Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Advanced Vocab Genius > Advanced Vocab Words - Set 1 > Flashcards

Advanced Vocab Words - Set 1 Flashcards

Learn to understand and effectively use 100 advanced vocabulary words. Improve your test scores, or simply be more articulate in your daily life. Each word is used in context in a sample sentence and includes synonyms and a pronunciation guide.

1
Q

Define:

temerity

(tuh-mer-i-tee)

A

n. reckless confidence

The temerity of the pirate crew cost them their ship.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Define:

depredate

(dep-rih-deyt)

A

v. to plunder, pillage, destroy

v. to exploit

The Vikings depredated the whole valley.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Define:

genuflect

(djen-yoo-flekt)

A

v. to bend knee to ground (as in worship)

v. to grovel

The king’s subjects genuflected when he entered the room.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Define:

wend

(wend)

A

v. to go, proceed, walk

We wended our way through the market.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Define:

pelagic

(puh-ladj-ik)

A

adj. relating to open seas rather than waters adjacent to land

The pelagic organism was only found in the deepest part of the ocean.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Define:

froward

(froh-werd)

A

adj. intractable, stubbornly disobedient, difficult to manage

The froward mule sat down and refused to move all afternoon.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Define:

punctilious

(puhngk-til-ee-uhs)

A

adj. precise, paying attention to trivialities of etiquette

A secretary who punctiliously records every detail.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Define:

aphorism

(af-uh-riz-uhm)

A

n. a tersely phrased truth or opinion; adage; epigram

n. a brief statement of principle; or general truth

The children had finally learned the meaning of the aphorism “You can’t have your cake and eat it too”.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Define:

purloin

(per-loin, per-loin)

A

v. to steal

The manipulative thief purloined the diamonds after gaining the confidence of their location.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Define:

esoteric

(es-uh-ter-ik)

A

adj. intended for or understood only by a particular group

adj. not publicly disclosed; confidential

The esoteric ideas of the cult failed to enlighten many outsiders.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Define:

succor

(suhk-er)

A

n. relief during a time of struggle

The Red Cross provides succor to refugees in emergency shelters.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Define:

protean

(proh-tee-uhn)

A

adj. readily assuming different forms or characters, versatile

Fans regarded the protean actress as capable of playing any role.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Define:

callous

(kal-uhs)

A

adj. insensitive; having no feeling

The callous remark upset the entire family.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Define:

proscribe

(proh-skrahyb)

A

v. to prohibit or forbid as harmful or unlawful

Citizens pushed to proscribe swimming in the polluted lake.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Define:

denouement

(dey-noo-mahn)

A

n. an outcome or solution to a complex series of events

Though public interest slackened after the arsonist was caught, the denouement of the case was just as interesting as the manhunt that had preceded it.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Define:

supercilious

(soo-per-sill-ee-uhs)

A

adj. arrogant, overbearing; displaying condescending superiority over someone else

His supercilious behavior drove away many of his peers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Define:

parley

(pahr-lee)

A

n. discussion between enemies, often to prepare terms of surrender

The longtime enemies held a parley to work on peace negotiations.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Define:

apoplectic

(ap-uh-plek-tik)

A

adj. furious; enraged; overcome with anger

When Jim found out he was fired, he apoplectically stormed out of the office.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Define:

simper

(sim-per)

A

v. to say with a coy smile; to smirk

Dave simpered a feeble attempt at an apology.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Define:

miscegenation

(mih-sedj-uh-ney-shuhn)

A

n. the interbreeding of different races

n. any mixture or hybrid

Miscegenation, the intermarriage or mixing of different racial groups, was historically met with social and legal barriers in many societies. But today, miscegenation is widely accepted in many societies, and interracial relationships are common and often celebrated as a sign of cultural diversity and tolerance.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. recklessness

A

temerity

(tuh-mer-i-tee)

synonyms: arrogance, brashness, foolhardiness, audacity, impudence

His temerity in challenging the seasoned lawyer surprised everyone in the courtroom.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to plunder, pillage, destroy

v. to exploit

A

depredate

(dep-rih-deyt)

synonyms: despoil, ravish, defile, loot, pillage, maraud

The invaders depredated the village, leaving little behind.

They feared the corporation would depredate the natural resources without concern for the environment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to bend knee to ground (as in worship)

v. to grovel

A

genuflect

(djen-yoo-flekt)

synonyms: kneel, beg, bow, prostrate, submit

The faithful genuflect before the altar during the ceremony.

