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294 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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anomaly
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a deviation from the common rule
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assuage
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to make milder/less severe/to ease
-to soothe or calm |
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enigma
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a puzzling or inexplicable occurrence
-a person of puzzling character |
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equivocal
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questionable
deliberately ambiguous |
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erudite
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learned or scholarly
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fervid
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-enthusiastic or heated in spirit
-burning or glowing |
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lucid
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-easily understood
-clear perception |
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opaque
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not translucent
-impenetrable by light |
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placate
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to appease or pacify, especially by concessions or concillatory gestures
Ex: I was able to placate the argument by offering a compliment to her actions. |
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precipitate
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to bring about prematurely/hastily
-to cast or send abruptly |
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prodigal
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wastefully or recklessly extravagant
Ex: Lisa's prodigal spending on heels was highly inadvisable while in college. |
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zeal
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eager desire or endeavor;
-synonym: intensity/passion -antonym: apathy |
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abstain
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to hold oneself back voluntarily
antonym: indulge |
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adulterate
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to debase or make impure by adding inferior materials;http://www.flashcardexchange.com/mycards/add/1332018
to make cheaper |
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apathy
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absence or suppression of excitement or passion
synonym: indifferent antonym: ardor, ferver |
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audacious
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extremely bold or daring; recklessly brave
-antonym: cowardly |
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capricious
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erratic, flighty, obsolete.
-He's such a capricous boss, I never know how he'll react. -synonyms: variable -antonyms: steady, constant, consistent |
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corroborate
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to make more certain, verify, confirm
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desiccate
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to dry up, or preserve by dehydrating
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engender
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to produce, cause or give rise to
-Ex: hatred engenders violence |
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ephemeral
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short-lived, transitory
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gullible
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easily deceived or cheated
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homogenous
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corresponding in structure
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laconic
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using few words, concise
-antonym: voluble -Ex: the essay was laconic and to the opint |
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laudable
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deserving praise, commendable
-Mother Theresa's work was laudable |
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loquacious
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talking or tending to talk much or freely
-a loquacous house guest talked my ear off |
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mitigate
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to lessen in force or intensity
-the mediator attempted to mitigate the argument |
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pedant
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a person who makes an excessive display of learning; overemphasizes rules/details
-schoolmaster |
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pragmatic
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of or pertaining to a practical point of view or practical considerations
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propriety
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conformity to established standards of good or proper behavior or manners
-synonyms: decency, modesty, etiquette |
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vacillate
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to waver in mind or opinion, to be indecisive
-synonym: hesitate |
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volatile
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-eruptive, untable, unsettled
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advocate
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to speak or write in favor, support or urge by argument
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antipathy
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an object of natural aversion or habitual dislike
antonym: attraction |
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bolster
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to add to, support or uphold
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cacophony
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harsh discordance of sound; dissonance
-a cacophony of hoots, cackles and wails |
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deride
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to laugh at in scorn or contempt; jeer or mock
-Ex: the other boys derided Tim mercilessly for his lack of basketball skills |
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Ambivalent
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An ambivalent attitude reflects both positive and negative feelings.
Ex: During their famous clash, Jung was ambivalent about Freud, so he attacked the father of modern psychoanalysis, even as he revered him. |
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elusive
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difficult
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platitude
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–noun
1. a flat, dull, or trite remark, esp. one uttered as if it were fresh or profound. 2. the quality or state of being flat, dull, or trite: the platitude of most political oratory. Synonym: trite |
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omen
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–noun
1. anything perceived or happening that is believed to portend a good or evil event or circumstance in the future; portent. 2. a prognostic. 3. prophetic significance; presage: a bird of ill omen. Related Words for omen: augur, auspicate, betoken, bode, forecast |
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axiom
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–noun
1.a self-evident truth that requires no proof. 2.a universally accepted principle or rule. 3.Logic, Mathematics . a proposition that is assumed without proof for the sake of studying the consequences that follow from it. |
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syllogism
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–noun
1.Logic . an argument the conclusion of which is supported by two premises, of which one (major premise) contains the term (major term) that is the predicate of the conclusion, and the other (minor premise) contains the term (minor term) that is the subject of the conclusion; common to both premises is a term (middle term) that is excluded from the conclusion. A typical form is “All A is C; all B is A; therefore all B is C.” 2.deductive reasoning. 3.an extremely subtle, sophisticated, or deceptive argument. |
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provident
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–adjective
1.having or showing foresight; providing carefully for the future. 2.characterized by or proceeding from foresight: provident care. 3.mindful in making provision (usually fol. by of ). 4.economical; frugal; thrifty. |
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furtive
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–adjective
1.taken, done, used, etc., surreptitiously or by stealth; secret: a furtive glance. 2.sly; shifty: a furtive manner. Synonyms: clandestine, skulking, sneaky, stealthy |
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parry
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–verb (used with object)
1.to ward off (a thrust, stroke, weapon, etc.), as in fencing; avert. 2.to turn aside; evade or dodge: to parry an embarrassing question. |
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rapt
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–adjective
1.deeply engrossed or absorbed: a rapt listener. 2.transported with emotion; enraptured: rapt with joy. 3.showing or proceeding from rapture: a rapt smile. 4.carried off spiritually to another place, sphere of existence, etc. |
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derisive
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–adjective
characterized by or expressing derision; contemptuous; mocking: derisive heckling. |
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estimable
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–adjective
1.worthy of esteem; deserving respect or admiration. 2.capable of being estimated. |
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cogitate
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–verb (used without object)
1.to think hard; ponder; meditate: to cogitate about a problem. –verb (used with object) 2.to think about; devise: to cogitate a scheme. |
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perdition
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a state of final spiritual ruin; loss of the soul; damnation.
