribute or salute; a sudden burst of anything; a spirited verbal attack
semiotic
of or relating to signs or symbols
sagacious
wise; having keen perception and sound judgement
seething
in constant agitation
rue
to regret
shunned
Ignored; deliberately avoided
scintillating
(adj., part.) sparkling, twinkling, exceptionally brilliant (applied to mental or personal qualities)
scarcity
A situation in which unlimited wants exceed the limited resources available to fulfill those wants
seditious
resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government
signify
To be a sign of; to mean.
similes
comparison of things that have something in common using "like" or "as"
serendipitous
occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way
savvy
well-informed; sharp; experienced
sanguinary
bloodthirsty; bloody
satisfies
meet the expectations, needs, or desires of (someone).
shaman
an ancient doctor, healer, or priest, they were called upon for religious ceremonies
scandal
an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil
sanguine
cheerful; optimistic
rife with
full of
saccharine
excessively sweet or sentimental
sartorial
of or relating to a tailor or to tailoring
sentries
a soldier stationed to keep guard or to control access to a place
sangfroid
composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances
simpatico
likable, easy to get-along with
shuttered
close the shutters of (a window or building).
sages
wise persons; mentors
sensibilities
emotions or feelings
scrutinized
examine or inspect closely and thoroughly
robust
strong and healthy
seemingly
apparently
rout
an overwhelming defeat
serendipity
luck, finding good things without looking for them
riddled
full of
sedulous
(adj.) persistent, showing industry and determination
risque
bordering on being inappropriate or indecent
selfless
unselfish
sanctioned
authorized or approved
sentiments
a view of or attitude toward a situation or event; an opinion.
scotch
to put an end to
scanty
inadequate; minimal
Section 23
(50 cards)
solicitous
(adj.) showing concern or care; fearful or anxious about someone or something
sole
one and only; single; lone
strife
(n.) bitter disagreement; fighting, struggle
stoic
A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.
stagnant
(adj.) not running or flowing; foul from standing still; inactive, sluggish, dull
smitten
struck with a powerful feeling; inspired with love
strive
to devote much energy or effort, try hard
steward
a person who is given both the authority over what he or she cares for and the responsibility for seeing that it lives and grows
solicitousness
expressing care/concern
specter
a ghost or phantom
spartan
(adj) very disciplined and stern; frugal, living simply, austere; suggestive of the ancient Spartans
sophistry
a deliberately deceptive or misleading argument
slipstream
(n) an assisting force regarded as drawing something along behind something else.
stymie
to block; to thwart
specious
(adj.) deceptive, apparently good or valid but lacking real merit
skittish
(adj.) extremely nervous and easily frightened; shy or timid; extremely cautious; unstable, undependable
solace
(n.) comfort, relief; (v.) to comfort, console
slanderous
damaging to a person's reputation
sound
solid
solipsistic
believing that oneself is all that exists
sophomoric
immature and overconfident; conceited
solemnity
seriousness
spectroscopy
The study of the properties of light that depend on wavelength
stem
to hold back or limit the flow or growth of something
singular
unique, extraordinary, odd
stridency
the quality or condition of being loud, harsh, grating, or discordant
staunch
loyal and committed in attitude
solvent
In a solution, the substance in which the solute dissolves.
solecism
(n.) a substandard or ungrammatical usage; a breach of etiquette; any impropriety or mistake
soliciting
selling; persuading
sloth
laziness; sluggishness
stems
Carry substances between roots and leaves; provide support for plant; holds leaves up to sunlight
squalid
filthy, wretched, debased
stolid
not easily moved mentally or emotionally; dull, unresponsive
spurious
not genuine, not true, not valid
statute
a written law passed by a legislative body
stanchion
an upright bar, post, or frame forming a support or barrier
subversion
sabotage; undermining
somber
dark, gloomy; depressed or melancholy in spirit
spontaneous
(adj.) arising naturally; not planned or engineered in advance
stipulate
to specify a condition
socialist
person who supports community ownership of property and the sharing of all profits
sobriquets
a nickname, often humorous
strapping
sturdy, husky, brawny, athletic, hefty
spooked
scared
sinecure
(n.) a position requiring little or no work; an easy job
stouter
braver and more forceful
skulk
to move about stealthily; to lie in hiding
subterfuge
an excuse or trick for escaping or hiding something
stratagem
a scheme to outwit or deceive an opponent or to gain an end
Section 24
(50 cards)
tangible
capable of being touched; real, concrete
tenaciously
stubbornly; persistently
synoptic
Relating to a synopsis or summary; giving a general view
torturous
causing extreme pain
tirade
A long, angry speech
tout
to publicly praise or promote
taxonomy
The scientific study of how living things are classified
supersede
to take the place of
temperate
mild, moderate
tenacity
Hanging on to something persistently or stubbornly
torpor
extreme mental and physical sluggishness
taut
Pulled or drawn tight
touchstone
a means of testing worth or genuineness
sussing
(v) realize; grasp.
