4 Flashcards
What does the term ‘transfixed’ mean?
Completely captivated or motionless with awe or wonder
Example: She was transfixed by the stunning view of the sunset.
Define ‘unprecedented’.
Never done or known before; unique or new
Example: The invention was an unprecedented breakthrough in medicine.
What is a ‘menagerie’?
A collection of animals kept for display
Example: The zoo’s menagerie included lions, tigers, and exotic birds.
What does ‘atavistic’ refer to?
Relating to ancestral or primitive traits
Example: His atavistic fear of snakes made him freeze.
What does ‘contemporary’ mean?
Belonging to the present time; modern
Example: She enjoys contemporary art and music.
What does ‘akin’ mean?
Similar to or having a connection with something
Example: Her style is akin to her sister’s in many ways.
Define ‘fruition’.
The realization or achievement of a plan or goal
Example: The project finally came to fruition after years of hard work.
What are ‘exigencies’?
Urgent needs or demands
Example: The exigencies of war forced them to ration supplies.
What does ‘indigenous’ mean?
Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place
Example: The indigenous plants thrive in this region.
What does ‘obviating’ refer to?
To remove or prevent something, especially a difficulty
Example: Obviating risks early can save time and money.
Define ‘anthropogenic’.
Caused by humans, especially environmental impacts
Example: Climate change is largely due to anthropogenic activities.
What is a ‘boor’?
A rude or insensitive person
Example: Don’t act like a boor at the dinner table.
What does ‘veneer’ mean?
An outward appearance that hides true nature
Example: His politeness was just a veneer to hide his true intentions.
What is ‘churlishness’?
Rude or unfriendly behavior
Example: Her churlishness made her difficult to work with.
Define ‘surly’.
Bad-tempered and unfriendly
Example: The surly waiter made the dining experience unpleasant.
What does ‘genial’ mean?
Friendly and cheerful
Example: His genial smile put everyone at ease.
What does ‘prattled’ refer to?
Spoke at length about insignificant matters
Example: She prattled on about her new pet for hours.
Define ‘profusion’.
A large quantity of something
Example: The profusion of flowers in the garden was breathtaking.
What does ‘incendiary’ mean?
Designed to start conflict or fire
Example: The politician’s incendiary remarks sparked protests.
What does ‘eloquent’ refer to?
Expressing oneself clearly and persuasively
Example: Her eloquent speech moved the audience to tears.
What is meant by ‘gamut’?
The complete range or scope of something
Example: The museum’s collection spans the gamut of art history.
What does ‘demarcated’ mean?
Marked the boundaries of
Example: The land was clearly demarcated by fences.
Define ‘reconstituted’.
Rebuilt or restored
Example: The old house was reconstituted into a museum.
What does ‘conflated’ refer to?
Combined different things into one
Example: He conflated two stories into one.
What does ‘recalcitrated’ mean?
Resisted authority
Example: She recalcitrated against the strict rules.
Define ‘earnest’.
Serious and sincere
Example: He made an earnest effort to help.
What does ‘sanguine’ mean?
Optimistic and cheerful
Example: She remained sanguine despite the challenges.
What does ‘misanthropic’ refer to?
Hating humanity
Example: His misanthropic views kept him isolated.
Define ‘conceit’.
Excessive pride
Example: His conceit made him arrogant.
What does ‘virtuous’ mean?
Having high moral standards
Example: A virtuous person always helps others.
What does ‘tenuous’ refer to?
Weak or thin
Example: His tenuous argument lacked evidence.
What does ‘obscurity’ mean?
The state of being unknown
Example: The poet died in obscurity.
Define ‘radial’.
Spreading outward from a center
Example: The design had a radial pattern.
What does ‘repudiate’ mean?
Reject or deny
Example: He chose to repudiate all allegations.
What does ‘concede’ refer to?
Admit or yield
Example: She conceded defeat after a tough match.
Define ‘mandate’.
Official command
Example: The king issued a new mandate.
What is a ‘quandary’?
State of uncertainty
Example: He was in a quandary about which job to take.