the future state of the wicked. |
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restive
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–adjective
1.impatient of control, restraint, or delay, as persons; Ex: restless; uneasy. antonym: content |
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partisan
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One who is a member of a pary
Antonym: disinterested |
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Insular
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Isolated
antonym: cosmopolitan |
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Cosmopolitan
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to have a worldwide, rather than limited, scope or bearing
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Craven
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cowardly
antonym: brave, plucky |
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petulant
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moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, esp. over some trifling annoyance: a petulant toss of the head.
Lisa's petulant toss of her hair proved that she was upset. |
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fastidious
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1.excessively particular, critical, or demanding; hard to please: a fastidious eater.
2.requiring or characterized by excessive care or delicacy; painstaking. |
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sedulity
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diligence
constant or persistent in use or attention; assiduous; diligent antonym: laziness, carelessness |
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perfidy
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deliberate breach of faith or trust; faithlessness; treachery: perfidy that goes unpunished.
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futility
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lack of effectiveness or success
lack of purpose or meaning |
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Mawkish
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Sickeningly sentimental
Antonym: unsentimental |
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expurgate
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to censor or remove obscenities
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penance
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something you do to atone for a sin
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temerity
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recklessness or foolish daring
antonym: hesitant |
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perquisite
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a reward over and above one's salary
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apt
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appropriate
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obfuscation
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confusion
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Sphinx
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According to Greek mythology, an animal that is meant to perplex
sphinx = anything that is difficult to understand |
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oracle
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someone who predicts the future
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inimical
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hostile, unfriendly
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intransigent
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uncompromising, refusing to be reconciled
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irascible
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easily made angry
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malinger
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to evade responsibility by pretending to be ill
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misanthrope
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a person who dislikes others
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obdurate
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hardened in feeling; resistant to persuasion
The president was completely OBDURATE on the issue, and no amount of persuasion would change his mind. synonym: intransigent |
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obsequious
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Overly submissive and eager to please
The obsequious new associate made sure to compliment her supervisor's tie and agree with him on every issue. |
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obstinate
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stubborn, unyielding
The obstinate child could not be made to eat any food that he disliked. |
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obviate
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to prevent; to make unnecessary
The river was shallow enough to wade across at many points, which OBVIATED the need for a bridge. |
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onerous
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troublesome and oppressive; burdensome
The assignment was so extensive and difficult to manage that it proved ONEROUS to the team in charge of it. |
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opprobrium
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Public disgrace
After the scheme to embezzle the elderly was made public, the treasurer resigned in utter OPPROBRIUM. |
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Paradox
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A contradiction or dilemma
It is a PARADOX that those most in need of medical attention are often those least able to obtain it. |
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Paragon
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Model of excellence or perfection
She is the PARAGON of what a judge should be: honest, intelligent, hardworking and just. |
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perfidious
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Willing to betray one's trust
The actress' PERFIDIOUS companion revealed all of her intimate secrets to the gossip columnist. |
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Perfunctory
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Done in a routine way; indifferent
The machinelike bank teller processed the transaction and gave the waiting customer a PERFUNCTORY smile. |
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Inchoate
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not fully formed; disorganized.
The ideas expressed in Nietzsche's mature work also appear in an INCHOATE form in his earliest writings. |
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Estimable
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Admirable.
Most people consider it ESTIMABLE that Mother Teresa spent her life helping the poor of India. |
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Exonerate
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to clear of blame.
The fugitive was EXONERATED when another criminal confessed to committing the crime. |
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Impetuous
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QUick to act without thinking.
It is not good for an investment broker to be IMPETUOUS, since much thought should be given to all the possible options. |
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Plethora
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Excess.
Assuming that more was better, the defendant offered the judge a PLETHORA of excuses. |
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Precipitate
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to throw violently or bring about abruptly; lacking deliberation
Upon learning that the couple married after knowing each other only two months, friends and family members expected a PRECIPITATE marriage to end in divorce. |
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Prodigal
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Lavish, wasteful.
