Academic Vocabulary #8 Flashcards
Lout
(n) an awkward, stupid person
(v) to flout; treat with contempt; to bend, stoop, or bow, especially in respect or courtesy;
brute; slob; gentle
Rend
(v) to separate into parts with force or violence;
divide, sever, combine
Ossify
(v) to convert into or cause to harden like bone;
petrify, stiffen; soften
Tawdry
(adj) showy and cheap;
tacky, vulgar; nice
Hegemony
(n) leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation over others, as in a confederation;
authority, command; weak
Peccadillo
(n) a very minor or slight sin or offense;
impropriety, indiscretion, innocent
Depredate
(v) to plunder or lay waste to;
Maraud, loot; protect
Infamy
(n) extremely bad reputation, public reproach, or strong condemnation as the result of a shameful, criminal, or outrageous act;
notoriety, opprobrium; honor
Ignominy
(n) disgrace; shameful or dishonorable quality;
sordidness, meanness, honorable
Downplay
(v) to treat or speak of (something) so as to reduce emphasis on its importance;
lesson, soften; increase
Rife
(adj) of common or frequent occurrence; prevalent;
Plentiful; limited
Bagatelle
(n) something of little value or importance;
trinket, knickknack; tool
Epilogue
(n) a concluding part added to a literary work;
postscript, summation; beginning
Cataract
(n) a descent of water over a steep surface; a waterfall, especially one of considerable size;
deluge, rapids; calm
Chintzy
(adj) of, like, or decorated with chintz; cheap;
snappy; expensive
