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20 Cards in this Set
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abase (verb) "The desire to abase the values of knowledge before the values of action..." Julien Benda |
Definition: to reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, or estimation; humble; degrade. Synonym: humiliate, dishonor Antonym: encourage, honor |
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actuate (verb) "Curiosity is natural to the soul of man and interesting objects have a powerful influence on our affections. Let these influencing powers actuate, by the permission or disposal of Providence." Daniel Boone |
Definition: to incite or move to action; impel; motivate: Synonym: activate, animate Antonym: bore, calm |
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avert (verb) "There was no simple riddance to the power of a dangerous political idea; no assassination possible to avert a disruptive change in technology" Robert Heilbroner |
Definition: to turn away or aside: Synonym: avoid, deter Antonym: aid, allow |
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boorish (adjective) "He said that humanity in the main was crass, stupid, boorish and vulgar, and that I could learn at least this much from you." Jack Vance |
Definition: of or like a boor; unmannered; crude; insensitive. Synonym: barbaric, churlish Antonym: delicate, gentle |
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brunt (noun) "Like feather-bed betwixt a wall And heavy brunt of cannon ball." Samuel Butler |
Definition: the main force or impact, as of an attack or blow Synonym: burden, force Antonym: ease, peace |
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combatant (noun) "I can say now: all the combatants who participated in the fight for freedom in South America came to Algeria; it's from there that all those who fought left: Ahmed Ben Bella |
Definition: a nation engaged in active fighting with enemy forces. Synonym: adversary, antagonist Antonym: ally, assistant |
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dormant (adjective) "The spirit of rebellion is present in every great city, and the great task of wise government is to keep it dormant, for if it wakes it is a torrent which no dam can hold back." Giacomo Casanova |
Definition: lying asleep or as if asleep; inactive, as in sleep; torpid: Synonym: asleep, comatose Antonym: active, alert |
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dubious (adjective) "But just as delicate fare does not stop you from craving for saveloys, so tried and exquisite friendship does not take away your taste for something new and dubious." Collete |
Definition: doubtful; marked by or occasioning doubt: Synonym: arguable, debatable Antonym: aboveboard, believable |
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harangue (noun) "...nor who will endure any interruption until he has introduced into his harangue whatever useful suggestions may be made touching the four-and-twenty States of which the Union is composed, and especially the district which he represents." Alexis De Tocqueville |
Definition: a scolding or a long or intense verbal attack; diatribe. Synonym: diatribe, discourse Antonym: brief, convo |
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harry (verb) "And still from time to time the heathen host Swarmed overseas, and harried what was left" Lord Alfred Tennyson |
Definition: to harass, annoy, or prove a nuisance to by or as if by repeatedattacks; worry: Synonym: attack, badger Antonym: aid, appease |
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impenitent (adjective) "Piano, n. A parlour utensil for subduing the impenitent visitor. It is operated by depressing the keys of the machine and the spirits of the audience. " Ambrose Gwinett Bierce |
Definition: not feeling regret about one's sin or sins; obdurate. Synonym: hardened, obdurate Antonym: caring, compassionate |
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knave (noun) " Titles are marks of honest men, and wise. The fool or knave that wears a title lies." Edward Young |
Definition: an unprincipled, untrustworthy, or dishonest person. Synonym: bastard, blackguard Antonym: devout, holy |
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legion (noun) "It is not enough to refuse the Legion d'Honneur.One should never have deserved it." Maurice Ravel |
Definition: a military or semimilitary unit. Synonym: myriad, countless Antonym: few, scarce |
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liberality (noun) "Real knowledge never promoted either turbulence or unbelief; but its progress is the forerunner of liberality and enlightened toleration." Henry Brougham |
Definition: the quality or condition of being liberal in giving; generosity; bounty. Synonym: charity, largesse Antonym: malevolence, meanness |
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plaintiff (noun) "The plaintiff cannot dive into the secret recesses of his (the defendant's) heart." John Romilly |
Definition: a person who brings suit in a court (opposed to defendant Synonym: complainant, ligitant Antonym: defendant, guardian |
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probe (verb) "Let others probe the mystery if they can.Time-harried prisoners of Shall and Will —The right thing happens to the happy man" Theodore Roethke |
Definition: to search into or examine thoroughly; question closely: Synonym: examination, exploration Antonym: glance, skim |
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protract (verb) " There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited." Sun Tzu |
Definition: to draw out or lengthen, especially in time; extend the duration of;prolong. Synonym: prolong, put off Antonym: advance, complete |
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quarry (verb) "The canvas glow'd beyond ev'n Nature warm,The pregnant quarry teem'd with human form." Oliver Goldsmith |
Definition: an abundant source or supply. Synonym: aim, chase Antonym: give up, surrender |
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spurn (verb) "I played with fire, did counsel spurn, Made life my common stake; But never thought that fire would burn, O that a soul could ache." |
Definition: to reject with disdain; scorn. Synonym: despise, disdain Antonym: accept, admire |
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subterfuge (noun) " We live in our own world , A world that is too small For you to stoop and enter Even on hands and knees, The adult subterfuge." R. S. Thomas |
Definition: an artifice or expedient used to evade a rule, escape a consequence,hide something, etc. Synonym: deception, ploy Antonym: fairness, frankness |