The PRODIGAL son quickly wasted all of his inheritance on a lavish lifestyle devoted to pleasure. |
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Propitiate
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To conciliate; to appease.
The management PROPITIATED the irate union by agreeing to raise wages for its members |
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Propriety
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Correct behavior; obedience to rules and customs.
The aristocracy maintained a high level of PROPRIETY, adhering to even the most minor social rules. |
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Quiescent
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Motionless.
Many animals are QUIESCENT over the winter months, minimizing activity in order to conserve energy. |
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Rarefy
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to make thinner or sparser.
Since the atmosphere RAREFIES as altitudes increase, the air at the top of very tall mountains is too thin to breathe. |
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Repudiate
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to reject the validity of.
THe old woman's claim that she was Russian royalty was REPUDIATED when DNA tests showed she was of no relation to them. |
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Reticent
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Silent, reserved.
Physically small and RETICENT in her speech, Joan Didion often went unnoticed by those upon whom she was reporting. |
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Rhetoric
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Effective writing or speaking.
Lincon's talent for RHETORIC was evident in his beautifully expressed Gettysburg Adress. |
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Soporific
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Causing sleep or lethargy.
The movie proved to be so SOPORIFIC that soon loud snores were heard throughout the theater. |
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Ebullient
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bubbling with enthusiasm or high-spirited
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Magnanimous
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Generous or high-minded
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Partisanship
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the quality of being biased
Antonym: disinterested |
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Inelucatable
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inescapable
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Modality
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another way of saying mode
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Jejune
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immature or sophomoric
Antonym: adult or mature |
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Contrived
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artificial or derived
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Malediction
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curse
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Spartan
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bare
Antonym: lavish |
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Decorous
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polite
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perfidious
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treacherous
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artless
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without deceit
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Prognostication
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prediction of the future
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acclamation
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loud praise
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contention
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argument
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levity
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silliness or frivolity
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fecundity
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fertility
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dyspeptic
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suffering from indigestion
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platitude
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–noun
1. a flat, dull, or trite remark, especially one uttered as if it were fresh or profound. 2. the quality or state of being flat, dull, or trite: the platitude of most political oratory. |
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rapt
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deeply engrossed
extremely attentive |
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headlong
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–adverb
1. with the head foremost; headfirst: to plunge headlong into the water. 2. without delay; hastily: to plunge headlong into work. 3. without deliberation; rashly: to rush headlong into battle. |
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Barefaced
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–adjective
1. with the face uncovered. 2. shameless; impudent; audacious: a barefaced lie. 3. without concealment or disguise; boldly open: a barefaced approach. |
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remonstrate
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–verb (used with object)
1. to say or plead in protest, objection, or disapproval. (Criticize =ant.) 2. Obsolete . to show. |
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laud
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to praise
ant. = remonstrate |
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Falsehood Terms
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apocryphal
canard chicanery dissemble duplicity erroneous ersatz fallacious feigned guile mendacious/medacity perfidy prevaricate specious spurious |
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mendacity
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Untruthfulness, tendency to lie
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Root word: PLAC
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means "to please"
ex: placate, implacable, placid, placebo, complacent |
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Cogent
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convincing, having the power to compel
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venal
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corrupt or capable of being bought
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Root word: VEN/VENT
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means "to come" or "to move toward"
ex: adventure, convene, event, avenue, advent, circumvent |
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Efficacious
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capable of having the desired result or effect; effective as a means, measure, remedy, etc.: The medicine is efficacious in stopping a cough.
FIC: to do, to make |
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equivocal
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1.
allowing the possibility of several different meanings, as a word or phrase, especially with intent to deceive or misguide; susceptible of double interpretation; deliberately ambiguous: an equivocal answer. 2. of doubtful nature or character; questionable; dubious; suspicious: aliens of equivocal loyalty. 3. of uncertain significance; not determined: an equivocal attitude. |
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apathy
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absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting. |
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audacious
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extremely bold or daring; recklessly brave; fearless: an audacious explorer. 2. extremely original; without restriction to prior ideas; highly inventive: an audacious vision of the city's bright future. 3. recklessly bold in defiance of convention, propriety, law, or the like; insolent; brazen. |
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capricious
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1.
subject to, led by, or indicative of caprice or whim; erratic: He's such a capricious boss I never know how he'll react. 2. Obsolete . fanciful or witty. |
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ephemeral
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1.
lasting a very short time; short-lived; transitory: the ephemeral joys of childhood. |
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Loquacious
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–adjective
1. talking or tending to talk much or freely; talkative; chattering; babbling; garrulous: a loquacious dinner guest. Ant: laconic |
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mitigate
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–verb (used with object)
1. to lessen in force or intensity, as wrath, grief, harshness, or pain; moderate. 2. to make less severe: to mitigate a punishment. |
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Antipathy
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–noun, plural -thies.
