Section 1
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epithet
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Last updated
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Date created
Mar 14, 2020
Cards (528)
Section 1
(50 cards)
epithet
an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned.
sanction
permission; support
concomitant
accompanying in a subordinate fashion
insipid
lacking interest or flavor
juxtapose
to place side by side
obsequious
marked by slavish attentiveness; excessively submissive, often for purely self-interested reasons
postulate
hypothesize; propose
exculpatory
to clear from blame; prove innocent
proscribe
to prohibit
paragon
a model of excellence or perfection
vacillate
(v.) to swing indecisively from one idea or course of action to another; to waver weakly in mind or will
transgression
A violation of a law, command, or duty
vitiate
to weaken, debase, or corrupt; to impair the quality or value of
steep in
If something or someone is steeped in something, they are completely surrounded by or involved in it, or know a lot about it
purportedly
supposedly
delineate
(v.) to portray, sketch, or describe in accurate and vivid detail; to represent pictorially
unfettered
free, unrestrained
commensurate
proportional
malign
to speak evil of
impermeable
Impassable, not allowing passage through (such as by a liquid)
supersede
to take the place of; to replace
malleable
capable of being shaped
Impeachment
Charges against a president approved by a majority of the House of Representatives
indigence
poverty
hoax
(n.) an act intended to trick or deceive, a fraud; (v.) to trick, deceive
salient
most noticeable or important
sedulous
hard working; diligent
demotic
relating to ordinary people;popular or colloquial
insidious
proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects
felicitously
appropriate or highly suitable
obtuse
mentally dull
unscrupulous
having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair
facade
a deceptive outward appearance; a misrepresentation
hone
to sharpen
impetus
a moving force, impulse, stimulus
miscellany
a mixture of various things
bromide
a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate
stipulate
to specify as an essential condition
abject
Lowly, miserable and wretched
paradigm
a model; an example
malignant
(adj.) deadly, extremely harmful, evil; spiteful, malicious
compliant
yielding; submissive
metamorphosis
change of form
execrable
loathsome, detestable
hermetic
tightly sealed; hard to comprehend
homily
(n.) a sermon stressing moral principles; a tedious moralizing lecture or discourse
unconscionable
unscrupulous; shockingly unfair or unjust; not controlled by consciousness
edify
to instruct morally and spiritually; to enlighten
apologist
a person who makes an argument in support of someone or something
satiate
(v.) to satisfy completely; to fill to excess; (adj.) full, satisfied
Section 2
(50 cards)
apothegm
a terse, witty saying; aphorism
abscond
to run off and hide
adamant
unyielding; firm in opinion
abstemious
moderate in appetite
sycophatic
behaving or done in an obsequious way in order to gain advantage.
precedent
an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.
alloy
a combination; a mixture of two or more metals
abeyance
temporary suppression or suspension
antipathy
(n.) a strong dislike, hostile feeling
amenity
something that adds to one's comfort or convenience
de facto
in fact
Theocratic
a form of government in which religious leaders control the government, relying on religious law and consultation with religious scholars
apathy
a lack of feeling, emotion, or interest
affinity
A likeness, a natural relationship, a kinship
admonish
to warn
plutocratic
having great influence because of one's wealth
Bourgeoisie
the middle class; the capitalist class who own most of society's wealth and means of production.
adjunct
something added, attached, or joined
apex
the highest point
subsume
to include, incorporate
allay
(v.) to calm or pacify, set to rest; to lessen or relieve
alacrity
brisk and cheerful readiness
apprise
(v.) to inform of; to make aware of by giving oral or written notice
apposite
strikingly appropriate and relevant
accretion
growth in size or increase in amount
abate
(v.) to make less in amount, degree, etc.; to subside, become less; to nullify; to deduct, omit
deviant
a person who breaks significant societal or group norms
apogee
the highest point
abdicate
to give up a position, right, or power
ameliorate
to improve
appropriate
to take possession of for one's own use; confiscate
repudiate
to reject
appellation
a name or title
abscission
cutting off; separation
disseminate
to scatter or spread widely
incorporate
combine so as to form one body
analgesic
painkiller
accrue
(v.) to grow or accumulate over time; to happen as a natural result
allure
(v.) to entice, tempt; to be attractive to; (n.) a strong attraction; the power to attract, charm
antecedent
a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another
unpalatable
unpleasant to the taste or the mind
apropos
with regard to
abjure
to reject; abandon formally
adulterate
to make impure; to contaminate; to corrupt
anodyne
something that calms or soothes pain
approbation
(n.) the expression of approval or favorable opinion, praise; official approval
monopolistic
having exclusive control over a commercial activity by possession or legal grant
affected
pretentious; phony
confiscate
To seize, by force if necessary; to take possession of
ambrosia
something delicious; the food of the gods
Section 3
(50 cards)
carp
to complain or find fault in a petty or nagging way
calumny
a false and malicious accusation
avocation
a hobby or minor occupation
assuage
(v.) to make easier or milder, relieve; to quiet, calm; to put an end to, appease, satisfy, quench
bacchanalian
jovial or wild with drunkenness
aximatic
taken for granted; self-evident or unquestionable.
behemoth
(n.) a creature of enormous size, power, or appearance
brazen
(adj.) shameless, impudent; made of brass
burgeon
to grow and flourish
artless
guileless; natural
captious
fault-finding
categorical
absolute; without exception
cardinal
most important; chief
banter
teasing; playful conversation
bawdy
indecent; humorously obscene
astringent
harsh; severe; a substance used to stop the blood
bombastic
(adj.) pompous or overblown in language; full of high-sounding words intended to conceal a lack of ideas
broach
to mention for the first time
bolster
to support
audacious
(adj.) bold, adventurous, recklessly daring
carnal
of the flesh or body; related to physical appetities
castigation
severe criticism or punishment
autonomous
self-governing
attenuate
to weaken
aver
(v.) to affirm, declare confidently
boorish
rude; insensitive
cadge
to beg; sponge
assiduous
persistent, attentive, diligent
avarice
greed
bovine
(adj.) resembling a cow or ox; sluggish, unresponsive
burnish
to polish
asperity
(n.) roughness, severity; bitterness or tartness
argot
special words or phrases used by a specific group of people
blandishment
flattery
avuncular
like an uncle
blase
(adj.) indifferent, bored as a result of having enjoyed many pleasures; apathetic
beatify
to sanctify; to bless; to ascribe a virtue to
cataclysm
a violent upheaval that causes great destruction and change
atavism
resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; reversion to an earlier type; throwback; ADJ. atavistic
callous
emotionally hardened, unfeeling
bifurcate
to divide into two parts
austere
(adj.) severe or stern in manner; without adornment or luxury, simple, plain; harsh or sour in flavor
cantankerous
bad-tempered; quarrelsome
cacophonous
(adj.) harsh-sounding, raucous, discordant, dissonant
arduous
hard to do, requiring much effort
cant
insincere talk; language of a particular group
aspersion
(n.) a damaging or derogatory statement; the act of slandering or defaming
canard
(n.) a false rumor, fabricated story
bucolic
(adj.) characteristic of the countryside, rural; relating to shepherds and cowherds, pastoral
buttress
to support
Section 4
(50 cards)
congeal
(v.) to change from liquid to solid, thicken; to make inflexible or rigid
clamor
Loud noise or shouting
chasten
to correct by punishment or reproof; to restrain or subdue
contiguous
(adj.) side by side, touching; near; adjacent in time
convivial
sociable
decorum
proper behavior
deference
to respect
default
(v.) failure to pay back a loan, to fail to act
craven
cowardly; a coward
coquette
woman who flirts
dearth
(n.) a lack, scarcity, inadequate supply; a famine
connoisseur
an expert in matters of culture, food, or wine
cognizant
having knowledge or being aware of, ~ of
copious
abundant; plentiful
credo
statement of belief or principle; creed
contrite
feeling regret for having committed some wrongdoing
cornucopia
an abundance
chicanery
trickery; deception
continence
self-control; abstention
covetous
having or showing a great desire to possess something, typically something belonging to someone else; greedy
concoct
to invent
clique
a small, exclusive group of people
codify
to systematize
conciliatory
intended or likely to placate or pacify
defunct
no longer existing or functioning
compendium
brief, comprehensive summary
champion
to defend or support
contend
to assert
conjugal
relating to marriage
congenial
(adj.) getting on well with others; agreeable, pleasant
credence
belief or trust
defame
to libel or slander; take away a good name
coda
concluding part of a literary or musical composition; something that summarizes or concludes
compliant
yielding; submissive
coagulate
thicken; congeal; clot
caucus
a private meeting of party leaders to choose candidates for office
cloister
to confine; seclude
circuitous
roundabout, not direct
daunt
to intimidate, to dismay
contumacious
rebellious
consecrate
to make sacred
conscript
to force someone into military service
covert
hidden; undercover
condone
to pardon
coalesce
to blend; to merge
collage
artistic composition of materials pasted over a surface; an assemblage of diverse elements
compunction
remorse, regret
contentious
quarrelsome, inclined to argue
cozen
to trick; to cheat or swindle
debauchery
corruption; self-indulgence
Section 5
(50 cards)
layman
a nonprofessional; a person who is not a member of the clergy
diatribe
(n.) a bitter and prolonged verbal attack
diffuse
(v.) to spread or scatter freely or widely; (adj.) wordy, long-winded, or unfocused; scattered or widely spread
deterrent
something that discourages; hindrance
deride
to ridicule, laugh at with contempt
relegate
assign to a lower position; to banish
conjecture
to guess
immaculate
spotless; perfect
dirge
a funeral hymn or mournful speech
segregate
to separate
conjure
To bring forth, especially through words
denigrate
to attack the reputation of; to speak ill of
diaphanous
very sheer and light; almost completely transparent; immaterial
detraction
slandering; aspersion; detracting; the act of tacking away
demur
(v.) to object or take exception to; (n.) an objection
dichotomy
a division into two parts
impairment
a loss of function or ability
denouncement
an outcome; result
discredit
(v.) harm the good reputation of (someone or something); (n.) dishonor, disgrace
diffidence
shyness; lack of confidence
modus operandi
method of operating
echelon
rank; social class
evasive
deliberately vague or ambiguous
denizen
(n.) an inhabitant, resident; one who frequents a place
solemn
serious; grave
intangible
not able to be touched or sensed, not material
precipitation
the falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist)
fringe
the outside boundary or surface of something; on the edge
meteorite
A meteoroid that has hit earth's surface.
adumbrate
to sketch, outline in a shadowy way
eruption
a volcanic explosion or large flow of lava
preclude
to prevent
prig
a self-righteously moralistic person who behaves as if superior to others
reprehension
Expression of blame.
sedimentary
A type of rock that forms when particles from other rocks or the remains of plants and animals are pressed and cemented together
affront
an action or remark that causes outrage or offense
hegemonic
ruling or dominant in a political or social context; dictatorial
discomfit
(v.) to frustrate, thwart, or defeat; to confuse, perplex, or embarrass
detachment
the state of being objective or aloof
carricature
an exaggerated portrayal of one's features
forgo
(v.) to do without, abstain from, give up
disingenuous
insincere
discerning
mentally quick and observant; having insight
furnace
an enclosed chamber in which heat is produced to heat buildings, destroy refuse, smelt or refine ores, etc.
