A Sign Of Four Flashcards
Tawdry
Showy but cheap and of poor quality.
“Tawdry jewellery”
Synonyms: gaudy, flashy, showy, garish
Vacillation
The inability to decide between different opinions or actions; indecision
“The minister’s vacillation over the affair”
Salver
A tray, typically one made of silver and used in formal circumstances.
Tirade
A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation.
“A tirade of abuse”
Charlatanism
A person practising quackery or some similar confidence trick in order to obtain money, fame or other advantages via some form of pretense or deception.
Vehemence
Great forcefulness or intensity of feeling or expression.
“In the vehemence of his reaction”
Languid
Having or showing a disinclination for physical exertion or effort.
“His languid demeanour irritated her”
Beaune
A red burgundy wine from the region around Beaune in eastern France.
Diffident
Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence.
“A diffident youth”
Cavalierly
In a proud and domineering manner.
“He treated his staff cavalierly”
Sordid
Involving immoral or dishonest actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt. Dirty or squalid.
“The story paints a sordid picture of bribes and scams”
“The overcrowding housing conditions were sordid and degrading”
Interminable
Endless or apparently endless (often used hyperbolically).
“We got bogged down in interminable discussions.”
Nostrum
A medicine prepared by an unqualified person, especially one that is not considered effective.
“A charlatan who sells nostrums”
A scheme or remedy for bringing about some social or political reform or improvement.
“Right-wing nostrums such as a wage freeze and cutting public spending.”
Hypochondriac
A person who is abnormally anxious about their health.
Valetudinarian
A person who is unduly anxious about their health.