1. a natural, basic, or habitual repugnance; aversion. 2. an instinctive contrariety or opposition in feeling. 3. an object of natural aversion or habitual dislike. |
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bolster
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to support with or as with a pillow or cushion.
10. to add to, support, or uphold (sometimes followed by up ): They bolstered their morale by singing. He bolstered up his claim with new evidence. |
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enervate
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–verb (used with object)
1. to deprive of force or strength; destroy the vigor of; weaken. —Synonyms 1. enfeeble, debilitate, sap, exhaust. |
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Misanthrope
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–noun
a hater of humankind. Scrooge was such a misanthrope that he even hated Christmas. |
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paradox
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–noun
1. a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth. 2. a self-contradictory and false proposition. 3. any person, thing, or situation exhibiting an apparently contradictory nature. |
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venerate
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1. to hold in deep respect; revere
2. to honour in recognition of qualities of holiness, excellence, wisdom, etc |
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Indelible
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— adj
1. incapable of being erased or obliterated 2. making indelible marks: indelible ink |
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ascertain
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— vb
1. to determine or discover definitely 2. archaic to make certain |
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Estimable
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–adjective
1. worthy of esteem; deserving respect or admiration. 2. capable of being estimated. |
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cogitate
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–verb (used without object)
1. to think hard; ponder; meditate: to cogitate about a problem. |
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restive
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Uneasy, restless.
Ant: content |
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disseminate
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To disperse
Antonym: gather together |
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Placid
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— adj
having a calm appearance or nature; peaceful |
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Partisan
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One who is a member of a party
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Insular
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— adj
1. of, relating to, or resembling an island 2. remote, detached, or aloof 3. illiberal or narrow-minded 4. isolated or separated |
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Craven
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Cowardly
Ant: plucky, brave. |
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Fastidious
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— adj
1. very critical; hard to please 2. excessively particular about details 3. exceedingly delicate; easily disgusted It was difficult to buy a bday present for my FASTIDIOUS mother without the fear of her criticism. |
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Petulant
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— adj
irritable, impatient, or sullen in a peevish or capricious way Lisa's PETULANT mood in the morning led to her snapping at me over my studying in our room |
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Futility
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1. lack of effectiveness or success
2. lack of purpose or meaning 3. something futile The futility of her passive study methods led to her getting an F. The FUTILITY of Todae's studying lead to him being forced to drop the class |
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Sedulity
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— adj
constant or persistent in use or attention; assiduous; diligent My SEDULITY in studying for Physiology class led to my getting an A. Ant: carelessness |
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Perfidy
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–noun, plural -dies.
1. deliberate breach of faith or trust; faithlessness; treachery: perfidy that goes unpunished. 2. an act or instance of faithlessness or treachery. Lisa's perfidious act involved telling my friend I had talked shit about her. |
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Multifarious
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Having or occurring in great variety.
The MULTIFARIOUS selection at Sephora makes it difficult to choose just one makeup brand. Antonym: lacking diversity |
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Annex
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to attach, append, or add, especially to something larger or more important.
2. to incorporate (territory) into the domain of a city, country, or state: Germany annexed part of Czechoslovakia. |
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Antithetical
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–adjective:
directly opposed or contrasted; opposite. What an antithetical physician! Witty, yet serious. |
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Intrepid
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—Synonyms
brave, courageous, bold. —Antonyms timid. |
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Benevolent
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— adj
1. intending or showing goodwill; kindly; friendly: a benevolent smile ; a benevolent old man 2. doing good or giving aid to others, rather than making profit; charitable: a benevolent organization The benevolent mission of COPE is to improve healthcare by providing trained interns to various hospitals. |
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Inextricable
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–adjective
1. from which one cannot extricate oneself: an inextricable maze. 2. incapable of being disentangled, undone, loosed, or solved: an inextricable knot. 3. hopelessly intricate, involved, or perplexing: inextricable confusion. |
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Recant
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To reverse a statement of belief
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Catechism
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— n
1. instruction by a series of questions and answers, esp a book containing such instruction on the religious doctrine of a Christian Church 2. rigorous and persistent questioning, as in a test or interview |
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Munificent
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Generous with money
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Conciliatory
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Seeking agreement
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Immutable
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— adj
unchanging through time; unalterable; ageless: immutable laws |
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Flux
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–noun
1. a flowing or flow. 2. the flowing in of the tide. 3. continuous change, passage, or movement: His political views are in a state of flux. |
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Supercilious
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— adj
displaying arrogant pride, scorn, or indifference |
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Abstruse
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Difficult to understand
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Esuriency
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Greed
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Peremptoriness
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Intolerance of disobedience
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Tedium
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— n
the state of being bored or the quality of being boring; monotony |
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Vitriol
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something highly caustic or severe in effect, as criticism.
