Sadlier Oxford Vocab Level G Unit 2

Front 1

accost

Back 1

v.

to approach and speak to (someone) in a challenging or aggressive way

Front 2

animadversion

Back 2

n.

1. a critical and usually censorious remark

2. an adverse criticism

Front 3

avid

Back 3

adj.

1. having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something

"an avid reader of science fiction"

2. having an eager desire for

"she was avid for information about the murder inquiry"

Front 4

brackish

Back 4

adj.

1. (of water) slightly salty

"a cup of brackish water"

Front 5

celerity

Back 5

n.

swiftness of movement; speed; rapidity

"a journalist who writes his well-crafted stories with celerity"

Front 6

devious

Back 6

adj.

1. showing a skillful use of underhand tactics to achieve goals

"he's as devious as a politician needs to be"

2. (of a route or journey) longer and less direct than the most straightforward way

"they arrived at the town by a devious route"

Front 7

gambit

Back 7

n.

1. An act or remark that is calculated to gain an advantage, especially at the outset of a situation.

"his resignation was a tactical gambit"

2. an opening move in which a player makes a sacrifice, typically of a pawn, for the sake of a compensating advantage.

"he tried the dubious Budapest gambit"

Front 8

halcyon

Back 8

adj.

1. calm, peaceful, tranquil (halcyon weather)

2. prosperous (halcyon years)

Front 9

histrionic

Back 9

adj.

1. too emotional or dramatic

2. of or relating to the theater

ex. a penchant for dish throwing, door slamming, and other histrionic displays of temper

Front 10

incendiary

Back 10

n.

1. person who commits arson; arsonist

2. a person who excites quarrels, factions or sedition; agitator

adj.

1. arsonous

2. tending to excite or inflame; inflammatory (incendiary speeches)

3. extremely hot (incendiary chili peppers)

Front 11

maelstrom

Back 11

n.

1. a powerful whirlpool in the sea or a river

"situated off the north coast, it is one of the half dozen biggest maelstroms in the world"

2. a situation or state of confused movement or violent turmoil

"the men are angry and young, caught up in a maelstrom of emotions as they struggle to right a wrong, face down the established order and make their voices heard