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20 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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bombastic (bom·bas·tik)
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adj. speaking pompously, with inflated self importance.
Ahmed was shocked that a renowned and admired humanitarian could give such a bombastic keynote address. |
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censure (sen·shu˘r)
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n. an expression of strong criticism or disapproval; a
rebuke or condemnation. After the Senator was found guilty of taking bribes, Congress unanimously agreed to censure him. |
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derisive (di·ri·siv)
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adj. scornful, expressing ridicule; mocking, jeering.
In order to ensure a positive environment, derisive comments were forbidden in the classroom. |
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disparage (di·spar·ij)
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v. to speak of in a slighting or derogatory way; to belittle.
Comedians often disparage politicians as part of their comedic routines. |
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effusive (i·fyoo·siv)
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adj. expressing emotions in an unrestrained or excessive
way; profuse, overflowing, gushy. Anne's unexpected effusive greeting made Tammy uncomfortable. |
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eloquent (el·o˘·kwe˘nt)
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adj. expressing strong emotions or arguments in
a powerful, fluent, and persuasive manner. Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is considered one of the most eloquent speeches ever given by a U.S. president. |
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gainsay (ayn·say)
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v. to deny, contradict, or declare false; to oppose.
Petra would gainsay all accusations made against her. |
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harangue (ha·ran)
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n. a long, often scolding or bombastic speech; a tirade.
Members of the audience began to get restless during the senator's political harangue. |
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importune (im·por·toon)
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v. 1. to ask incessantly, make continuous requests.
2. to beg persistently and urgently. Children can't help but importune during the holidays, constantly nagging for the irresistible toys they see advertised on television. |
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malapropism (mal·a˘·prop·iz·e˘m)
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n. comical misuse of words, especially those that are similar in sound.
The politician's malapropisms may make us laugh, but they will not win our votes. |
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mince (mins)
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v. 1. to cut into very small pieces. 2. to walk or speak affectedly, as with studied refinement. 3. to say something more delicately or indirectly for the sake of politeness or decorum.
Please don't mince your words—just tell me what you want to say. |
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opprobrious (o˘·proh·bri·u˘s)
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adj. 1. expressing contempt or reproach; scornful, abusive. 2. bringing shame or disgrace.
It was inappropriate to make such opprobrious remarks in front of everybody. |
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oxymoron (oks·i·moh·ro˘n)
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n. a figure of speech containing a seemingly contradictory combination of expressions, such as friendly fire.
The term "non-working mother" is a contemptible oxymoron. |
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platitude (plat·i·tood)
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n. a trite or banal statement, especially one uttered
as if it were new. Matthew offered me several platitudes but no real advice. |
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remonstrate (ri·mon·strayt)
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v. 1. to say or plead in protest, objection, or opposition.
2. to scold or reprove. The children remonstrated loudly when their mother told them they couldn't watch that movie. |
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repartee (rep·a˘r·tee)
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n. 1. a quick, witty reply. 2. the ability to make witty
replies. He wasn't expecting such a sharp repartee from someone who was normally so quiet. |
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sardonic (sahr·don·ik)
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adj. sarcastic; mocking scornfully.
I was hurt by his sardonic reply. |
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sententious (sen·ten·shu˘s)
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adj. 1. expressing oneself tersely; pithy. 2. full
of maxims and proverbs offered in a self-righteous manner. I was looking for your honest opinion, not a sententious reply. |
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solecism (sol·e˘·siz·e˘m)
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n. 1. a mistake in the use of language. 2. violation
of good manners or etiquette; impropriety. Frank's solecism caused his debate team much embarrassment. |
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voluble (vol·yu˘·be˘l)
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adj. 1. talking a great deal and with great ease; language
marked by great fluency; rapid, nimble speech. 2. turning or rotating easily on an axis. Your new spokesperson is very voluble and clearly comfortable speaking in front of large audiences. |