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Filibuster
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–noun
1. U.S. Politics . a. the use of irregular or obstructive tactics by a member of a legislative assembly to prevent the adoption of a measure generally favored or to force a decision against the will of the majority. b. an exceptionally long speech, as one lasting for a day or days, or a series of such speeches to accomplish this purpose. c. a member of a legislature who makes such a speech. |
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Trepidation
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–noun
1. tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation; perturbation. 2. trembling or quivering movement; tremor. |
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Jettison
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— vb , -sons , -soning , -soned
1. to throw away; abandon: to jettison old clothes 2. to throw overboard |
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Ploddingly
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–verb (used without object)
1. to walk heavily or move laboriously; trudge: to plod under the weight of a burden. 2. to proceed in a tediously slow manner: The play just plodded along in the second act. 3. to work with constant and monotonous perseverance; drudge. . |
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Discern
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— vb
1. ( tr ) to recognize or perceive clearly 2. to recognize or perceive (differences) |
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Disenchanted
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to rid of or free from enchantment, illusion, credulity, etc.; disillusion: The harshness of everyday reality disenchanted him of his idealistic hopes.
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Espouse
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–verb (used with object), -poused, -pous·ing.
1. to make one's own; adopt or embrace, as a cause. 2. to marry. 3. to give (a woman) in marriage. . |
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Reconcile
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–verb (used with object)
1. to cause (a person) to accept or be resigned to something not desired: He was reconciled to his fate. 2. to win over to friendliness; cause to become amicable: to reconcile hostile persons. 3. to compose or settle (a quarrel, dispute, etc.). |
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Manifest
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— adj
1. easily noticed or perceived; obvious; plain 2. psychoanal Compare latent of or relating to the ostensible elements of a dream: manifest content — vb 3. ( tr ) to show plainly; reveal or display: to manifest great emotion 4. ( tr ) to prove beyond doubt |
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Travail
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1.
painfully difficult or burdensome work; toil. 2. pain, anguish or suffering resulting from mental or physical hardship. 3. the pain of childbirth. |
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Impudence
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Obsolete . lack of modesty; shamelessness
—Synonyms 1. impertinence, rudeness; brass, brazenness, face, lip, boldness, presumption, sauce, pertness; nerve, gall. —Antonyms 1. courtesy. |
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Eminence
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–noun
1. high station, rank, or repute: philosophers of eminence. 2. a high place or part; a hill or elevation; height. Syn: Conspicuousness, Note, Fame Ant: Obscurity |
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Indolence
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disliking work or effort; lazy; idle
Because of his inherent indolence, Harry steered clear of any job that he suspected could turn out to be a travail. |
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Profundity
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— adj
1. penetrating deeply into subjects or ideas: a profound mind 2. showing or requiring great knowledge or understanding: a profound treatise 3. situated at or extending to a great depth 4. reaching to or stemming from the depths of one's nature: profound regret 5. intense or absolute: profound silence 6. thoroughgoing; extensive: profound changes |
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Pejorative
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— adj
1. (of words, expressions, etc) having an unpleasant or disparaging connotation — n 2. a pejorative word, expression, etc Syn: Deprecatory |
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Provincial
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Having attitudes and opinions supposedly common to people living in the provinces; rustic or unsophisticated; limited
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Complacent
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—Synonyms
1. smug, unbothered, untroubled. |
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Admissible
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— adj
1. able or deserving to be considered or allowed 2. deserving to be admitted or allowed to enter 3. law (esp of evidence) capable of being or bound to be admitted in a court of law |
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Ingenuine
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oun, plural -ties for 3.
1. the quality of being cleverly inventive or resourceful; inventiveness: a designer of great ingenuity. 2. cleverness or skillfulness of conception or design: a device of great ingenuity. |
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Covetous
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–adjective
1. inordinately or wrongly desirous of wealth or possessions; greedy. 2. eagerly desirous. |
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Piqued
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–verb (used with object)
1. to affect with sharp irritation and resentment, especially by some wound to pride: She was greatly piqued when they refused her invitation. 2. to wound (the pride, vanity, etc.). 3. to excite (interest, curiosity, etc.): Her curiosity was piqued by the gossip. |
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Candor
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–noun
1. the state or quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or expression; candidness: The candor of the speech impressed the audience. 2. freedom from bias; fairness; impartiality: to consider an issue with candor. 3. Obsolete . kindliness. |
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Vindicate
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–verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing.
