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10 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
- 3rd side (hint)
allusion
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noun
an indirect reference |
Ray didn't have the courage to come right out and ask Lucy to marry him. Instead, he made only an sallusion to marriage by asking, "Wouldnt' it be easier if we had to fill out just one ta return.
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altruistic
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adjective
unselfishily concerned for the welfare of others: unselfish |
"I'm not often altruistic," Brett admitted. "I usually put my own welfare first."
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appease
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Verb
to calm, especially by giving in to the demands of |
Roger was furious when he saw me out with another guy, but I quickly appeased him by explaining that the "date" was my cousin.
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arbitrary
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adjective
determined by personal judgement, not rule or reason; based on impulse |
Parents should not enforce rules according to their moods. Such arbitrary discipline only confuses children.
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assail
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verb
to attach physically or verbally |
The storm assailed us with hail and heavy rain.
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banal
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adjective
lacking originality; overused; commonplace |
The film, with its overused expressions and unimaginative plot, was the most banal I had ever seen.
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euphemism
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noun
a mild or vague term used as a substitute for one considered offensive or unpleasant |
Common euphemisms include "final resting place (for grave), "intoxicated" (for drunk), and "powder room" for (toilet).
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mercenary
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adjective
motivated only by financial gain; greedy |
Ed is totally mercenary. His philosophy is, "Pay me enough, and I'll do anything."
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syndrome
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noun
a group of symptoms typical of a particular disease or condition. |
Jet lag is a syndrome resulting from flying long distances; it often includes exhaustion, headache, and loss of appetite.
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taint
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verb
to stain the honor of someone or something |
The government scandal tainted the reputations of everyone involved.
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