hithero
until now
disabuse
(v.) to free from deception or error, set right in ideas or thinking
desiccate
to dry out
rebut
to refute
desuetude
state of disuse
discrepancy
difference
Section 6
(50 cards)
pivotal
(adj.) vitally important, essential
inalienable
not able to be taken away or transferred to others
ebullient
enthusiastic
emulate
to imitate
intrinsic
(adj.) belonging to someone or something by its very nature, essential, inherent; originating in a bodily organ or part
ahistorical
lacking historical perspective or context
intractable
stubborn; obstinate; hard to move forward
explicate
(v.) to make plain or clear, explain; to interpret
exigency
urgency, pressure; urgent demand, pressing need; an emergency
innocuous
harmless
extraneous
(adj.) coming from the outside, foreign; present but not essential, irrelevant
attenuation
the decrease or loss of virulence
disinterested
unbiased
immured
imprisoned
penitential
relating to or expressing penitence or penance; feeling regret/sorry
proclivity
a natural inclination
irresolute
unable to make up one's mind
complaisant
overly polite; willingness to comply with the wishes of others
inimical
hostile, unfriendly
explicit
definite, clearly stated
fastidious
very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail; difficult to please
panache
flamboyance or dash in style and action; verve; showy
loquacious
talkative
diminution
lessening; reduction in size
igneous
produced by fire; volcanic
circumscribe
to limit
inadvertent
resulting from or marked by lack of attention; unintentional, accidental
dispassionate
unemotional
exacerbate
to make worse
obviate
to anticipate and prevent; to remove, dispose of
immutable
unchangeable
idiosyncrasy
a peculiarity that serves to distinguish or identify
exacting
demanding perfection; strict
rapport
a close and positive relationship
fatuous
silly, foolish
disparate
different
eclectic
a person who derives ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
obdurate
stubborn; unyielding
disapprobation
disapproval
misnomer
a wrong or inaccurate use of a name or term.
idolatry
worship of idols
impetuous
rash, impulsive
euphonic
having a nice sound; pleasant combination of sounds in words
antithetical
Directly opposed, opposite; involving antithesis (the rhetorical act of placing two phrases opposite one another for contrast, as in love me or hate me)
laudable
worthy of praise
incongruous
(adj.) not in keeping, unsuitable, incompatible
garrulous
talkative
proteges
n. someone whose welfare or career is guided and helped by a more influential person
pellucid
transparent; clear
arbitrary
(adj.) unreasonable; based on one's wishes or whims without regard for reason or fairness
Section 7
(50 cards)
rarefied
less dense; of, relating to, or interesting to a select group; refined
enervate
to weaken
dissemble
(v.) to disguise or conceal, deliberately give a false impression
elegy
a sad or mournful poem
anarchy
(n) a lack of government and law
sartorial
pertaining to tailors
synoptic
general in view
extrapolation
the act of estimation by projecting known information
foment
to arouse or incite
impute to
to attribute to
grandiloquent
pompous or high-flown in speech
stigma
a mark of shame or discredit
probity
honesty, integrity
profligate
wasteful and immoral
doctrinaire
rigidly devoted to theories without regard for practicality; dogmatic
efficacy
effectiveness
volubility
talkativeness
effrontery
shameless boldness
gainsay
to deny, contradict, controvert; to dispute, oppose
syntactical
of or relating to or conforming to the rules of syntax
dissonance
Unpleasant or unharmonious sound
prodigality
wasteful extravagance in spending
elicit
(v.) to draw forth, bring out from some source (such as another person)
forestall
to prevent by acting first
taciturn
(adj.) habitually silent or quiet, inclined to talk very little
effete
(adj.) lacking in wholesome vigor or energy; worn-out or exhausted; sterile or unable to produce; out-of-date
profundity
great depth of intellect, feeling, or meaning
prodigal
wasteful
quixotic
overly idealistic; impractical
facetious
(adj.) humorous, not meant seriously
tendentious
intended to promote a particular point of view, doctrine, or cause; biased or partisan
prolixity
tedious wordiness; verbosity
erudite
(adj.) scholarly, learned, bookish, pedantic
vociferous
loud and noisy
recalcitrant
stubbornly disobedient, resisting authority
amalgamate
to combine
frugal
(adj.) economical, avoiding waste and luxury; thrifty
fulminate
to attack loudly; denounce
resolved
determined
polemical
causing debate or argument; controversial
ascetic
practicing self-denial; austere
extant
still existing
vapid
(adj.) dull, uninteresting, tiresome; lacking in sharpness, flavor, liveliness, or force
verbose
wordy, very talkative
fledgling
inexperienced; novice
endemic
native; confined to a particular country or area
equanimity
(n.) calmness, composure, refusal to panic
esoteric
(adj.) intended for or understood by only a select few, private, secret
pithy
brief and full of meaning and substance; concise
euphemism
An indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant
Section 8
(50 cards)
occlude
to stop up; to prevent the passage of
inveterate
firmly established, long-standing; habitual
penury
poverty
oscillate
to move back and forth
hyperbole
exaggeration
insularity
narrow-mindedness; isolation
opprobrium
(n.) disgrace arising from shameful conduct; contempt, reproach
invective
abusive language
insensible
unconscious; unresponsive
inured to
accustom (someone) to something, especially something unpleasant
inchoate
in an initial stage; not fully formed
meretricious
apparently attractive but having in reality no value or integrity
mitigate
to make less severe
ostentatious
showy, pretentious
levity
lack of seriousness
harangue
noisy, attacking speech
imperturbable
(adj.) not easily excited; emotionally steady
onerous
burdensome; heavy; hard to endure
histrionic
overly dramatic
paucity
scarcity; lack
magnanimity
generosity
neophyte
(n.) a new convert, beginner, novice
inert
unable to act or move; inactive; sluggish
gregarious
sociable
ingenuous
innocent, simple; frank, sincere
confound
to confuse
implacable
unable to be calmed down or made peaceful; inflexible
lassitude
lack of energy
insinuate
to suggest or hint slyly; to edge into something indirectly
impassive
showing no emotion
fractious
(adj.) tending to be troublesome; unruly, quarrelsome, contrary; unpredictable
irascible
easily angered
lethargic
sluggish
officious
meddling; excessively forward in offering services or assuming authority
pedantic
tending to show off one's learning
mendacious
(adj.) given to lying or deception; untrue
impervious
not affected or hurt by; admitting of no passage or entrance
heterodox
not in agreement with accepted beliefs; holding unorthodox opinions
penchant
a strong liking
sensuous
appealing to the senses
inudate
(v.) to flood, overflow; to overwhelm by numbers or size
partisan
one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party
austere
severe or stern in appearance; undecorated
asperity
(n.) roughness, severity; bitterness or tartness
malinger
to evade responsibility by pretending to be ill
sensual
relating to the senses, gratifying the physical (sexual) senses
indolent
lazy
morose
having a gloomy or sullen manner; not friendly or sociable
pathological
departing from normal condition
nonplus
bring to halt by confusion; perplex
Section 9
(50 cards)
soporific
(adj.) tending to cause sleep, relating to sleepiness or lethargy; (n.) something that induces sleep
repudiate
to reject
tenuous
having little substance or strength; very weak or slight
pervasive
to spread throughout
peripheral
on the edge, not important
sporadic
occurring irregularly
provident
preparing for the future; providing for the future
precarious
Dangerous; risky; lacking in security or stability
tacit
unspoken, silent; implied, inferred
quiescent
quiet; still; inactive
petulant
peevish, annoyed by trifles, easily irritated and upset
salutary
beneficial
reverent
deeply respectful
rescind
to cancel
proliferate
to reproduce, increase, or spread rapidly
platitude
a trite or obvious remark
sentient
aware; conscious; able to perceive
propensity
(n.) a natural inclination or predilection toward
tractable
(adj.) easily managed, easy to deal with; easily wrought, malleable
puissant
powerful, mighty
perfunctory
done without care; in a routine fashion
peevish
easily irritated or annoyed
precipitate
(adj.) characterized by excessive haste; (n.)the product of an action or process
phlegmatic
calm and unemotional in temperament; sluggish
propriety
(n) the state of being proper, appropriateness; (pl) standards of what is proper or socially acceptable
servile
(adj.) of or relating to a slave; behaving like or suitable for a slave or a servant, menial; lacking spirit or independence, abjectly submissive
salubrious
healthy
prevaricate
to deliberately avoid the truth; to mislead
truculence
aggressiveness, ferocity
presumptuous
too forward or bold; overstepping proper bounds
recant
(v.) to withdraw a statement or belief to which one has previously been committed, renounce, retract
placate
to appease, soothe, pacify
recondite
difficult to understand; profound
propitiate
to conciliate; to appease
specious
deceptively attractive; seemingly plausible but fallacious
reticent
reserved; not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily
solicitous
concerned and attentive; eager
striated
striped
perfidious
disloyal
reprise
a recurrence, renewal, or resumption of an action
tangential
(adj) only slightly relevant, going off topic
torpor
laziness; inactivity; dullness
piety
religious devotion
stolid
not easily moved mentally or emotionally; dull, unresponsive
reprobate
morally unprincipled person
strident
loud and harsh
supposition
something that is assumed or taken for granted without conclusive evidence
plethora
excess
pristine
untouched; uncorrupted
tortuous
(adj.) winding, twisted, crooked; highly involved, complex; devious
Section 10
(50 cards)
asylum
a place of retreat or security
querulous
habitually complaining
precocious
(adj.) showing unusually early development (especially in talents and mental capacity)
wary
cautious, doubtful to sth
antediluvian
prehistoric
vituperative
(adj.) harshly abusive, severely scolding
ardor
passion
prescient
having foresight
banal
hackneyed, trite, commonplace
languid
(adj.) drooping; without energy, sluggish
predilection
preference
wistful
having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing
restive
restless
calamity
disaster
chortle
to chuckle
gossamer
(adj.) thin, light, delicate, insubstantial; (n.) a very thin, light cloth
intimate
to suggest something subtly
visage
face
vexation
discomfort or distress
impertinent
rude and disrespectful
vivisection
operation on a living animal for scientific investigation
vaunted
(adj.) much boasted about in a vain or swaggering way
vogue
fashion
incisive
(adj.) sharp, keen, penetrating (with a suggestion of decisiveness and effectiveness)
complacent
self-satisfied
venality
the condition of being susceptible to bribes or corruption
hackneyed
used so often as to lack freshness or originality
tenacious
Holding fast; holding together firmly; persistent
virtuoso
highly skilled artist
turgid
(adj.) swollen, bloated, filled to excess; overdecorated or excessive in language
engender
cause
gall
bold, impudent behavior
inexorable
impossible to stop or prevent
maintain
to assert
clairvoyant
able to see the future
untenable
(adj.) not capable of being held or defended, indefensible; impossible to maintain
volatile
(adj.) highly changeable, fickle; tending to become violent or explosive; changing readily from the liquid to the gaseous state
perdify
faithlessness, treachery
susceptible
(adj.) open to; easily influenced; lacking in resistance
culminate
(v.) to reach a high point of development; to end, climax
superfluous
exceeding what is sufficient or required, excess
germane
(adj.) relevant, appropriate, apropos, fitting
veracious
honest; truthful
in breach of
in violation of
valedictory
pertaining to a farewell
vortex
whirpool, center of turbulence
spiteful
full of spite or malice; malicious; malevolent
entrenched
fixed firmly or securely
lambast
criticize severely or angrily
welter
wallow or roll, toss about, be in turmoil
Section 11
(50 cards)
vaunt
to boast; to brag about
supplant
to take the place of, supersede
treatise
article treating a subject systematically and thoroughly
stupefy
to stun, baffle, or amaze
sundry
various
sylvan
related to the woods or forest
succor
assistance and support in times of hardship and distress
suppliant
a person making a humble plea to someone in power or authority
translucent
Allowing light to pass through
subpoena
a court order requiring appearance and/or testimony
travesty
(n.) a grotesque or grossly inferior imitation; a disguise, especially the clothing of the opposite sex; (v.) to ridicule by imitating in a broad or burlesque fashion
stultify
cause to lose enthusiasm and initiative, especially as a result of a tedious or restrictive routine; to make ineffective or useless, cripple; to have a dulling effect on
travail
Painful effort
tumid
swollen, distended
taxonomy
science of classification, especially in organisms
strut
to swagger, display to impress others
undulating
moving in waves
transient
(adj.) lasting only a short time, fleeting; (n.) one who stays only a short time
rendezvous
meeting
suffrage
the right to vote
vacuous
lacking ideas or intelligence; empty
distended
Enlarged or expanded from pressure
Usury
the practice of lending money at exorbitant rates
turbid
Cloudy; confused
timbre
quality of sound
vendetta
a prolonged feud, often between two families, characterized by retaliatory acts of revenge; any act motivated by vengeance
trepidation
(n.) fear, fright, trembling
albeit
although, even though
supine
lying on the back
unfeigned
sincere, real, without pretense
Syllogism
A form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.