1. to clear, as from an accusation, imputation, suspicion, or the like: to vindicate someone's honor. 2. to afford justification for; justify: Subsequent events vindicated his policy. 3. to uphold or justify by argument or evidence: to vindicate a claim. |
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Misapprehension
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— n
a failure to understand fully; misconception: the misapprehension that acting was easy |
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Berate
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To scold harshly
—Synonyms abuse, vilify, vituperate, objurgate. |
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Buoy
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3.
to keep afloat or support by or as if by a life buoy; keep from sinking (often followed by up ): The life jacket buoyed her up until help arrived. 4. Nautical . to mark with a buoy or buoys. 5. to sustain or encourage (often followed by up ): Her courage was buoyed by the doctor's assurances. |
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Undergird
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erb (used with object), -gird·ed or -girt, -gird·ing.
1. to strengthen; secure, as by passing a rope or chain under and around: to undergird a top-heavy load. 2. to give fundamental support; provide with a sound or secure basis: ethics undergirded by faith. |
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Conscription
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–noun
1. compulsory enrollment of persons for military or naval service; draft. 2. a compulsory contribution of money to a government during a time of war. |
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Arbitration
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— n
1. law the hearing and determination of a dispute, esp an industrial dispute, by an impartial referee selected or agreed upon by the parties concerned 2. international law the procedure laid down for the settlement of international disputes |
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Rapprochement
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–noun
an establishment or reestablishment of harmonious relations: a rapprochement reached between warring factions. |
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Apparition
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–noun
1. a supernatural appearance of a person or thing, especially a ghost; a specter or phantom; wraith: a ghostly apparition at midnight. 2. anything that appears, especially something remarkable or startling: the surprising apparition of cowboys in new york City. |
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Proponent
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–noun
1. a person who puts forward a proposition or proposal. 2. a person who argues in favor of something; an advocate. 3. a personwho supports a cause or doctrine; adherent. |
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Blandishment
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–noun
Often, blandishments. something, as an action or speech, that tends to flatter, coax, entice, etc.: Our blandishments left him unmoved. We succumbed to the blandishments of tropical living —Synonyms flattery, cajolery, wheedling, ingratiation, fawning, blarney. |
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Diffident
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–adjective
1. lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy. 2. restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc. 3. Archaic . distrustful. |
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Apocryphal
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— adj
1. of questionable authenticity 2. ( sometimes capital ) of or like the Apocrypha 3. untrue; counterfeit |
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Exigent
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–adjective
1. requiring immediate action or aid; urgent; pressing. 2. requiring a great deal, or more than is reasonable. |
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Indolent
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1.
having or showing a disposition to avoid exertion; slothful: an indolent person. 2. Pathology . causing little or no pain; inactive or relatively benign: an indolent ulcer that is not painful and is slow to heal. |
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Phlegmatic
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–adjective
1. not easily excited to action or display of emotion; apathetic; sluggish. 2. self-possessed, calm, or composed. |
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Banal
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–adjective
devoid of freshness or originality; hackneyed; trite: a banal and sophomoric treatment of courage on the frontier. Commonplace |
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Enervate
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— vb
1. ( tr ) to deprive of strength or vitality; weaken physically or mentally; debilitate — adj 2. deprived of strength or vitality; weakened |
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Dither
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–noun
1. a trembling; vibration. 2. a state of flustered excitement or fear. |
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Inundate
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verb (used with object), -dat·ed, -dat·ing.
1. to flood; cover or overspread with water; deluge. 2. to overwhelm: inundated with letters of protest. |
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Inure
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–verb (used with object)
1. to accustom to hardship, difficulty, pain, etc.; toughen or harden; habituate (usually followed by to ): inured to cold. |
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Imprecation
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a curse; malediction.
The imprecations she was uttering made her seem like less of a lady. |
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Benediction
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–noun
1. an utterance of good wishes. 2. the form of blessing pronounced by an officiating minister, as at the close of divine service. |
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Proclivity
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natural or habitual inclination or tendency; propensity; predisposition: a proclivity to meticulousness.
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Rejoinder
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–noun
1. an answer to a reply; response. 2. Law . a defendant's answer to a plaintiff's replication. |
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Prudence
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–noun
1. the quality or fact of being prudent. 2. caution with regard to practical matters; discretion. 3. regard for one's own interests. |
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Scintilla
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–noun
a minute particle; spark; trace: not a scintilla of remorse. |
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Umbrage
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1.
