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26 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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byword |
: someone or something that is closely connected with a particular quality Nationally, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive has become a byword for luxury retailing. |
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bungle |
: to make mistakes in doing (something) : to not do (something) well or successfully The government bungled badly in planning the campaign. |
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devolve |
: to gradually go from an advanced state to a less advanced state
: to pass (responsibility, power, etc.) from one person or group to another person or group at a lower level of authority
The responsibility for breadwinning has devolved increasingly upon women.
Community leaders hope that the new government will devolve more power to the community itself. : to degenerate through a gradual change or evolution (where order devolves into chaos) |
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ramifications |
: something that is the result of an action, decision, etc. The findings potentially have far-reaching ramifications. |
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quandary |
: a situation in which you are confused about what to do The unexpected results of the test have created a quandary for researchers. I'm in a quandary about whether I should try to repair my stereo or buy a new one. |
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zealot |
: a zealous person : a person who has very strong feelings about something (such as religion or politics) and who wants other people to have those feelings
Zealots on both sides of the issue resorted to name-calling and scare tactics. |
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adulator |
: sycophant : a person who is flattering others The painter was no adulator, he depicted the characters as he perceived them, regardless of the current preferences of the audience. The rugby player enjoyed the adulation of his fans |
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braggart |
: a person who brags a lot Jack was a braggart always talking about how much money he made. |
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blithe |
: showing a lack of proper thought or care : not caring or worrying (blithe unconcern)
He showed blithe disregard for the rights of others. He was blithe about the risks to his health. : happy and without worry |
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stoop |
: to bend down or over : to walk or stand with your head and shoulders bent forward. (She stooped down to hug the child. He had to stoop to pick it up.)
: to descend to an inferior rank of morality or satus (stooped to lying, the critics stooped to vituperation to express their disgust with the new art)
He really did that? I didn't think he could stoop so low. |
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vituperation |
: harsh and angry criticism |
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prescience |
: foresight : the ability to know what will or might happen in the future He predicted their response with amazing prescience.
Her prescience as an investor is impressive. |
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obduracy |
: the quality or state of being obdurate (refusing to do what other people want, obstinate)
He is known for his obdurate determination. |
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marginal |
: not very important (regards violence as a marginal rather than a central problem) : very slight or small (His reading and writing abilities are marginal.) : not included in the main part of society or of a group : bordering (marginal tribes) : incorporation of habits and values from two divergent cultures and by incomplete assimilation in either (the marginal cultural habits of new immigrant groups) |
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marginalize |
: to put or keep (someone) in a powerless or unimportant position within a society or group The program helps people from marginalized groups. |
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institutionalize |
: to incorporate into a structured and often highly formalized system (institutionalized values) : to put in the care of an institution (institutionalize alcoholics) |
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molten |
: melted by heat The planet fell as molten rock into the liqified iron core of the Earth. |
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jousting |
to engage in combat with lances on horseback |
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canon |
: an accepted principle or rule : a regulation or dogma decreed by a church council |
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perspicacity |
: having or showing an ability to notice and understand things that are difficult or not obvious
shrewd and astute
All three mean acute in perception and sound in judgment, but shrewdstress is practical, hardheaded cleverness, whereas perspicacious implies unusual power to see through and comprehend what is puzzling or hidden. (You can see this shade of meaning in the root of perspicacious - the Latin word perspicere, meaning "to look through" or "to see clearly.") Astute suggests both shrewdness and perspicacity, as well as diplomatic skill. A perspicacious counselor saw through the child's facade. |
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callousness |
: not feeling or showing any concern about the problems or suffering of other people
a callous refusal to help the poor Also, a callus is a hard, thickened area of skin that develops usually from friction or irritation over time |
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fickleness |
: changing often : changing opinions often Their fickle friendship that was on and off over the years |
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clearheadedness |
: having or showing an ability to think clearly He remains calm and clearheaded in tense situations. |
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furnish |
: to supply or give (something) to someone or something
Coleman furnishes more than ample descriptive criticism and background information.
We'll furnish the food for the party.
Can he furnish the information to us? : to equip with furniture |
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contention |
: something (such as a belief, opinion, or idea) that is argued or stated (Martin's contention is supported by evidence.) : anger and disagreement (That has been a source of contention for years.) : a situation in which you have a chance to win something that you are trying to win (He is in contention for the Olympic medal.) |
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astute |
Astute suggests both shrewdness and perspicacity, as well as diplomatic skill. He is an astute observer of the current political scene. Astute readers will notice the error. |