tryst
a secret meeting of lovers
tutelary
serving as a guardian or protector
beseeching
begging; asking earnestly
tout
to publicly praise or promote
commencement
the beginning; graduation ceremonies
stygian
dark and gloomy, hellish
terrestrial
relating to the land
variegated
varied; marked with different colors
staunch
loyal and committed in attitude
tremulous
shaking or quivering slightly
toady
one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors
tenet
(n.) an opinion, belief, or principle held to be true
untoward
not favorable; unlucky
prosecute
(v.) to bring before a court of law for trial; to carry out
thespian
an actor or actress
anomie
lack of the usual social or ethical standards in an individual or group
tautology
unnecessary repetition
uncanny
strange, mysterious, weird, beyond explanation
usurious
adj. Taking unlawful or exorbitant interest on money loaned.
Section 12
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reparation
a payment made for a wrong or an injury
solvent
able to pay one's debts
rue
to regret
repine
to complain
renege
to go back on one's word
simile
A comparison using "like" or "as"
sordid
arousing moral contempt; characterized by filth, grime, or squalor; foul
besmirch
to make dirty; to stain
sinuous
winding, having many curves; lithe and flexible
recoco
excessively ornate; highly decorated; style of architecture in 18th century Europe
somatic
pertaining to the body (as opposed to mind)
sobriety
seriousness
refractory
stubborn
riposte
retaliatory action or retort, a quick, clever reply to an insult or criticism; reverge
sinecure
(n.) a position requiring little or no work; an easy job
refulgent
(adj.) shining, radiant, resplendent
satyr
a creature that is half-man, half beast, with the horns and legs of a goat; a man who has strong sexual desires.
squalor
filthy, wretched condition
subterfuge
an excuse or trick for escaping or hiding something; deceit
liquidate
to pay a debt, settle an account; to eliminate
remonstrate
(v.) to argue or plead with someone against something, protest against, object to
schematic
relating to an outline or diagram; using a system of symbols
subside
settle down; descend; grow quiet
stint
(v.) to limit, be sparing or frugal; (n.) a limit or restriction; a fixed share of work or duty; a period of activity
sedition
behavior that promotes rebellion or civil disorder against the state
lascivious
lustful
secrete
produce and release substance into organism
abstruse
difficult to understand
regale
to entertain
sardonic
cynical; scornfully mocking
redoubtable
inspiring fear or awe; illustrious, eminent
soliloquy
A long speech expressing the thoughts of a character alone on stage
stratum
layer
salacious
lascivious, lustful
hedonist
pleasure seeker
saturnine
(adj.) of a gloomy or surly disposition; cold or sluggish in mood
stanch
to stop the flow of
stentorian
extremely loud
simian
apelike, relating to apes
sodden
(adj.) soaked with liquid or moisture; expressionless, dull; spiritless, listless
spendthrift
one who spends money wastefully
stratified
arranged in layers
retaliatory
avenging
ruse
trick
corporeal
having to do with the body or the physical world
intricate
complicated; difficult to understand
seismic
relating to earthquakes
staccato
detached or disconnected in sound or style
sidereal
relating to the stars
stricture
a restraint or limit
Section 13
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jubilant
extremely joyful, happy
quotidian
everyday; commonplace
forlorn
(adj.) totally abandoned and helpless; sad and lonely; wretched or pitiful; almost hopeless
diabolic
devilish
dissection
act or process of dividing, taking apart
tantamount to
equivalent to
underwrite
to support financially
screed
an abusive rant (often tedious)
indict
to charge with a crime; accuse
haughty
arrogant, condescending
bulimic
relating to, characterized by, or suffering from an eating disorder marked by bouts of overeating, followed by fasting or vomiting.
voracious
(adj.) having a huge appetite, greedy, ravenous; excessively eager
mesmerize
(v.) to hypnotize, entrance; to fascinate, enthrall, bewitch
pine
to yearn intensely and persistently especially for something unattainable
lament
to express sorrow; to grieve
defray
to pay for
demean
To cause a lowering of self-esteem; to lower in reputation or character.
retiring
to be shy, and to be inclined to retract from company
adjourn
to stop proceedings temporarily
zenith
the highest point
disaffected
rebellious, resentful of authority
indignant
feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
unnerve
to make nervous or upset
arrant
complete, utter (usually negative); e.g. arrant fool
macabre
(adj.) grisly, gruesome; horrible, distressing; having death as a subject
affable
(adj.) courteous and pleasant, sociable, easy to speak to
dupe
(v.) to deceive, to trick; (n.) a victim of deception.
pinnacle
a high peak or point
err
to make a mistake
acme
the highest point
serendipity
luck, finding good things without looking for them
stipend
fixed salary
vehement
(adj.) intense, forceful, powerful
insolvent
unable to pay debts owed
susceptible
(adj.) open to; easily influenced; lacking in resistance; amenable, compliant
tender
to offer formally
jingoism
extreme, chauvinistic patriotism, often favoring an aggressive, warlike foreign policy
profuse
(adj.) very abundant; given or flowing freely
contrive
to plan cleverly; to devise; to design
hound
pursue relentlessly; dog
slapdash
careless and hasty
vindicate
to clear from blame
apostate
one who forsakes his or her religion, party, or cause
thrifty
showing care with how money and resources are spent or used
nadir
lowest point
feckless
careless or irresponsible
ponderous
Heavy and slow moving
vilify
slander
embroiled
involved in conflict
redimentary
basic
Section 14
(50 cards)
parvenu
someone newly wealthy
pariah
an outcast
mellifluous
Sweetly flowing or sounding
poise
great coolness and composure under strain
upstart
person who has suddenly risen to wealth and power, especially if he or she is conceited and unpleasant
cow
to intimidate
supercilious
proud and contemptuous; showing scorn because of a feeling of superiority
fell
vicious and cruel
penurious
miserly, stingy; lack money
phantasmagorical
illusive; unreal
conciliate
to reconcile, to pacify, to renew a friendship
bilious
bad tempered; cross
berate
to scold sharply
egregious
outstandingly bad
cupidity
greed for money or possessions
kowtow
act in an excessively subservient manner
exegesis
critical interpretation
malfeasance
misconduct or wrongdoing, especially by a public official
juggernaut
(n.) a massive and inescapable force or object that crushes whatever is in its path
sybarite
a person devoted to pleasure and luxury
Zeitgeist
(n.) - the spirit of the time
venial
easily excused; pardonable
valor
bravery
imbibe
(v.) to drink; to take in, absorb
excoriate
to criticize severely
hector
to bully; to pester
pyrrhic
won at too great a cost to have been worthwhile for the victor.
execrate
denounce or curse
sangfroid
composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances
factitious
artificial; produced artificially; sham; false; Ex. factitious tears
fortitude
courage in facing difficulties
impecunious
poor
factious
causing disagreement; internal dissension
turpitude
depravity
indigent
poor
mettlesome
full of courage and fortitude
anathema
(n.) an object of intense dislike; a curse or strong denunciation (often used adjectivally without the article)
mulct
defraud or swindle; to cheat
untoward
not favorable, troublesome, unruly
overweening
presumptuous; arrogant
expansive
(of a person) outgoing and sociable; broad and extensive; able to increase in size
jaundiced
prejudiced due to envy; hostile
arriviste
noun: a person who has recently reached a position of power; a social climber Synonyms : nouveau-riche , parvenu , upstart
choleric
easily angered
expunge
to erase, obliterate, destroy
vituperate
to abuse verbally; berate
vicissitude
a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant
quisling
traitor
chary
(adj.) extremely cautious, hesitant, or slow (to); reserved, diffident, suspiciously reluctant to do sth.
imbroglio
a difficult and embarrassing situation; complicated situation, an entanglement
Section 15
(50 cards)
apotheosis
raising to god status
gaunt
(adj.) thin and bony, starved looking; bare, barren
vicarious
experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person
hodgepodge
Mixture of different kinds of things, jumble
peremptory
not allowing refusal or delay; imperative; bossy
arch
deliberately or affectedly playful and teasing.
peruse
(v.) to read thoroughly and carefully
extenuating
(adj) excusing, lessening the seriousness of guilt or crime, e.g., of mitigating factors
expurgate
(v.) to remove objectionable passages or words from a written text; to cleanse, purify
pugnacious
quarrelsome, fond of fighting
jejune
(adj.) lacking flavor, dull; lacking in interest or substance; immature, juvenile
sententious
(adj.) self-righteous, characterized by moralizing; given to use of maxims or adages; saying much in few words, pithy
inundate
(v.) to flood, overflow; to overwhelm by numbers or size
indigenous
native to a certain area
heyday
the period of greatest power, vigor, success, or influence; the prime years
ferret
to search or drive out
amok
in a frenzied or uncontrolled state
emaciated
abnormally thin or weak, especially because of illness or a lack of food.
hedge
to avoid giving a clear answer, thereby escaping responsibility or blame
blinkered
to have a limited outlook or understanding
remiss
neglectful in performance of one's duty, careless
exhort
(v.) to urge strongly, advise earnestly
telltale
revealing
cogent
clear, logical, and convincing.
cadaverous
pale, gaunt, resembling a corpse
demure
(adj.) sober or serious in manner, modest
errant
wandering or straying
scintillating
(adj., part.) sparkling, twinkling, exceptionally brilliant (applied to mental or personal qualities)
benighted
being in a state of intellectual darkness; ignorant; unenlightened
malapropism
the mistaken substitution of one word for another word that sounds similar ("The doctor wrote a subscription.")