offense; annoyance; displeasure: to feel umbrage at a social snub; to give umbrage to someone; to take umbrage at someone's rudeness. 2. the slightest indication or vaguest feeling of suspicion, doubt, hostility, or the like. |
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Ostentation
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–noun
1. pretentious or conspicuous show, as of wealth or importance; display intended to impress others. |
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Noisome
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–adjective
1. offensive or disgusting, as an odor. 2. harmful or injurious to health; noxious. |
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Maudlin
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–adjective
1. tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental: a maudlin story of a little orphan and her lost dog. 2. foolishly or mawkishly sentimental because of drunkenness. |
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Cupidity
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–noun
eager or excessive desire, especially to possess something; greed; avarice. —Synonyms covetousness, avidity, hunger, acquisitiveness. |
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Hegemony
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— n , pl -nies
ascendancy or domination of one power or state within a league, confederation, etc, or of one social class over others |
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Intrepidity
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—Synonyms
brave, courageous, bold. —Antonyms timid. |
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Largess
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–noun
1. generous bestowal of gifts. 2. the gift or gifts, as of money, so bestowed. 3. Obsolete . generosity; liberality. |
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Penury
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–noun
1. extreme poverty; destitution. 2. scarcity; dearth; inadequacy; insufficiency. |
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Obsolete
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–adjective
1. no longer in general use; fallen into disuse: an obsolete expression. 2. of a discarded or outmoded type; out of date: an obsolete battleship. |
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cosset
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–verb (used with object)
1. to treat as a pet; pamper; coddle. |
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Ossify
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–verb (used without object)
2. to become bone or harden like bone. 3. to become rigid or inflexible in habits, attitudes, opinions, etc.: a young man who began to ossify right after college. |
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Lampoon
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— n
1. a satire in prose or verse ridiculing a person, literary work, etc ex: national lampoon's films |
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Taciturn
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–adjective
1. inclined to silence; reserved in speech; reluctant to join in conversation. 2. dour, stern, and silent in expression and manner. The taciturn monk spent his life in silence. |
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Sardonic
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–adjective
characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering: a sardonic grin. |
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Specious
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–adjective
1. apparently good or right though lacking real merit; superficially pleasing or plausible: specious arguments. 2. pleasing to the eye but deceptive. The intern's excuse was specious, so L Team could not prove she was lying. |
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Diaphanous
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–adjective
1. very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent. 2. delicately hazy. The thin sheet was nearly diaphanous, because it was designed be used in the hot summer weather |
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Trenchant
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–adjective
1. incisive or keen, as language or a person; caustic; cutting: trenchant wit. 2. vigorous; effective; energetic: a trenchant policy of political reform. 3. clearly or sharply defined; clear-cut; distinct. The trenchant 3 strikes policy caused a massive decrease in drunk driving. |
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Salubrious
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–adjective
favorable to or promoting health; healthful: salubrious air. |
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Sanguine
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–adjective
1. cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident: a sanguine disposition; sanguine expectations. 2. reddish; ruddy: a sanguine complexion. The sanguine leader did not faulter in his speech, despite that his audience of thousands. |
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Satiate
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— vb
1. to fill or supply beyond capacity or desire, often arousing weariness 2. to supply to satisfaction or capacity The couple managed to satiate their bellies at the all you can eat buffet, rendering them immobile for hours! |
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Disabuse
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— vb (usually foll by of )
to rid (oneself, another person, etc) of a mistaken or misguided idea; set right |
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Burnish
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— vb
1. to make or become shiny or smooth by friction; polish — n 2. a shiny finish; lustre Every morning the businessman would burnish his work shoes. |
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Slake
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–verb (used with object)
1. to allay (thirst, desire, wrath, etc.) by satisfying. 2. to cool or refresh: He slaked his lips with ice. Syn: statisfy, quench, relieve |
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Foment
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–verb (used with object)
1. to instigate or foster (discord, rebellion, etc.); promote the growth or development of: to foment trouble; to foment discontent. |
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Voluble
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characterized by a ready and continuous flow of words; fluent; glib; talkative: a voluble spokesman for the cause.
—Synonyms articulate, garrulous, loquacious. See fluent. —Antonyms taciturn. |
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Reticent
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–adjective
1. disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved. 2. reluctant or restrained. |
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Turgid
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–adjective
1. swollen; distended; tumid. 2. inflated, overblown, or pompous; bombastic: turgid language |
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Latent
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–adjective
1. present but not visible, apparent, or actualized; existing as potential: latent ability. |
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Tawdry
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cheap, showy, and of poor quality: tawdry jewelry
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Lachrymose
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–adjective
1. suggestive of or tending to cause tears; mournful. 2. given to shedding tears readily; tearful. |
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Perspicacious
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–adjective
1. having keen mental perception and understanding; discerning: to exhibit perspicacious judgment. The perspicacious student was able to determine the true message behind the plot of the movie Crash. |
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Glib
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–adjective, glib·ber, glib·best.
1. readily fluent, often thoughtlessly, superficially, or insincerely so: a glib talker; glib answers. 2. easy or unconstrained, as actions or manners. |
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Stolid
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showing little or no emotion or interest
Syn: Apathetic, lethargic, phlegmatic The STOLID nurse was not affected by the condition of the trauma victim; she merely continued with her duties as if he was unconscious. |
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Ignoble
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1. degraded, dishonorable, ignominious, contemptible. 3. lowly, obscure, plebeian, peasant.