terseness
a neatly short and concise expressive style
tantamount to
equivalent in seriousness to; virtually the same as
torpid
inactive, sluggish, dull
tortuous
(adj.) winding, twisted, crooked; highly involved, complex; devious
theology
The study of God
supplements
something that completes or enhances something else when added to it.
tethered
confined or restricted with or as if with a rope or chain
tarry
(v.) to delay leaving; to linger, wait; to remain or stay for a while
tangetial
only superficially relevant or related
totalitarian
referring to a form of government in which one person or party holds absolute control
titillation
excitement, stimulation, often superficial
tat
make (a decorative mat or edging) by tying knots in thread and using a small shuttle to form lace.
timorous
fearful
taciturn
(adj.) habitually silent or quiet, inclined to talk very little
temper
to moderate; soften
theses
an argument, often written, to support an idea
superfluous
exceeding what is sufficient or required, excess
supplants
supersede and replace
tonality
the color scheme or range of tones used in a picture
tenets
principles, beliefs
sycophant
A person who flatters; a yes-man
supplicated
ask or beg for something earnestly or humbly
tendentious
Marked by a strong point of view, biased
tacit
understood or implied without being stated
touted
Highly praised, hailed, venerated
synergetic
working together; cooperative
superficial
(adj.) on or near the surface; concerned with or understanding only what is on the surface, shallow
sweeping
having broad range or effect
toil
to work hard
tony
fashionable, trendy, aristocratic
teeming
be full of or swarming with
taciturnity
silence or extreme reserve; unwillingness to speak
surreptitious
(adj.) stealthy, secret, intended to escape observation; made or accomplished by fraud
tepid
lukewarm; unenthusiastic, marked by an absence of interest
suffrage
the right to vote in political elections
subverted
disrupted; overturned
Section 25
(50 cards)
transient
(adj.) lasting only a short time, fleeting; (n.) one who stays only a short time
trenchant
sharply effective or insightful
unseemly
not suitable; inappropriate or improper
tyrannical
characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule
underscore
(v) emphasize (or, literally, to underline text)
utopia
an ideal society
unscrupulous
having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair
verged
(v) approach (something) closely; be close or similar to (something).
utilitarian
designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive
vainglorious
excessively proud or boastful; elated by vanity
venerate
(v.) to regard with reverence, look up to with great respect
unwavering
firm and determined
transgressor
a person who breaks a law or moral code
transmogrify
change of form
urbanity
Refined or elegant courtesy.
unnerve
to make nervous or upset
trepidation
a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen
unpropitious
unfavorable
unkempt
not combed; untidy; not properly maintained; unpolished, rude
vapid
(adj.) dull, uninteresting, tiresome; lacking in sharpness, flavor, liveliness, or force
verdant
(adj.) green in tint or color; immature in experience or judgment
unwieldy
awkward, clumsy
urbane
refined in manner or style, suave
uncouth
Lacking good manners
transmute
(v.) to change from one nature, substance, or form to another
unpend
v. to cause (something) to be upside down: to turn (something) over 颠倒
turbines
(n pl) machines that receive power from a wheel that is turned by the pressure of water, air, or gas
undermined
damaged; attacked
venerability
commanding respect because of great age or impressive dignity
vacuity
A lack; emptiness or absence
truisms
a self-evident, obvious truth
trilobites
extinct marine arthropods
tremulous
shaking or quivering slightly
vacillating
changing, fluctuating
unqualified
1. not having the right knowledge, experience, or qualifications to do something 2. complete; not limited by any negative qualities
venal
open to or marked by bribery or corruption
turpitude
depravity, moral corruption
venerable
respected because of age
variegated
multicolored; characterized by a variety of patches of different color
unflappable
having or showing calmness in a crisis
unabashed
not embarrassed
tractable
easily managed or controlled
truculent
(adj.) fierce and cruel; aggressive; deadly, destructive; scathingly harsh
tribute
Money paid for protection
triage
Process used to determine the priority of treatment for patients according to the severity of a patient's condition and likelihood of benefit from the treatment
unconscionable
not controlled by conscience; unscrupulous
ubiquitous
present or existing everywhere
unilateral
pertaining to one side
veracity
truthfulness, honesty
unbridled
(adj.) uncontrolled, lacking in restraint
Section 26
(32 cards)