pittance
a small amount
swindle
to cheat out of money or property
schadenfreude
noun: joy from watching the suffering of others
defraud
to cheat
gerrymander
to divide an area into voting districts in a way that favors a political party
martinet
a strict disciplinarian; a stickler for the rules
pollyannaish
extremely optimistic
maudlin
overly sentimental
curmudgeon
cranky person
sanguine
cheerful; optimistic
replete
full; abundant
corroborate
to confirm (with evidence)
protean
versatile, ready to take different roles
denunciatory
Of an accusing or condemning nature
sanctimonious
affectedly holy
palimpsest
noun: something that has been changed numerous times but on which traces of former iterations can still be seen
picayune
(adj.) of little value or importance, paltry, measly; concerned with trifling matters, small-minded
junta
a military group ruling a country after seizing power
checkered
marked by disreputable or unfortunate happenings
bleak
depressing, discouraging, harsh, cold, barren, raw
Section 16
(50 cards)
semitic
A term referring to Semites, a number of peoples of the ancient Near East, from whom the Israelites descended (in Asia)
fleece
to deceive
posthumous
occurring or published after death
cognomen
family name; any name, especially a nickname
allegory
a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
arrogate
to claim or take without right
transmute
(v.) to change from one nature, substance, or form to another
Elysian
delightful; blissful; heavenly
propagandist
someone who spreads ideas
reprehensible
deserving blame or punishment
flush
to be in abundance
mould
container into which liquid is poured to create a given shape when it hardens
dialectic
logical argument
solipsistic
believing that oneself is all that exists
didactic
instructive
preordained
determined in advance
ethereal
extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world
moment
importance in influence or effect
raft
a large number of something
beatific
blissfully happy
pejorative
expressing contempt or disapproval
obfuscate
to confuse; to bewilder
nascent
beginning to exist or develop
ascribe to
to attribute to
affective
relating to moods, feelings, and attitudes.
becoming
appropriate, and matches nicely
passe
out of date
imponderable
difficult to ponder
seraphic
(adj.) angelic, heavenly, celestial
injunction
An order which legally prevents something
preemptive
adjective: done before someone else can do it
ad infinitum
endlessly
badger
to pester, nag, annoy persistently
syncretistic
composed of differing systems of belief
lampoon
to ridicule with satire
dictum
authoritative statement
husband
to manage economically; to use sparingly
aboveboard
open and honest
crucible
a severe test or trial
Hellenic
Greek
heuristic
a simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make judgments and solve problems efficiently; enabling a person to discover or learn something for themselves.
virago
an ill-tempered or violent woman
apologia
defense of one's opinions or conduct
periphrastic
expressed in a roundabout way; circumlocutory
sui generis
unique, of its own kind, in a class by itself
forestall
to prevent by acting first
refined
very polite or cultured
ersatz
Artificial, synthetic; being an inferior substitute
lambaste
to trash verbally or physically
stymy
hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of; thwart
Section 17
(50 cards)
mawkish
excessively and objectionably sentimental
dilettante
someone with an amateurish and superficial interest in a topic
rebuke
to criticize sharply
vivacious
lively, sprightly, full of energy
zoogenic
produced by or originating in animals
herbivore
A consumer that eats only plants.
vivarium
A place, such as a laboratory, where live animals or plants are kept under conditions simulating their natural environment, as for research.
destitute
extremely poor
autodidact
self-taught person
lionize
to assign great social importance to; to treat as a celebrity
conviviality
sociability; the state of being merry
viscous
thick; sticky
xenophile
a person who is attracted to foreign peoples, cultures, or customs
vista
a broad view; outlook
galvanize
to excite or arouse action
impudent
rude, bold, improperly forward
winsome
(adj.) charming, attractive, pleasing (often suggesting a childlike charm and innocence)
eschew
to avoid, shun, keep away from
zoolatry
worship of animals
virilism
development of masculine physical traits in a female
inter (verb.)
place (a corpse) in a grave or tomb, typically with funeral rites.
misconstrue
to interpret wrongly, mistake the meaning of
devolve
deputize; pass or be passed to others (power, work, or property); grow worse (~ into)
volitive
expressing a wish or permission
curriculum vitae
CV; A brief list of the main details about a person, including name, address, qualifications and experience.
imprudent
unwise
protege
a person under the guidance or training of another
verity
truth
volution
rolling, turning
askance
(adv.) with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval
posit
to assume as real or conceded; propose as an explanation
virile
masculine; manly
virility
manly character, vigor, or spirit; masculinity.
verisimilitude
the appearance of being true or real
vindictive
revengeful
maladroit
clumsy
irrevocable
incapable of being changed or called back
furtive
secretive; stealthy
ignominious
deserving or causing public disgrace or shame
sacrosanct
(adj.) very sacred or holy; inviolable; set apart or immune from questioning or attack
veracity
accuracy; truthfulness
Inference
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
omnivorous
eating every kind of food; eagerly taking in everything, having a wide variety of tastes
duress
(n.) compulsion by threat; forcible confinement
carnivore
A consumer that eats only animals.
volition
will; conscious choice
intrepid
fearless
polemic
controversy; argument; verbal attack
credible
believable; reliable
veritable
(adj.) actual, true, real
Section 18
(50 cards)
abut
to join at one end or be next to
viatical
relating to a road or traveling
acquiesce
accept something reluctantly but without protest
abash
to embarrass
accord (verb.)
give or grant someone (power, status, or recognition).
abnegation
denial of comfort to oneself
addle
make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; become rotten (egg)
abominate
to have an intense dislike or hatred for
accede
to agree
acclaim
praise
addendum
(n.) a thing that is added; an appendix or addition to a book or written document
adhor
to regard with horror or loathing; to hate deeply
abase
(v.) to lower in esteem, degrade; to humble
abrasive
rough; coarse; harsh
abridge
to shorten
acquittal
a judgment of not guilty
absolve
(v.) to clear from blame, responsibility, or guilt
commotion
disturbance
adjuration
solemn urging
convection
The transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or movement of a liquid or gas
acumen
shrewdness shown by keen insight
adjutant
staff officer assisting the commander; assistant
untramundane
exceeding beyond the world or universe
acidulous
Slightly acid or sour; sharp or caustic
typal
relating to or serving as a type
aboriginal
being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native; indigenous; N. aborigine
acrid
harsh in taste or odor; sharp in manner or temper
verbiage
overabundance of words
abrogate
(v.) to repeal, cancel, declare null and void
urbane
refined in manner or style
adage
a proverb, wise saying
declivity
downward slope
azure
The blue color of a cloudless sky
acuity
(n.) sharpness (particularly of the mind or senses)
unanimity
in complete agreement
via media
the middle course or way
ablution
washing of the body, especially as a ritual purification
proverbial
well-known because widely repeated
turbulent
disorderly, riotous, violent; stormy
accolade
tribute; honor; praise; award of merit
verbatim
word for word
adherent
(n.) a follower, supporter; (adj.) attached, sticking to
accost
approach and address (someone) boldly or aggressively.
accoutre
clothe or equip in something noticeable or impressive.
contravene
to violate or go against
abet
to assist or encourage, especially in wrongdoing
actuarial
pertaining to insurance statistics
acclivity
upward slope
actuate
to motivate; to move to action
urbanite
city dweller
Section 19
(50 cards)
epistemology
study of knowledge
affiliation
joining; associating with
teleology
the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by postulated causes.
etiology
study of the cause of disease; causes or origins
quorum
The minimum number of members who must be present for business to be conducted in Congress
emanate
to come out from a source
aegis
(n.) protection; patronage; sponsorship
adventitious
(adj.) resulting from chance rather than from an inherent cause or character; accidental, not essential
pungent
causing a sharp sensation; stinging, biting; to the point
adroit
skillful, expert in the use of the hands or mind
advert
turn attention; refer
impugn
(v.) to call into question; to attack as false
putative
supposed; reputed to be
casanova
a man who is amorously and gallantly attentive to women; a promiscuous man.
countenance
approve or tolerate (v); Facial expression or face (n)
raconteur
witty, skillful storyteller
query
to question, ask, inquire
emancipate
to set free
affix
to attach
adverse
unfavorable; harmful
evocative
calling forth a vivid image or impression; e.g. evocative of sth
adorn
to decorate
exert
to put forth or bring to bear
rebus
puzzle in which pictures give clues
rotunda
A circular domed building or hall
modicum
a small amount
chimerical
(adj.) absurd; wildly fantastic; impossible
epicurean
Devoted to the pursuit of pleasure
ramshackle
(adj.) appearing ready to collapse, loose and shaky
ubiquitous
present or existing everywhere
advent
(n.) an arrival; a coming into place or view
rationale
fundamental reason
raiment
clothing, garments
aerie
a nest built high in the air; an elevated, often secluded, dwelling
purport
(v.) to profess, suppose, claim; (n.) meaning intended or implied
vagary
unpredictable action or behavior
ramification
consequence; implication
bemuse
to confuse or bewilder
inference
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
affiliction
anything causing great suffering
rail
to scold with bitter or abusive language
adulation
praise or flattery that is excessive
propulsion
the action of driving or pushing forward.
lothario
rake; seducer; lover
solecism
nonstandard grammatical usage, a violation of grammatical rules; a socially awkward act
nomenclature
naming system
decry
(v.) to condemn, express strong disapproval; to officially depreciate
interpolate
to insert; change by adding new words or material
ancillary
helping; providing assistance; subordinate
pusillanimous
contemptibly cowardly
Section 20
(50 cards)
mundane
ordinary; worldly
negate
(v.) to nullify, deny, bring to nothing
thermoduric
heat resistant
premonition
(n.) forewarning or foreboding of a future event
physiognomy
(n.) - the art of judging human character from facial features
imperative
of vital importance, crucial; giving an authoritative command, peremptory.
perigee
point in an orbit that is closest to the earth
piquant
(adj.) stimulating to the taste or mind; spicy, pungent; appealingly provocative
porous
(adj.) full of tiny holes; able to be penetrated by air or water
patois
jargon; a regional dialect
necromancy
black magic
plumb
to examine deeply; determine the depth
primordial
original; existing from the beginning
quibble
to argue over insignificant and irrelevant details
quail
to shrink with fear; to cower; to lose heart and courage
placid
calm, peaceful
oligarchy
A government ruled by a few powerful people
onomatopoeia
A word that imitates the sound it represents.
panegyric
elaborate praise; formal hymn of praise
protract
to prolong
toponym
The name given to a portion of Earth's surface.