He would rather leave the company than genuflect to the unreasonable demands of his boss.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to go, proceed, walk

A

wend

(wend)

synonyms: go, journey, travel, meander, proceed, venture

After the meeting, she wended her way through the crowded streets back home.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. relating to open seas rather than waters adjacent to land

A

pelagic

(puh-ladj-ik)

synonyms: aquatic, oceanic, marine, deep-sea, oceanic

The pelagic fish are adapted to life far from the shores, swimming in the deep ocean.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. intractable, stubbornly disobedient, difficult to manage

A

froward

(froh-werd)

synonyms: antagonistic, conflicting, obstinate, refractory, unruly

The froward child refused to listen to any instructions from his teacher.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. precise, paying attention to trivialities of etiquette

A

punctilious

(puhngk-til-ee-uhs)

synonyms: meticulous, careful, finicky, scrupulous, exacting, detailed

She was punctilious about every detail of the formal dinner, ensuring everything was perfect.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a tersely phrased truth or opinion; adage; epigram

n. a brief statement of principle; or general truth

A

aphorism

(af-uh-riz-uhm)

synonyms: axiom, precept; principle, truth, saying, maxim, proverb

His speech was filled with insightful aphorisms that resonated with the audience.

Actions speak louder than words” is a classic example of an aphorism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to steal

A

purloin

(per-loin, per-loin)

synonyms: burglarize, cheat, swindle, filch, pilfer, take

The thief managed to purloin several valuable paintings from the gallery.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. intended for or understood only by a particular group

adj. not publicly disclosed; confidential

A

esoteric

(es-uh-ter-ik)

synonyms: obscure, secret, cryptic, arcane, hidden, specialized

The professor’s esoteric lecture was difficult for those unfamiliar with the subject.

The company’s esoteric plans for the merger were only shared with top executives.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. relief during a time of struggle

A

succor

(suhk-er)

synonyms: aid, comfort, refuge, support, assistance, help

The refugees sought succor in neighboring countries after fleeing the conflict.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. readily assuming different forms or characters, versatile

A

protean

(proh-tee-uhn)

synonyms: versatile, adaptable, dexterous, flexible, multifaceted, changeable

His protean talent allowed him to excel in both acting and directing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. insensitive; having no feeling

A

callous

(kal-uhs)

synonyms: soulless, cruel, heartless, unfeeling, unsympathetic

Her callous remarks about the disaster shocked everyone.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to prohibit or forbid as harmful or unlawful

A

proscribe

(proh-skrahyb)

synonyms: condemn, banish, forbid, outlaw, prohibit

The government decided to proscribe the use of certain chemicals due to their harmful effects.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. an outcome or solution to a complex series of events

A

denouement

(dey-noo-mahn)

synonyms: finale, final achievement, resolution, conclusion, outcome

The denouement of the mystery novel tied together all the loose ends.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. arrogant, overbearing; displaying condescending superiority over someone else

A

supercilious

(soo-per-sill-ee-uhs)

synonyms: bossy, condescending, haughty, patronizing, disdainful

Her supercilious attitude made her unpopular among her colleagues.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. discussion between enemies, often to prepare terms of surrender

A

parley

(pahr-lee)

synonyms: conference, mediation, negotiation, dialogue, discussion

The generals held a parley to negotiate the terms of the ceasefire.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. furious; enraged; overcome with anger

adj. relating to a stroke

A

apoplectic

(ap-uh-plek-tik)

synonyms: angry, wrathful, furious, incensed, irate

He became apoplectic when he discovered the mistake in the report.

The doctor explained the symptoms of an apoplectic attack and the urgency of seeking medical attention.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to say with a coy smile; to smirk

A

simper

(sim-per)

synonyms: grin, leer, sneer, smirk, smirk, smile coyly

She simpered at the compliment, clearly enjoying the attention.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. the interbreeding of different races

n. any mixture or hybrid

A

miscegenation

(mih-sedj-uh-ney-shuhn)

synonyms: interbreeding, mixing races, crossbreeding, hybridization

The laws against miscegenation were finally repealed in the 20th century.

