359 Words (MT 1)

Question 1

Neologism

Answer 1

new word, meaning, usage, or phrase; introduction or use thereof

Question 2

Obfuscate

Answer 2

to confuse, bewilder, stupefy; to make obscure or unclear

Question 3

Obdurate

Answer 3

unmoved by persuasion, pity, or tender feelings; stubborn; unyielding; stubbornly resistant to moral influence; persistently impenitent

Question 4

Usurp

Answer 4

to seize and hold (a position, office, power, etc.) by force or without legal right; to use without authority or right; employ wrongfully

Question 5

Iconoclast

Answer 5

someone who challenges traditional beliefs, customs, or values, or goes against established practice

Question 6

Quixotic

Answer 6

foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; especially marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action

Question 7

Cataclysm

Answer 7

any violent upheaval, especially one of a social or political nature; or a sudden and violent physical action producing changes in the Earth’s surface

Question 8

Incipient

Answer 8

beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage

Question 9

Gentrification

Answer 9

the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents

Question 10

Petrichor

Answer 10

a pleasant, earthy smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather

Question 11

Tact

Answer 11

a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations; a keen sense of what is appropriate, tasteful, or aesthetically pleasing; taste; discrimination

Question 12

Boor

Answer 12

a churlish, rude, or unmannerly person

Question 13

Schadenfreude

Answer 13

satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else’s misfortune

Question 14

Ambivalent

Answer 14

having mixed feelings about someone or something; being unable to choose between two (usually opposing) courses of action

Question 15

Taciturn

Answer 15

inclined to silence; reserved in speech; reluctant to join in conversation; dour, stern, and silent in expression and manner

Question 16

Nefarious

Answer 16

evil, completely wicked and immoral

Question 17

Egregious

Answer 17

outstandingly, extraordinarily, outrageously bad

Question 18

Magnanimous

Answer 18

generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness; high-minded; noble

Question 19

Venerable

Answer 19

commanding respect because of great age or impressive dignity; worthy of veneration or reverence, as because of high office or noble character

Question 20

Odious

Answer 20

hateful or extremely unpleasant; inspiring hatred, contempt, and disgust

Question 21

Germane

Answer 21

closely or significantly related; relevant; pertinent

Question 22

Transmogrify

Answer 22

to grotesquely change appearance, to change appearance in a horrifying way

Question 23

Pugnacious

Answer 23

very quarrelsome or argumentative: inclined to pick arguments and fights

Question 24

Abscond

Answer 24

leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection of or arrest for an unlawful action such as theft

Question 25

Genuflect

Answer 25

lower one’s body briefly by bending one knee to the ground, typically in worship or as a sign of respect

Question 26

Sycophant

Answer 26

fawning flatterer – someone who obsequiously flatters a powerful person for personal gain

Question 27

Formidable

Answer 27

awe-inspiring – commanding great respect as consequence of size, strength, or ability