presage
to foretell; indicate in advance
peregrination
wandering from place to place
poseur
someone who puts on an act
paleontology
the scientific study of fossils
topos
a traditional theme or formula in literature
tremolo
rapid repetition of a tone or chord, without apparent breaks, to express emotion
pallid
lacking color or liveliness
nexus
a link, tie, or bond; center
perennial
lasting for a long time
olfactory
relating to the sense of smell
permeable
Able to be passed or soaked through
plasticity
ability to be shaped or formed
thermolabile
Easily affected or changed by heat
plummet
fall suddenly and steeply
paean
a song of praise, joy, or triumph
neologism
new word or expression
qualm
(n.) a pang of conscience, uneasiness, misgiving, or doubt; a feeling of faintness or nausea; an uneasy feeling about the rightness of actions
ornithologist
scientist who studies birds
transmogrify
change of form
chagrin
embarrassment; a complete loss of courage
obsequies
funeral rites or ceremonies
multifarious
diverse
contort
to twist, wrench, or bend severely out of shape
nugatory
trifling; invalid
pique
(n.) fleeting feeling of hurt pride; (v.) to provoke
torsion
act of twisting; stress due to twisting forces exerted on a body
plaintive
(adj.) expressive of sorrow or woe, melancholy
quagmire
a swamp; a difficult situation
therapeutic
(adj.) having the power to heal or cure; beneficial
Section 21
(50 cards)
nostrum
medicine or remedy of doubtful effectiveness
inveigle
to obtain by deception or flattery
internecine
deadly to both sides
litany
lengthy recitation; repetitive chant
Reductionism
the reduction of complex systems to simpler components that are more manageable to study
minatory
Menacing; threatening
implode
burst inward, collapse inward violently
incursion
sudden invasion
minutiae
small or trivial details, trifling matters
imprecation
curse; damnation
sullen
bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy
mendicant
beggar
libertine
a free thinker, usually used disparagingly; one without moral restraint
maelstrom
(n.) a whirlpool of great size and violence; a situation resembling a whirlpool in violence and destruction
machination
an evil design or plan
meticulous
extremely careful; particular about details
mnemonic
(adj.) relating to or designed to assist the memory; (n.) a device to aid the memory
encroach
(v.) to advance beyond the usual or proper limits, trespass
implausible
not believable
harrowing
extremely distressing; terrifying
magalomania
delusions of greatness
impinge
to strike; to encroach; to trespass
meteorological
concerned with the weather
lucre
money or profits
jibe
to be in agreement
miscreant
villain; criminal
ineluctable
not to be avoided or escaped; inevitable
insouciant
indifferent; lacking concern or care
inveigh
(v.) to make a violent attack in words, express strong disapproval
latent
hidden, present but not realized
kudos
fame; glory; honor
interdict
to forbid, to prohibit
itinerant
traveling from place to place
itinerary
a route of travel; a record of travel; a guidebook
militate
to operate against; work against
monolithic
massive and uniform
invidious
offensive, hateful; tending to cause bitterness and resentment
lilliputian
extremely small
limn
to draw, describe
literati
scholarly of learned persons
mettle
courage; endurance
managerie
collection of wild animals
minuscule
extremely small
insuperable
insurmountable; unconquerable
lustrous
shining
interregnum
interval between reigns; gap in continuity
microcosm
a miniature world or universe; a group or system viewed as the model of a larger group or system
jocose
joking; humorous
levee
a wall of earth built to prevent a river from flooding its banks
motley
(adj.) showing great variety; composed of different elements or many colors; (n.) a jester's costume; a jester
Section 22
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expository
explanatory
grouse
to complain
crevice
a narrow crack
hieroglyphics
An ancient Egyptian writing system in which pictures were used to represent ideas and sounds; writing or symbols that are difficult to decipher; symbols used in advanced mathematics
fidelity
faithfulness, loyalty; exact correspondence
fiat
(n.) an arbitrary order or decree; a command or act of will or consciousness; authorization
fauna
all the animal life in a particular region
herbivorous
plant-eating
flag
to droop; grow weak
founder
to sink; fail; collapse
flourish
(v.) to grow, thrive, be prosperous; to wave in the air; (n.) a dramatic gesture, an embellishment or ornamentation
forswear
renounce; repudiate
gauche
(adj.) awkward, lacking in social graces, tactless, clumsy
gambol
to frolic; to romp about playfully
filibuster
A lengthy speech designed to delay or kill the vote on a bill; used only in the Senate
fetter
(v.) to bind, confine; (n.) a chain or shackle placed on the feet
frieze
ornamental band on a wall
guileless
free of cunning or deceit; artless
fetid
foul-smelling; putrid
prod
poke; stir up; urge
glib
(adj.) ready and fluent in speech; thoughtless, insincere
flout
to mock, treat with contempt
putrid
rotten and foul smelling
hallowed
holy, sacred
gouge
to tear out; scoop out; overcharge
halcyon
(n.) a legendary bird identified with the kingfisher; (adj.) of or relating to the halcyon; calm, peaceful; happy, golden; prosperous, affluent
fallow
plowed but not seeded; inactive; reddish-yellow; land left unseeded; to plow but not seed
fracas
a noisy quarrel or brawl
droop
bend or hang downward limply
goad
to prod; urge on
expiate
(v.) to make amends, make up for; to avert
fawning
seeking flavor by flattering
guise
an external appearance, cover, mask
fissure
an opening; a groove; a split
florid
(adj.) highly colored, reddish; excessively ornate, showy
hirsute
hairy
facilitate
to make easier
froward
stubbornly contrary; obstinately disobedient
fervor
intense and passionate feeling
forbearance
patient self-control; restraint and tolerance
flora
plants of a region or era
finesse
diplomacy; tact; artful management
factotum
An assistant who does a variety of jobs
fresco
a painting done on plaster
fulsome
so excessive as to be disgusting; disgustingly insincere
offhand
(adj) casual, informal; done without preparation or forethought; rude in a short way, brusque
homeostasis
A tendency to maintain a balanced or constant internal state; the regulation of any aspect of body chemistry, such as blood glucose, around a particular level
geniality
cheerfulness; kindliness; sociability
gustatory
relating to the sense of taste
feral
wild, savage
Section 23
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augment
make (something) greater by adding to it; increase.
myopic
(adj.) nearsighted; lacking a broad, realistic view of a situation; lacking foresight or discernment
estimable
admirable; possible to estimate
encomium
a formal expression of praise, a lavish tribute
distrait
inattentive; preoccupied
extemporaneous
improvised; done without preparation
tongue-in-cheek
humorous or ironic statement not meant to be taken literally
equable
steady; unvarying; serene
rhapsodize
speak or write about someone or something with great enthusiasm and delight.
divulge
(v.) to tell, reveal; to make public
exorcise
(v.) to drive out by magic; to dispose of something troublesome, menacing, or oppressive
extirpate
to tear up by the roots; to destroy totally
contingent
(adj.) likely but not certain to happen, possible; dependent on uncertain events or conditions; happening by chance; (n.) a representative group forming part of a larger body
exonerate
to free from blame
divest
to strip or remove a title or position of authority
expatriate
(v.) to send into exile; (n.) someone who chooses to live outside of, or renounce, his or her native country
entomology
study of insects
indispensable
absolutely necessary, not to be neglected
eugenics
science dealing with improving hereditary qualities
exact
(v.) to demand and obtain by force or authority
doggerel
trivial, poorly constructed verse
evince
(v.) to display clearly, to make evident, to provoke
effervescence
the rapid escape of a gas from a liquid in which it is dissolved; state of high spirits or liveliness
distill
extract the essential elements
expatiate
(v.) to expand on, write or talk at length or in detail; to move about freely
dissident
someone who disagrees
egotistical
Excessively self-absorbed; very conceited
dissolution
the breaking up into parts; termination of a legal bond or contract; denauchery
moribund
(adj.) dying
euthanasia
mercy killing
etymology
the study of word origins
emollient
soothing; mollifying
enunciate
to pronounce clearly
expound
to explain in detail
embolden
to encourage one to be bold or to have courage
morbid
(adj.) in an unhealthy mental state, extremely gloomy; caused by or related to disease, unwholesome
dormant
inactive, sleeping
artful
skillful, clever, tricky
elixir
a supposed remedy for all ailments
dross
refuse, waste products
erratic
(adj.) not regular or consistent; different from what is ordinarily expected; undependable
exalt
to glorify, to praise, to raise in rank
euphoria
A feeling of great happiness or well-being
imminent
about to happen
essay
(v.) to make an attempt; subject to a test
glut
(v.) to provide more than is needed or wanted; to feed or fill to the point of overstuffing; (n.) an oversupply
eulogy
(n.) a formal statement of commendation; high praise
intravenous
within a vein
ineptitude
lack of skill or ability
distend
expand; swell out
Section 24
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bumbling
lacking physical movement skills, especially with the hands
incessant
never stopping, going on all the time
fete
to celebrate a person
pernicious
(adj.) extremely harmful; deadly, fatal
propitious
presenting favorable circumstances
flounder
struggle or stagger helplessly or clumsily in water or mud or in confusion
munificent
very generous
buck
to resist
entice
to attract sb to do sth by offering reward or pleasure (often false or exaggerated)
mendacity
untruthfulness
plodding
walking slowly; working slowly at a boring task
incorrigible
not able to be corrected; beyond control
respite
a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant
prodigious
(adj.) immense; extraordinary in bulk, size, or degree
insolent
showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect
indecorous
not in keeping with good taste and propriety; improper
apocryphal
of doubtful authenticity
efficacious
effective, producing results
moot
(adj.) open to discussion and debate, unresolved, undecidable in a meaningless or irrelevant way
ostracize
to exclude from a group
meander
(v.) to wander about, wind about; (n.) a sharp turn or twist
precept
principle; law; a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.
avid
eager
ingenuity
the quality of being clever, original, and inventive
appreciable
sufficient to be noticed or measured (usually for amount)
inclement
stormy, harsh; severe in attitude or action
blatant
(adj.) noisy in a coarse, offensive way; obvious or conspicuous, especially in an unfavorable sense
apprehension
anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen
hamstrung
verb: made ineffective or powerless
spurn
to refuse with scorn, disdain
poignant
(adj.) deeply affecting, touching; keen or sharp in taste or smell
dilatory
(adj.) tending to delay or procrastinate, not prompt; intended to delay or postpone
unfathomable
difficult or impossible to understand
largess
generosity
ingratiate
(v.) to make oneself agreeable and thus gain favor or acceptance by others (sometimes used in a critical or derogatory sense)
malady
illness
raffish
marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness
prolific
(adj.) abundantly productive; abundant, profuse; intellectually productive
deter
To discourage or prevent from taking action
quandary
a puzzling situation; a dilemma (especially choice between equally unfavorable options)
flux
a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important
haphazard
(adj.) by chance; not planned; lacking order
archaic
ancient; old-fashioned
myriad
a very large number
disenfranchise
deprive of voting rights
guffaw
a loud and boisterous laugh
resurgent
Having a revival, renewing, rising or surging again; rise after defeat
ascendancy
controlling influence; domination
inscrutable
(adj.) incapable of being understood; impossible to see through physically
constituent
a person whom a member of Congress has been elected to represent
Section 25
(50 cards)
confide
to trust (another) with information or a secret
squander
(v.) to spend foolishly, waste
detrimental
harmful
tribulation
sth (especially an event) that causes difficulty and suffering
tawdry
(adj.) showy and flashy, cheap
impending
about to happen
tact
skill in dealing with people in difficult situations, avoiding giving offense
cavalier
given to haughty disregard of others
humdrum
ordinary, dull, routine, without variation
wanton
undisciplined; unrestrained; reckless
perpetuate
to cause to continue; make (something, typically an undesirable situation or an unfounded belief) continue indefinitely.
taxing
use to the limit; exhaust
quip
a witty remark
conductive
tending to cause or bring about
savvy
well-informed; sharp; experienced
exasperate
(v.) to irritate, annoy, or anger
leery
openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
delegate
entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person, typically one who is less senior than oneself.