Miscegenation, the intermarriage or mixing of different racial groups, was historically met with social and legal barriers in many societies. But today, miscegenation is widely accepted in many societies, and interracial relationships are common and often celebrated as a sign of cultural diversity and tolerance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Define:

androgynous

(an-drodj-uh-nuhs)

A

adj. not distinguishable between male and female

The name Sam is androgynous because it could stand for Samantha or Samuel.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Define:

covey

(kuhv-ee)

A

n. a family of partridges

n. a small group

Outside the classroom was a covey of giggling schoolgirls.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Define:

supine

(adj. soo-pahyn)

A

adj. inactive, lying on one’s back apathetically

adj. morally slack

The officials exhibited a supine acceptance of corruption.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Define:

cozen

(kuhz-uhn)

A

v. to cheat, beguile, or deceive

The corrupt televangelist cozened money from viewers by lying about charitable intentions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Define:

limpid

(lim-pid)

A

adj. calm, untroubled, serene

adj. transparent, clear (as of water, air, or crystal)

The family flew a kite down by the limpid blue pond.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Define:

refulgent

(rih-fuhl-juhnt)

A

adj. shining radiantly; brilliant

The refulgent palace seemed out of place amid the poverty of the villages surrounding it.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

Define:

phlegmatic

(fleg-mat-ik)

A

adj. hard to excite, calm, sluggish

adj. unemotional, stoic

Pete’s phlegmatic response was difficult for his friends to read.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Define:

attenuate

(uh-ten-yoo-eyt)

A

v. to weaken or reduce in force or value

v. to make small or fine

The medicine attenuated the fever’s effect.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Define:

disingenuous

(diss-in-djen-yoo-uhs)

A

adj. lacking in sincerity or candor

When the oil prospector’s promises were discovered to be disingenuous, he was run out of town.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

Define:

epistle

(uh-piss-uhl)

A

n. a written message, usually a formal letter

The epistle was hand-delivered by a confidant in order to avoid interception.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Define:

factitious

(fak-tish-uhs)

A

adj. produced artificially; not natural

adj. fake

The factitious laughter of insincere talk show hosts makes my skin crawl.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

Define:

pied

(pahyd)

A

adj. containing patches of two or more colors, usually in blotches

The jester’s pied coat was stitched together from scraps of blue and red fabric.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

Define:

militate

(mill-ih-teyt)

A

v. to have substantial weight on preventing; to argue against; discourage.

The volatility of the situation militated against any rash action.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

Define:

Stygian

(stidj-ee-uhn)

A

adj. dark, gloomy, dismal

adj. infernal, hellish

The stygian murk of the cave made it difficult to navigate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

Define:

gainsay

(geyn-sey)

A

v. to declare false

v. to deny

v. to contradict or claim exception to

Evidence and witness testimony all gainsaid the defendant’s claims.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

Define:

palliate

(pal-ee-eyt)

A

v. to make something appear less serious; to mitigate; to alleviate

The student tried to palliate the significance of his plagiarism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

Define:

nostrum

(nos-truhm)

A

n. cure-all, questionable remedy, or a placebo

An ad on television depicted a nostrum that claims to cure hangovers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

Define:

obstreperous

(uhb-strep-er-uhs)

A

adj. unruly, noisy, loudly stubborn

The obstreperous two-year-old cried the entire train ride.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

Define:

precocious

(prih-koh-shuhs)

A

adj. unusually quick development or maturation, especially in intelligence

The child’s precocious understanding of calculus stunned his teachers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

Define:

regale

(rih-geyl)

A

v. to entertain; to supply lavishly

Steve regaled his guests with exciting tales.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. hermaphroditic

adj. not distinguishable between male and female

A

androgynous

(an-drodj-uh-nuhs)

synonyms: cross-sexual, unisexual, trans-sexual, gender-neutral, ambiguous

The creature in the myth was portrayed as androgynous, embodying both male and female traits.

The androgynous fashion trend blurred traditional gender lines in clothing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
62
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a family of partridges

n. a small group

A

covey

(kuhv-ee)

synonyms: a small group, a small flock of birds, cluster, bunch, assembly

We spotted a covey of partridges in the field during our hike.

A covey of students gathered around the teacher to ask questions after the lecture.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
63
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. inactive, lying on one’s back apathetically

adj. morally slack

A

supine

(adj. soo-pahyn)

synonyms: lying down, flat; apathetic, lazy, prostrate, recumbent

He lay supine on the couch, unwilling to do anything productive.

The government’s supine attitude towards corruption allowed it to flourish.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
64
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to cheat, beguile, or deceive

A

cozen

(kuhz-uhn)

synonyms: hoodwink, swindle, dupe, trick, defraud, mislead

The con artist cozened people into giving him their life savings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
65
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. calm, untroubled, serene

adj. transparent, clear (as of water, air, or crystal)

A

limpid

(lim-pid)

synonyms: tranquil, peaceful; glassy, translucent, clear, unclouded, bright

The limpid expression on her face showed she wasn’t worried at all.

