10/7-11 Vocab

Question 1

Vicissitude

Answer 1

a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.

“the gambler’s natural vicissitude earned him bad luck at the casino.”

Question 2

Umbrage

Answer 2

offense or annoyance.

“The students took umbrage from the professor’s policies.”

Question 3

Surfeit

Answer 3

an excessive amount of something.

“The harvest gave us a surfiet of oranges.”

Question 4

Scurrilous

Answer 4

making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation.

“Instead, she accused her opponent of playing dirty with scurrilous attacks.”

Question 5

Punctilious

Answer 5

showing great attention to detail or correct behavior.

“His punctilious cleaning technique left the house spotless.”

Question 6

Potentate

Answer 6

a monarch or ruler, especially an autocratic one (one who has absolute power).

“Money has become a potentate, having more power than any elected official.”

Question 7

Nadir

Answer 7

the lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organization.

“In 1997, the nadir of the compny, they only made 6 boats.”

Question 8

Instigate

Answer 8

bring about or initiate (an action or event).

“Warning signs are designed to instigate caution.”

Question 9

Gourmand

Answer 9

a person who enjoys eating and often eats too much.

“Based on his physique, you could tell the chef was a gourmand.”

Question 10

Extraneous

Answer 10

irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with.

“His extraneous remarks caused the crew to get off topic.”