eke
to live off meager resources, to scrape by
assail
attack
impregnable
immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with
intermittent
occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady
surly
(adj.) angry and bad-tempered; rude
pertinent
(adj.) related to the matter at hand, to the point
malevolent
spiteful, showing ill will
tarnish
make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
tumult
state of chaos, noise and confusion
aphoristic
adjective: something that is concise and instructive of a general truth or principle
ploy
strategem to gain an advantage; tactic; Ex. management ploy
maxim
a general truth or rule of conduct; a short saying
grovel
show submission or fear
benign
kind and gentle; harmless
finagle
achieve something by means of trickery or devious methods
perpetual
never ending or changing
credulity
readiness to believe
foible
a minor character flaw, minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character.
genteel
well-mannered; refined; polite
rakish
carefree; dashing; jaunty
rile
make (someone) annoyed or irritated.
vex
to annoy
rankle
(v.) to cause anger, irritation, or bitterness (with the suggestion that the pain grows worse with time)
brusquely
in a blunt direct manner
collusion
secret agreement or cooperation
irk
to irritate, annoy
smattering
superficial, scattered knowledge; a small amount
connive
to cooperate secretly in wrongdoing; to feign ignorance of wrongdoing
impeccable
flawless
rash
reckless, careless
derogative
expressed as worthless or in negative terms
exemplify
to serve as an example of; clarify by giving an example of
Section 26
(50 cards)
sagacious
wise; having keen perception and sound judgement
besiege
to overwhelm, cause to feel distressed or worried; to surround and attack
veneer
thin covering that hides the underlying substance
cumbersome
(adj.) clumsy, hard to handle; slow-moving, difficult to handle because of size or weight
creditable
deserving of praise but not that amazing
foolhardy
Unwisely bold or daring
obliging
ready to do favors; helpful; courteous
dilapidated
in poor condition from neglect or age
malodorous
bad smelling
behoove
it is a duty or responsibility for someone to do something; it is incumbent on; befits
profusion
abundance
unseemly
not suitable; inappropriate or improper
dispatch
(v.) to send off to accomplish a duty; dispose of rapidly and without delay ; (n.) the property of being prompt and efficient
perspicacious
keen; mentally sharp
cosmopolitan
familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures
epiphany
A moment of sudden revelation or insight
snub
to behave coldly towards, to ignore
cerebral
intellectual (as opposed to emotion)
evenhanded
impartial; fair
industrious
hard-working
fawn
gain favor by extreme flattery
inkling
a hint; a vague notion
deliberate
to think over deeply
relinquish
to let go, give up
amply
adverb: more than is adequate
provisional
conditional; temporary; tentative, not finally or not fully agreed on
prognostication
a statement made about the future
resignation
reluctant acceptance of a bad situation
glean
to gather bit by bit
vie
to compete for
bowdlerize
to remove offensive passages of a play, novel, etc.
cede
to give up
redress
to set right, remedy; relief from wrong or injury
staid
(adj.) serious and dignified; quiet or subdued in character or conduct
incense
to make very angry
perquisite
a privilege that goes along with a job
clemency
mercy; lenience (by administration)
decimation
destroying or killing a large part of the population
hagiographic
excessively flattering toward someone's life or work
excruciating
extremely painful
anemic
lacking vigor or energy
balk
Refuse to proceed or to do something, refuse to comply
debunk
to expose as false (especially while ridiculing)
paradoxical
seemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true
charlatan
one who pretends to have knowledge in order to swindle others
incumbent
(adj.) obligatory, required, necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility. (n.) one who holds a specific office at the time spoken of
recapitulation
summary
begrudge
to resent another's success, to envy; to give reluctantly
morph
to undergo dramatic change in a seamless and barely noticeable fashion
vitriolic
(adj.) bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid)
Section 27
(50 cards)
derelict
(adj.) neglect of one's duty; left abandoned;
recrimination
an accusation made in reply; a counter charge,an accusation in response to one from someone else.
inviolate
must be kept sacred
rapprochement
the reestablishing of cordial relations
tempestuous
characterized by strong and turbulent or conflicting emotion; highly energetic and wildly changing
lugubrious
mournful; gloomy
dovetail
(v.) to fit together exactly; to connect so as to form a whole; (n.) a carpentry figure resembling a dove's tail
portentous
ominously prophetic
firebrand
troublemaker
ossify
1. turn to bone; 2. become fixed and rigid
distress
(n.) extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain (v.) cause (someone) anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
importune
to ask persistently; to beg
stalwart
(adj.) strong and sturdy; brave; resolute; (n.) a brave, strong person; a strong supporter; one who takes an uncompromising position
presentiment
a vague sense of approaching misfortune
surreptitious
(adj.) stealthy, secret, intended to escape observation; made or accomplished by fraud
equitable
fair, just, embodying principles of justice
umbrage
anger caused by offense
pecuniary
relating to money
obstreperous
noisy and difficult to control
incontrovertible
unquestionable, beyond dispute
mordant
(adj.) biting or caustic in thought, manner, or style; sharply or bitterly harsh
hubris
excessive pride
immure
to imprison, to enclose in walls
brook
to tolerate, put up with sth unpleasant
unflappable
having or showing calmness in a crisis
deign
do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
patent
evident or obvious
crestfallen
discouraged, dejected, downcast, brought low in spirit
corollary
(n.) a proposition that follows from one already proven; a natural consequence or result; (adj.) resultant or consequent
peripatetic
wandering from place to place, especially on foot
maunder
to talk or move aimlessly, mutter; wander aimlessly
enjoin
to direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way;
ribald
humorous in a vulgar way
inimitable
not capable of being copied or imitated
temerity
rashness, boldness
gaffe
social blunder
lacerate
to tear or cut roughly; deeply hurt the feelings of
puerile
childish; immature
cosset
Treat as a pet, pamper, treat with excessive indulgence
flummox
to confuse; to perplex
illustrious
(adj.) very famous, distinguished
plucky
brave and spirited; courageous
unforthcoming
uncooperative, not willing to give up information
encumber
to weigh down or burden, hold back
magisterial
having or showing great authority
celerity
swiftness, rapidity of motion or action
hobble
to hold back the progress of something
imperious
(adj.) overbearing, arrogant; seeking to dominate; pressing, compelling
dispensation
a special allowance; privilege from rule or obligation
flippant
(adj.) lacking in seriousness; disrespectful, saucy
Section 28
(50 cards)
unprepossessing
creating an unfavorable or neutral first impression
tyro
beginner; novice
objurgate
rebuke severely; scold, express strong disapproval
chimera
an illusion; a foolish fancy
bastardization
an act that debases or corrupts
besotted
strongly affectionate towards; very drunk
cordial
warm and friendly
noisome
(adj.) offensive or disgusting; foul-smelling; harmful or injurious
doleful
sad; dreary
squelch
To silence or suppress; crush
enormity
great wickedness; an evil act
appurtenant
supplying added support, belonging; pertinent
epigram
witty comment
nettlesome
causing irritation or annoyance
debonair
carefree and self-confident in manner; elegant and gracious, sophisticated charm
browbeat
bully; intimidate
raillery
good-humored ridicule or teasing
complicit
being an accomplice in a wrongful act
bemoan
express discontent or sorrow or regret over
ineffable
inexpressible
untrammeled
not confined or limited
lachrymose
tearful; sad
bristle
to show irritation
recrudesce
to break out or happen again
countermand
(v.) to cancel or reverse one order or command with another that is contrary to the first
gumption
resourcefulness and determination
panacea
a remedy for all ills; cure-all; an answer to all problems
hauteur
haughtiness of manner; disdainful pride (towards lesser kind)
vitriol
cruel and bitter criticism
aplomb
(n.) poise, assurance, great self-confidence under strain
unstinting
very generous
percipient
perceptive; insightful
despot
a dictator with absolute power
afford
to offer, provide
hoary
very old; whitish or gray from age
row
a noisy acrimonious quarrel.
loath to
strongly opposed
solicitude
concern
broadside
a strong verbal attack
artifice
deception; trickery
autocratic
relating to a ruler who has absolute power; taking no account of other people's wishes or opinions; domineering.
pith
the essential or central part
recrudescent
Revival, breaking out into renewed activity
callow
young and inexperienced
surfeit
an excessive amount
embryonic
undeveloped; rudimentary
philistine
a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, or who has no understanding of them.
palaver
prolonged and idle discussion
reprisal
an injury done in return for injury (in wartime)
infelicitous
inappropriate
Section 29
(50 cards)
doughty
brave and persistent
desideratum
something needed and wanted as necessarity
facile
Too simplistic or easy
evanescent
(adj.) vanishing, soon passing away; light and airy
acquiescent
reluctantly agreeable; compliant
conflagration
a large destructive fire
acolyte
a devoted follower or attendant
fecund
intellectually productive
promulgate
to announce; to make known
capitulate
to surrender
aghast
feeling great dismay or horror
baleful
threatening harm; menacing
proselytize
to convert someone to a faith, belief, or cause
agrarian
related to farming
pontificate
speak pompously or dogmatically
accredit
to authorize; to certify; to believe
abhor
to hate
antic
ludicrously odd
enamored
Fond of; feeling love towards
exiguity
the quality of being meager
elegiac
Expressing sorrow or lamentation
trenchant
(adj.) incisive, keen; forceful, effective; cutting, caustic; distinct, clear-cut
desiccated
dried up; uninteresting
slanting
slope or lean in a particular direction; The use of certain words or information that results in a biased view point.
pillory
(v.) to expose to public contempt or ridicule
bridle
the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess; anger or take offense
simulacrum
an image or representation of someone or something; an unsatisfactory imitation or substitute.
ablaze
burning fiercely
dolorous
exhibiting sorrow or pain
bereft
deprived of; made unhappy through a loss; tormented in love
splenetic
very irritable
oblique
indirect; slanting
dissipate
(v.) to cause to disappear; to scatter, dispel; to spend foolishly, squander; to be extravagant in pursuit of pleasure
discursive
rambling, digressive
self-effacing
not drawing attention to oneself; modest
aggravate
to annoy or anger someone; to make worse
abreast
side by side
exorbitant
(adj.) unreasonably high; excessive
languish
to become weak
coterminous
being of equal extent or scope or duration
lamentation
expression of regret or sorrow
unimpeachable
beyond doubt or reproach; unquestionable
graft
corruption, usually through bribery
accentuate
to emphasize
conflate
mix together different elements
hoodwink
(v.) to mislead by a trick, deceive
meager
Lacking in quantity or quality
impeachable
blame , to be blame or criticize
eponym
a person for whom something, such as a city, building, or street, has been named
adjudicate
To hear and decide judicially; to judge
Section 30
(50 cards)
artisan
A skilled craftsperson
bereave
suffering the death of a loved one; left alone
base
devoid of high values or ethics
aspiring
seeking to gain; desiring
arbiter
one who decides; a judge
aspiration
a strong desire for achievement
bask
(v.) to be in, or expose oneself to, pleasant warmth; to take pleasure in or derive enjoyment from
ambidextrous
able to use both hands equally well; very skillful; deceitful, hypocritical
attrition
a wearing down over time
angular
lean; sharp cornered; gaunt
attest
(v.) to bear witness, affirm to be true or genuine
bastion
(n.) a fortified place, stronghold
allusive
characterized by indirect references
anterior
front; previous
averse
having a deep-seated distaste; opposed, unwilling
arresting
attracting attention; striking
asunder
in separate parts; apart from each other in position
arable
suitable for growing crops
allot
(v.) to assign or distribute in shares or portions
arboreal
of or relating to trees
beneficiary
one who receives benefits
bead
small piece of material, such as glass, plastic, or wood, that is pierced for stringing
arid
extremely dry
atrophy
(n.) the wasting away of a body organ or tissue; any progressive decline or failure; (v.) to waste away
aptitude
Capacity for learning; natural ability
annex
(v.) To add to, attach: to incorporate;(n.) An attachment or addition
bane
the cause of ruin, harm, distress, or death
assuredness
sure of; certain to happen; very confident
beleaguer
to besiege by encircling (as with an army); to harass
astronomical
Enormous, Immense
alternate
to go back and forth; change from one thing to another
archive
records or documents of a government or institution; the place where such records are kept
allegiance
loyalty
appall
to fill with dismay or horror
astray
away from the correct path or direction
auspices
protection or support; patronage
allude
to refer to casually or indirectly
baffle
to confuse
attune
to bring into harmony
astound
to surprise; to amaze
aphorism
A brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.