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Judicious
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— adj
having or proceeding from good judgment Ant: imprudent, silly, unreasonable |
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Lionize
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1.
to treat (a person) as a celebrity: to lionize the visiting poet. |
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Palliate
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–verb (used with object), -at·ed, -at·ing.
1. to relieve or lessen without curing; mitigate; alleviate. 2. to try to mitigate or conceal the gravity of (an offense) by excuses, apologies, etc.; extenuate. |
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Torpor
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–noun
1. sluggish inactivity or inertia. 2. lethargic indifference; apathy. 3. a state of suspended physical powers and activities. |
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Vim
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–noun
lively or energetic spirit; enthusiasm; vitality. |
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Invective
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–noun
1. vehement or violent denunciation, censure, or reproach. 2. a railing accusation; vituperation. 3. an insulting or abusive word or expression. |
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Euphony
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–noun, plural -nies.
agreeableness of sound; pleasing effect to the ear, especially a pleasant sounding or harmonious combination or succession of words: the majestic euphony of Milton's poetry. |
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Hyperbole
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–noun Rhetoric .
1. obvious and intentional exaggeration. 2. an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally, as “to wait an eternity.” |
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Cognizant
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–adjective
1. having cognizance; aware (usually followed by of ): He was cognizant of the difficulty. |
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Obsequious
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–adjective
1. characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning: an obsequious bow. 2. servilely compliant or deferential: obsequious servants. 3. obedient; dutiful. |
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Bawdy
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–adjective
1. indecent; lewd; obscene: another of his bawdy stories. |
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Prudish
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— n
a person who affects or shows an excessively modest, prim, or proper attitude, esp regarding sex |
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Superfluous
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adjective
1. being more than is sufficient or required; excessive. 2. unnecessary or needless. |
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Ethereal
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–adjective
1. light, airy, or tenuous: an ethereal world created through the poetic imagination. 2. extremely delicate or refined: ethereal beauty. |
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Abet
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–verb (used with object), a·bet·ted, a·bet·ting.
to encourage, support, or countenance by aid or approval, usually in wrongdoing: to abet a swindler; to abet a crime. |
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Heedless
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–adjective
careless; thoughtless; unmindful: Heedless of the danger, he returned to the burning building to save his dog. |
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Panegyric
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–noun
1. a lofty oration or writing in praise of a person or thing; eulogy. 2. formal or elaborate praise. |
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Prolix
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–adjective
1. extended to great, unnecessary, or tedious length; long and wordy. 2. (of a person) given to speaking or writing at great or tedious length. |
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Recalcitrant
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–adjective
1. resisting authority or control; not obedient or compliant; refractory. 2. hard to deal with, manage, or operate. The recalcitrant soldier refused to obey the rules against no drinking, and eventually ended up being dishonorably discharged. |
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Obstinate
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–adjective
1. firmly or stubbornly adhering to one's purpose, opinion, etc.; not yielding to argument, persuasion, or entreaty. |
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Pithy
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–adjective, pith·i·er, pith·i·est.
1. brief, forceful, and meaningful in expression; full of vigor, substance, or meaning; terse; forcible: a pithy observation. 2. of, like, or abounding in pith. |
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Encumber
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–verb (used with object)
1. to impede or hinder; hamper; retard: Red tape encumbers all our attempts at action. The forth rotation requirement encumbered her interning in the OR until a year into the internship. |
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Vituperative
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— n
1. abusive language or venomous censure 2. the act of vituperating |
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Saturnine
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–adjective
1. sluggish in temperament; gloomy; taciturn. The horrible break up left Jessica saturnine, a stark change from her normally ebullient personality. |
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Impetuous
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–adjective
1. of, pertaining to, or characterized by sudden or rash action, emotion, etc.; impulsive: an impetuous decision; an impetuous person. |
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Epicurean
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fond of or adapted to luxury or indulgence in sensual pleasures; having luxurious tastes or habits, especially in eating and drinking.
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Enmity
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–noun, plural -ties.
a feeling or condition of hostility; hatred; ill will; animosity; antagonism. My enmity for Lisa led to my not attending our housemate reunion. |
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Charlatan
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–noun
a person who pretends or claims to have more knowledge or skill than he or she possesses; quack. |
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Effulgent
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–adjective
shining forth brilliantly; radiant. The effulgent actress could be noticed from across the room and was said to be beaming. |
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Impunity
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–noun
1. exemption from punishment. 2. immunity from detrimental effects, as of an action. The L Team members impunity allowed them to get away with missing several shifts. |
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Dissipated
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a pejorative reference to someone devoted to the pursuit of pleasure.
Ant: restraint, moderation, temperate The dissipated student resorted to using ecstasy every weekend to rid herself of the stressors in her life. |
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Vitiate
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To corrupt, put wrong or spoil, or make worse
Ant. : improve, correct, rectify |
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Temerity
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Recklessness or foolish daring
Ant: caution |
