Unit 3 Vocabulary

Front 1

abominate

Back 1

Verb; to have an intense dislike or hatred for
Synonyms: loathe, abhor, despise, detest
Antonyms: relish, savor, cherish, esteem

Front 2

acculturation

Back 2

Noun; the modification of the social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another; the resultant blend
Synonyms: adaptation

Front 3

adventitious

Back 3

Adjective; resulting from chance rather than from an inherent cause or character; accidental, not essential; (medicine) acquired; not congenital
Synonyms: extrinsic, incidental, fortuitous
Antonyms: essential, intrinsic, inherent, congenital

Front 4

ascribe

Back 4

Verb; to assign or refer to (as a cause or source), attribute
Synonyms: impute, credit, attribute

Front 5

circuitous

Back 5

Adjective; roundabout, not direct
Synonyms: indirect, meandering, winding
Antonyms: straight, direct, as the crow flies

Front 6

commiserate

Back 6

Verb; to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress
Synonyms: feel sorry for, empathize
Antonyms: feel no sympathy for

Front 7

enjoin

Back 7

Verb; to direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way; to prohibit
Synonyms: bid, charge, command, adjure
Antonyms: allow, permit

Front 8

expedite

Back 8

Verb; to make easy, cause to progress faster
Synonyms: accelerate, facilitate, speed up
Antonyms: hinder, hamper, impede, obstuct

Front 9

expiate

Back 9

Verb; to make amends, make up for; to avert
Synonyms: redeem, make amends for, atone,
make reparation

Front 10

ferment

Back 10

Noun; a state of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence; (Verb; to be in or work into such a state; to produce alcohol by chemical action
Synonyms: (n.) commotion, turmoil, unrest
Antonyms: (n.) peace and quiet, tranquility, placidity

Front 11

inadvertent

Back 11

Adjective; resulting from or marked by lack of attention; unintentional, accidental
Synonyms: accidental, unconsidered
Antonyms: deliberate, intentional, premeditated

Front 12

nominal

Back 12

Adjective; existing in name only, not real; too small to be considered or taken seriously
Synonyms: titular, token, trifling, inconsequential
Antonyms: real, actual, exorbitant, excessive

Front 13

noncommittal

Back 13

Adjective; not decisive or definite; unwilling to take a clear position or to say yes or no
Synonyms: cagey, uninformative, playing it safe, playing it close to the vest
Antonyms: positive, definite, committed

Front 14

peculate

Back 14

Verb; to steal something that has been given into one's trust; to take improperly for one's own use
Synonyms: embezzle, defraud, misappropriate

Front 15

proclivity

Back 15

Noun; a natural or habitual inclination or tendency (especially of human character or behavior)
Synonyms: natural bent, penchant, propensity
Antonyms: inability or incapacity

Front 16

sangfroid

Back 16

Noun; composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances
Synonyms: poise, self-assurance, equanimity
Antonyms: excitability, hysteria, flappability

Front 17

seditious

Back 17

Adjective; resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government
Synonyms: mutinous, rebellious, subversive
Antonyms: supportive, loyal, faithful, allegiant

Front 18

tenuous

Back 18

Adjective; thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance or significance; lacking a sound basis, poorly supported
Synonyms: flimsy, insubstantial, vague, hazy
Antonyms: strong, solid, substantial, valid

Front 19

vitriolic

Back 19

Adjective; bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid)
Synonyms: withering, acerbic, mordant
Antonyms: bland, saccharine, honeyed, sugary

Front 20

wheedle

Back 20

Verb; to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end
Synonyms: cojole, inveigle, soft-soap, sweet-talk
Antonyms: coerce, browbeat, intimidate, strong-arm