astigmatic
to have an extremely skewed point of view; having a visual defect of focus so that images are seen indistinctly
assimulate
to absorb fully or make one's own will; to adapt fully
amble
To casually walk; stroll
assorted
various
apportion
to divide and give out in shares
archetypal
the most representative or typical example of something
allusion
A reference to another work of literature, person, or event
balm
something that heals or comforts; soothing; an oil or ointment
atrocity
An act of great cruelty and wickedness
Section 31
(50 cards)
braggart
someone who boasts
bootless
useless
briny
salty
anthropogenic
derived from human activities
chancy
risky
tremendous
very large or great
hoi polloi
the common people; the masses
cessation
a stopping, either final or temporary
chorale
a hymn tune
presupposition
something assumed in advance
chafe
to wear or irritate, often through rubbing or friction
melange
a mixture; medley.
abolish
to put an end to
cater
(v.) to satisfy the needs of, try to make things easy and pleasant; to supply food and service
braid
plait; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together; N: braided segment (as of hair)
yahoo
a rude, noisy, or violent person.
censorious
severely critical
bulky
of large size for its weight
cavil
(v.) to find fault in a petty way, carp; (n.) a trivial objection or criticism
celibate
abstaining from intercourse; unmarried
brassy
bold, insolent, brazen
bland
mild; tasteless; dull
candor
honesty, frankness
bilateral
both sides
expedient
convenient; practical
charter
a written grant of authority from the king, special privilege
choppy
rough with small waves
waning
becoming less bright, intense, or strong
technocrat
an exponent or advocate of technocracy.
cardiac
pertaining to the heart
buoyant
capable of floating; cheerful
bravado
false bravery
chromatic
relating to color
upheaval
(n.) a sudden, violent upward movement; great disorder or radical change
cognate
(adj.) closely related in origin, essential nature, or function; related
camaraderie
trust among friends
holistic
concerning the whole rather than the parts
byproduct
a side-effect; something produced in the making of something else
beset
to harass; to surround
shibboleth
a custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people, especially a long-standing one regarded as outmoded or no longer important.
blithe
cheerful, lighthearted; casual, unconcerned
cautionary
offering or serving as a warning
succinct
brief, concise
acquisition
buying or obtaining an asset or object; the learning or developing of a skill, habit, or quality.
vestigial
forming a very small remnant of something that was once much larger or more noticeable
morphology
study of form
breach
a violation; a gap or break
certitude
certainty; inevitability
blighted
damaged; destroyed; ruined
circumlocution
talking in circles
Section 32
(50 cards)
credulous
gullible
civility
politeness
economic engine
The single denominator (profit per x) that has the greatest impact on their economics...find insight into how to most effective generate sustained and robust cash flow and profitability
contempt
scorn, extreme dislike or disdain
cleave
(v.) To cut or split open; to cling to
coerce
to compel, force
consign
(v.) to give over to another's care, charge, or control; to entrust, deliver; to set apart for a special use
counterfeit
fake; false
crooked
not straight; dishonest
fertile
producing abundantly;
crater
A bowl-shaped area that forms around a volcano's central opening
commodity
valuable product
converse
(a.) opposite; (v.) to talk with, to communicate
condescending
having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority
ethos
beliefs or character of a group
crimson
Deep red
clog
block
consort
To keep company; associate
clamber
to climb awkwardly
commodious
spacious, roomy
conscientious
characterized by extreme care and great effort
congenital
existing at birth
conceive
To come up with, imagine
consternation
dismay, confusion
communal
used or shared in common by everyone in a group
concoction
a mixture of various ingredients or elements
concentric
having a common center
cometary
adj. of or relating to or resembling a comet
commingle
mix, blend
culinary
of or related to cooking or the kitchen
circumstantial
suggesting that something is true without proving it
coax
To persuade or urge in a gentle way
enmity
(n.) hatred, ill-will
circumspect
careful, cautious
contention
claim, thesis; discord, disagreement
commiserate
(v.) to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress
clannish
tending to associate closely with one's own group and to avoid others
motif
A recurring theme, subject or idea
connotation
an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.
congruent
Having the same size and shape
clutter
to fill or cover in a disorderly way
coterie
(n.) a circle of acquaintances; a close-knit, often exclusive, group of people with a common interest
cohesive
sticking together
combustible
capable of catching fire or burning
conversant
(adj) knowledgeable about or experienced with
criss-cross
to go or pass back and forth
cringe
(v.) to shrink back or hide in fear or submissiveness; to act in servile manner, fawn
coercion
use of force to get someone to obey
collusive
acting together in secret toward a fraudulent or illegal end
coercive
relating to or using force or threats.
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despondent
in low spirits from loss of hope or courage
dictate
(v.) - to pronounce, speak or read aloud for someone else to write down; command, prescribe
dialect
A regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.
decline
refuse to accept; decrease, become weaker, smaller, fewer
delude
to mislead; to fool
curtail
cut short
disavowal
denial
deciduous
(of plants and shrubs) shedding foliage at the end of the growing season; ephemeral
deprecatory
Disapproving; belittling;
disillusion
to disappoint someone by breaking his or her belief in a false ideal
discourse
written or spoken communication or debate
detriment
(n.) harm or loss; injury, damage; a disadvantage; a cause of harm, injury, loss, or damage
custodian
keeper, guardian, conservator
disinclination
unwillingness
deteriorate
(v.) to lower in quality or value; to wear away
curt
(adj.) short, rudely brief
decrepit
(adj.) old and feeble; worn-out, ruined
decadence
(n.) decline, decay, or deterioration; a condition or period of decline or decay; excessive self-indulgence
defiance
A daring or bold resistance to authority or to any opposing force.
diehard
stubborn person
depreciate
to decrease in value; belittle, disparage
disciple
follower
descry
to catch sight of
dampen
to deaden, restrain, or repress; to make moist
demobilize
To disband, as troops.
deprecation
disapproval
discernible
distinguishable
deft
skillful, nimble
cursory
hasty, not thorough
detest
(v.) to hate, dislike very much, loathe
deplore
(v.) to feel or express regret; or disapproval, to condemn
deprecate
to express disapproval of
cyclical
happening again and again in the same order; happening in cycles
detour
a roundabout way
debilitate
to weaken
dilate
(v.) to make or become larger or wider; to expand upon
deluge
flood
debauch
corrupt
customary
according to the customs or usual practices associated with a particular society, place, or set of circumstances
dietary
of or relating to diets or dieting.
deprave
To render bad, especially morally bad.
reciprocate
to give in return
devious
(of a route or journey) longer and less direct than the most straightforward way; treacherous, showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals.
deplete
To use up; waste
disconsolate
(adj.) deeply unhappy or dejected; without hope, beyond consolation
delimit
(v.) set, mark, or draw the boundaries of something (syn.) delimitate, demarcate, delineate
dappled
spotted
blemish
an imperfection, flaw
disgruntled
angry or dissatisfied
defect
(n.) an imperfection, flaw, or blemish of some kind; (v.) to desert a cause or organization
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egalitarian
promoting equal rights for all people
malefactor
a wrong-doer
down
(noun.) fine, soft feathers
ebb
To fade away, recede
edifice
a large, elaborate structure; an imposing building
drizzly
lightly raining
downplay
de-emphasize; make light of, belittle
disjunctive
lacking connection; expressing a choice between two mutually exclusive possibilities
paroxysm
(n.) a sudden outburst; a spasm, convulsion
disprove
to show that something is not what it has been claimed to be; refute
ethology
study of animal behavior
ethnology
branch of anthropology dealing with human races, their origin, distribution, culture, etc.
scant
Not enough or barely enough
subliminal
below one's absolute threshold for conscious awareness
dorsal
pertaining to the back
polyglot
a speaker of many languages
normative
Implying or attempting to establish a norm; expressing value judgments or telling people what to do (rather than merely describing that which is happening)
frenetic
wildly excited or active
demagogue
(n.) a leader who exploits popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power
nominal
(adj.) existing in name only, not real; too small to be considered or taken seriously
disperse
to scatter, spread far and wide
dismal
causing gloom or misery
dissect
to cut apart for the purpose of investigation
distraught
(adj.) very much agitated or upset as a result of emotion or mental conflict
palliate
to make less serious; ease
dumbfound
greatly astonish or amaze.
scourge
(v.) To whip, punish severely; (n.) A cause of affliction or suffering; a source of severe punishment or criticism
drab
dull or dreary; monotonous
drone
(n.) a loafer, idler; a buzzing or humming sound; a remote-control device; a male bee; (v.) to make a buzzing sound; to speak in a dull tone of voice
dissent
to disagree
efface
(v.) to wipe out; to keep oneself from being noticed
elongate
(v.) to grow in length, become longer; to extend the length of
elate
to make happy
pedant
someone who shows off learning
dumbell
shape of p orbital
dismember
cut into small parts; cut (a body) apart limb from limb
dwindle
to lessen, diminish
drudgery
work that is hard and tiresome
ductile
capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
bohemian
unconventional (in an artistic way)
drowsy
sleepy
embezzlement
taking for one's own use in violation of trust; stealing (of money placed in one's care)
embed
to enclose firmly in some mass
dossier
a file of detailed information on a person or subject
drastic
extreme; severe
diurnal
active during the day
dividend
The portion of corporate profits paid out to stockholders
domineer
to dominate; to be bossy
drollery
whimsical humor
consonant
harmony
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embryological
the science dealing with the formation, development, structure, and functional activities of embryos.
endear
to make dear; to make beloved
mores
fixed customs or manners; moral attitudes
semiotic
of or relating to signs or symbols
pathogen
An organism that causes disease
predisposition
a liability or tendency to suffer from a particular condition, hold a particular attitude, or act in a particular way.
inculcate
instill (an attitude, idea, or habit) by persistent instruction.
effectual
able to produce a desired effect; valid
pastoral
having to do with the country
manifestation
an event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea.
obtrusive
(adj.) forward; undesirably prominent; thrust out
endow
to provide with a quality, a thing, or a gift of money, to equip
ascertain
find (something) out for certain; make sure of.
