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15 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
- 3rd side (hint)
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adroit
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adj. Clever at dealing with difficult situations; adept; skillful.
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Her adroit handling of the boat saved us from crashing into the rocks.
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affront
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v. To insult or to offend deliberately.
n. A deliberate insult or offensive act. |
There is no better way to insult your coworkers than to suggest that they are indolent.
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avocation
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n. An activity taken up in addition to one's regular work or profession, usually for enjoyment; a hobby.
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I snatch a few moments from my other avocations to thank you for your most interesting and delightful letter.
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crusade
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n. A prolonged, impassioned struggle for what is believed to be a just cause.
v. To engage in such a struggle. |
The professor was carrying on a hot crusade against materialists.
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definitive
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adj. Supplying or being a final settlement or decision; conclusive.
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Some scholars believe that the definitive beography of the poet Sylvia Plath has not yet been written.
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demeanor
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n. The way in which a person behaves; deportment; bearing.
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They were unarmed, their aspect and demeanor friendly, and they held up otter-skins, and made signs indicative of a wish to trade.
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erudite; erudition
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adj. Having or demonstrating profound knowledge; learned.
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One might like to be erudite but hesitate to be rude.
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induct; induction
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v. 1) To place ceremoniously or formally in an office or a position; install.
2) To admit to a society or to military service. |
Most presidents give an inaugural address upon their induction into office.
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lapse
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v. 1) To fall or slip from a previous level or standard, as of accomplishment, quality, or conduct.
2) To come to an end, especially gradually or temporarily. n. 1) A minor mistake; a slip. 2) A pause or interval. |
Our soccer team lapsed into mediocrity halfway through the season.
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militant
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adj. Ready to fight, especially in the service of a cause.
n. One who is ready to fight for a cause. |
The life of a field soldier is a perpetual militant state, and he must sleep with his weapon in his hands.
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pariah
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n. A social outcast.
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Shortly, Tom came upon the juvenile pariah of the village, Huckleberry Finn, son of the town drunkard.
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prodigy
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n. 1) A person with exceptional talents or powers exhibited at an early age.
2) An act or event so extraordinary or rare as to inspire wonder. |
Mozart was a musical prodigy who began composing at age five.
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protégé (m); protégée (fem)
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n. One whose welfare, training, or career is promoted by an influential person.
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Even after Mr. Kirk accused him of plagiarism, the professor still had nothing but praise for his protégé.
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raucous
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adj. 1) Rough-sounding and harsh to the ear.
2) Boisterous and disorderly |
He rose rigidly from his chair, leaving all the rest sitting, screwed his eyeglass into his eye, and spoke in a raucous undertone as if he had half-forgotten how to speak.
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tacit
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adj. Expressed without words; implied.
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He gave his tacit approval to the plan by not raising any objections.
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