incipient
beginning to exist or appear
parity
equality, as in amount, status, or value
revel in
to take great pleasure in
euphoric
very happy
epitome
(n.) a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type; a summary, condensed account; an instance that represents a larger reality
peccadillo
a small sin or fault
equator
0 degrees latitude
inanity
total lack of meaning or ideas
gnomic
related to short, wise, witty sayings
equestrian
having to do with horseback riding
estranged
alienated
enzyme
A type of protein that speeds up a chemical reaction in a living thing
enthrall
(v.) to captivate, charm, hold spellbound; to enslave; to imprison
jurisprudence
the science or philosophy of law
encapsulation
the hiding of implementation details
mea culpa
statement uttered to show personal responsibility for a wrong
episodic
happening in parts or segments
effluent
liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea.
eulogistic
praising; full of eulogy
obliterate
to destroy completely
engrave
To cut or carve in or upon some surface.
prowess
(n.) distinguished bravery; superior skill or ability
prudent
wise, careful, cautious
litigation
the process of taking legal action
scruple
doubt or uneasiness as to what is right or proper
harbinger
a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another. forerunner of something
disposition
a person's inherent qualities of mind and character; the way in which something is placed or arranged, especially in relation to other things.
envision
To picture in the mind; to imagine
emblematic
symbolic
embroider
decorate with needlework; ornament (a story) with fancy or fictitious details; embellish
inducement
a thing that persuades or influences someone to do something
emend
to correct
specter
a ghost or phantom
quid pro quo
something given in exchange or return for something else
eviscerate
to remove the inner organs of a body; take away a vital or essential part of
impasse
blocked path; dilemma with no solution, deadlock
mutate
change of form
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garish
tastelessly gaudy
fret
to worry
flock
group of animal
gibe
to utter taunting words; an expression of scorn
fraudulent
cheating; deceitful
festive
having to do with a feast or celebration
forte
strong point
frail
being easily broken or destroyed
fervent
(adj.) very earnest, emotional, passionate; extremely hot
expressly
(adv.) plainly, in so many words; for a particular purpose
garble
to mix up or distort
expeditious
done with speed and efficiency
gallant
brave and noble; giving special attention and respect to women
genus
A group of similar species
frisky
lively and playful
flabby
lacking firmness or stiffness
ferment
(n.) a state of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence; (v.) to be in or work into such a state; to produce alcohol by chemical action
flaunt
to show off
finicky
Difficult to please
flaggy
lacking vigor or force
gaudy
(adj.) flashy, showy; not in good taste
foliage
leaves
farce
(n.) a play filled with ridiculous or absurd happenings; broad or far-fetched humor; a ridiculous sham
forebode
to be an omen of; to predict; to foretell
genial
(adj.) cordial, pleasantly cheerful or warm
fraternity
a group of people sharing a common profession or interests; brotherhood
fragrant
having a pleasant smell
exuberant
(adj.) high-spirited, enthusiastic, unrestrained; excessive, abundant
fortuitous
(adj.) accidental, occurring by a happy chance
falter
(v.) to hesitate, stumble, lose courage; to speak hesitatingly; to lose drive, weaken, decline
flagrant
glaringly bad; outrageous
figment
(n.) a fabrication of the mind; an arbitrary notion
fictitious
imaginary or fake
fervid
burning with enthusiasm or zeal; extremely heated
extricable
to be able to be released from entanglement
excise
To cut out of; remove
extol
to praise highly
fluorescent
Glowing, bright, shining, flaming.
contented
satisfied
fallible
capable of being wrong, mistaken, or inaccurate
frigid
(adj.) extremely cold; lacking in warmth or feeling
exhilarate
to enliven, cheer, give spirit or liveliness to
exodus
a large-scale departure or flight
flustered
Nervous and confused
exempt
free from obligation
fluctuate
to rise and fall; to vary irregularly
germinate
to begin to grow, come into being
extremity
the furthest point or limit of something; a moment marked by imminent destruction
faddish
whimsical; following a fashion
fray
(n.) a brawl, a noisy quarrel; (v.) to wear away by rubbing; make ragged or worn; to strain, irritate
Section 37
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grim
stern, merciless; fierce, savage, cruel
hiatus
a gap, opening, break
hibernate
to spend the winter in a resting state
graze
to feed on growing grass
guile
treacherous cunning, deceit
hunch
A guess or feeling not based on facts
haggle
(v.) to argue in a petty way, especially about a price
iconographic
the traditional or conventional images or symbols associated with a subject and especially a religious or legendary subject
grimace
a facial expression of fear, disapproval, or pain
gloat
to look at or think about with great satisfaction
glossary
brief explanation of words used in the text
hereditary
(adj.) of or passed down by inheritance from an ancestor; transmitted from parent to child
halting
hesitant; faltering
hardheaded
(adj.) guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory (adj.) unreasonably rigid in the face of argument or entreaty or attack
grope
(v.) to feel about hesitantly with the hands; to search blindly and uncertainly
glossy
smooth and shining
heartfelt
showing strong feelings that are sincere
hurl
throw forcefully; shout out violently
grandiose
(adj.) grand in an impressive or stately way; marked by pompous affectation or grandeur, absurdly exaggerated
gratuitous
(adj.) freely given; not called for, unnecessary (related to tip -> gratuity)
idyllic
charming in a rustic way; naturally peaceful
giddy
dizzy; lightheaded
hazard
A danger or risk.
headstrong
stubborn; willful
exultation
a feeling of extreme joy
hypochondriac
one who is morbidly anxious about personal health, or suffering from imagined illness
glacial
Pertaining to glaciers; cold, icy, slow, unsympathetic
hilarity
gaiety; joviality
herald
to bear news; to announce; messenger
humility
absence of vanity; humbleness
homespun
a coarse, loosely woven, homemade fabric
heed
to pay attention to
hazardous
involving risk or danger
huckster
One who retails small wares.
heinous
(adj.) very wicked, offensive, hateful
grating
Irritating; harsh or discordant (of a noise); scraping
impassioned
filled with passionate emotion
imbue
to inspire or influence, to endow; to saturate
idiomatic
characteristic of a particular language; appropriate to the style of art or music associated with a particular period, individual, or group.
glandular
pertaining to a gland
gratify
(v.) to please, satisfy; to indulge or humor
hale
strong and healthy
grandeur
splendor and impressiveness, especially of appearance or style.
gripping
exciting or interesting in a way that keeps your attention
huddle
to crowd together
hallow
to make holy
grind
crush into bits; long tedious task
glaze
cover with a thin and shiny surface; apply a glaze to; N: thin, smooth, shiny coating (as for pottery); Ex. unglazed pottery
gush
burst out suddenly/talk ardently
hearten
to give strength, courage, or hope; to encourage
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impolitic
unwise
ingenious
clever; resourceful (ingenuity)
inane
(adj.) silly, empty of meaning or value
intrigue
(v.) to form and carry out plots; to puzzle or excite the curiosity
inaugurate
to install in office with a formal ceremony
impound
to confine; to seize and retain in legal custody
iridescent
having colors like the rainbow
inhibit
to hold back
inordinate
excessive
intelligible
understandable
impart
(v.) to make known, tell; to give, pass something on
intemperance
lack of moderation or restraint
instrumental
helpful; useful
imperial
relating to an empire
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
infuriate
to make very angry
insurgent
(n.) one who rebels or rises against authority; (adj.) rising in revolt, refusing to accept authority; surging or rushing in or on
indignation
anger as a result of something unjust
sabotage
(n.) an action taken to destroy something or to prevent it from working properly; (v.) to take such destructive action
incise
cut into
impermanent
temporary
indenture
written contract
ingrained
(adj.) fixed deeply and firmly; working into the grain or fiber; forming a part of the inmost being
irradicable
impossible to destroy
indubitable
(adj.) certain, not to be doubted or denied
incidence
occurrence; The number or rate of new cases of a particular condition during a specific time.
irrigate
to supply water to
irradiate
shine upon
injurious
harmful
impiety
irreverence; lack of respect for God
infiltrate
(v.) to pass through or gain entrance to gradually or stealthily
incandescent
brilliant; giving off heat or light
indented
The paragraph format in which the first line of the paragraph is indented
mete
to distribute by or as if by measure; allot
ingrate
an ungrateful person
impermissible
not allowed
indefatigable
tireless
incentive
something that induces a person to act
insubordinate
disobedient, rebellious
invigorate
to fill with strength and energy
infirm
weak
impromptu
(adj., adv.) without preparation, offhand, suddenly or hastily done; (n.) an extemporaneous composition or remark; a minimal piece suggestive of improvisation
interminable
endless
impunity
freedom from punishment
iniquitous
showing a lack of fairness; wicked; vicious
inflamed
Reddened, swollen, warm, and often tender
infuse
To inject; to fill something or someone with; insipire
ingest
To swallow for digestion
ingratiating
charming or flattering
instigate
to provoke
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outstrip
to get ahead of, do better than, exceed
jeopardize
to endanger
narcotic
drug that relieves pain and induces sleep
penitent
(adj.) regretful for one's sins or mistakes. (n.) one who is sorry for wrongdoing
overcast
covered with clouds; dull
judicious
(adj.) using or showing good judgment, wise, sensible
paltry
(adj.) trifling, insignificant; mean, despicable; inferior, trashy
noteriety
state of being well-known in a negitive way
overawe
fill with mild fear and respect
jaded
(adj.) wearied, worn-out, dulled (in the sense of being satiated by excessive indulgence)
jolting
shocking
painstaking
very thorough; careful; diligent
mortify
to hurt someone's feelings deeply; to cause embarrassment or humiliation; to subdue or discipline by self-denial or suffering
obsolescent
going out of use; becoming obsolete
juncture
(n.) a joining together; the point at which two things are joined; any important point in time
corpulent
fat
oust
(v.) to remove, drive out of a position or place
monetary
of or relating to money or currency
jumble
mix in a confused way
omnipotent
all-powerful
outlying
far from the center
mural
wall painting; wall
nocturnal
active at night
nonentity
a person or thing of no importance
moratorium
a suspension of activity; an authorized delay
mite
A very small amount, portion, or particle
ordeal
a difficult or painful experience, a trial
override
to overrule, to disregard; to prevail over, trample
opprobrious
damning; extremely critical; disgraceful (opprobrium)
outmoded
no longer in fashion
nubile
suitable for marriage in age and physical development, referring to a female
overwrought
extremely nervous or excited
overt
(adj.) open, not hidden, expressed or revealed in a way that is easily recognized
palpable
able to be touched or felt
monumental
Massive, very great, very important
nomadic
wandering from place to place
peerless
having no equal; better than the rest
obstruct
block
opportune
suitable or convenient for a particular purpose; occurring at an appropriate time
pedagogic
relating to education; instructive
pantomime
A performance using gestures and body movements without words
parable
A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson
overdraw
to take more money out of an account than is available in the account.
murky
(adj.) dark and gloomy, obscure; lacking in clarity and precision
odious
hateful
nonviable
not capable of living
overrule
to decide against by exercising one's higher authority; A new case in a higher court creates a new precedent, which means the previous precedent in a different case is no longer applicable.
natty
neat; dapper; smart
nebulous
(adj.) cloudlike, resembling a cloud; cloudy in color, not transparent; vague, confused, indistinct
pedantry
(n.) a pretentious display of knowledge; overly rigid attention to rules and details
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