The limpid water of the lake made it easy to see the fish swimming below.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
66
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. shining radiantly; brilliant

A

refulgent

(rih-fuhl-juhnt)

synonyms: glowing, luminous, gleaming, radiant, brilliant, incandescent

The refulgent glow of the setting sun bathed the landscape in golden light.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
67
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. hard to excite, calm, sluggish

adj. unemotional, stoic

A

phlegmatic

(fleg-mat-ik)

synonyms: apathetic, dispassionate, lethargic, unemotional, placid, indifferent

His phlegmatic response to the exciting news surprised everyone.

The phlegmatic soldier remained composed even in the face of danger.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
68
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to weaken or reduce in force or value

v. to make small or fine

A

attenuate

(uh-ten-yoo-eyt)

synonyms: deflate, cripple, lessen, diminish, reduce, dilute

The long drought attenuated the strength of the river’s current.

The sound of the music attenuated as we moved further away from the concert.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
69
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. lacking in sincerity or candor

A

disingenuous

(diss-in-djen-yoo-uhs)

synonyms: dishonest, crooked, deceitful, duplicitous, insincere

His disingenuous apology did little to mend the rift between them.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
70
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a written message, usually a formal letter

A

epistle

(uh-piss-uhl)

synonyms: card, letter, memo, communication, note, missive

The scholar wrote an epistle to his colleagues, detailing his latest findings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
71
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. produced artificially; not natural

adj. fake

A

factitious

(fak-tish-uhs)

synonyms: artificial, false, sham, manufactured, synthetic, spurious

The diamonds in the necklace were factitious but still looked stunning.

His factitious enthusiasm at the event was apparent to everyone.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
72
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. containing patches of two or more colors, usually in blotches

A

pied

(pahyd)

synonyms: patches of color, uneven coloring, multicolored, variegated, speckled

The pied horse stood out with its distinct black and white markings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
73
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to have substantial weight or bearing on; to argue for or against

A

militate

(mill-ih-teyt)

synonyms: weigh, important, influential, affect, contribute, determine

The evidence presented in the trial will militate heavily against the defendant.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
74
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. dark, gloomy, dismal

adj. infernal, hellish

A

Stygian

(stidj-ee-uhn)

synonyms: inky, sombre, gloomy, shadowy, murky

The forest at night had a Stygian atmosphere, making it feel eerie and foreboding.

The novel’s depiction of the underworld was described as a Stygian realm of torment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
75
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to declare false

v. to deny

v. to contradict or claim exception to

A

gainsay

(geyn-sey)

synonyms: deny, disaffirm, disprove, contradict, refute, challenge

No one could gainsay the facts presented in the report.

It was difficult to gainsay her argument given the strong data backing it up.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
76
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to make something appear less serious; to mitigate; to alleviate

A

palliate

(pal-ee-eyt)

synonyms: gloss over, condone, lessen, alleviate, relieve, soothe

The doctor prescribed medication to palliate the symptoms of the disease.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
77
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. cure-all, questionable remedy, or a placebo

A

nostrum

(nos-truhm)

synonyms: elixir, quick fix, aid, remedy, potion, fix

The herbalist claimed to have a nostrum for every ailment, but none of them worked.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
78
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. unruly, noisy, loudly stubborn

A

obstreperous

(uhb-strep-er-uhs)

synonyms: boisterous, loud, riotous, disorderly, rowdy, disruptive

The obstreperous crowd refused to leave, even after the event was over.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
79
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. unusually quick development or maturation, especially in intelligence

A

precocious

(prih-koh-shuhs)

synonyms: advanced, developed, quick, intelligent, mature, ahead of one’s years, gifted

The precocious child was reading at a college level by the age of 10.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
80
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to entertain; to feast

A

regale

(rih-geyl)

synonyms: delight, amuse; treat, entertain, captivate, charm

He regaled the guests with stories of his adventures abroad.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
81
Q

Define:

ambit

(am-bit)

A

n. the extent, boundary or scope of something

Though I find her actions reprehensible, she was acting within the ambit of the law and so my hands are tied.

82
Q

Define:

apostate

(uh-poss-teyt)

A

n. one who abandons a belief, cause, party or religion

The apostate is dealt with very harshly in many religious traditions.

83
Q

Define:

sophistry

(sof-uh-stree)

A

n. fallacious reasoning; faulty, although plausible, logic

The students were quickly convinced by the professor’s sophistry and did not inquire further.

84
Q

Define:

perspicuity

(purr-spih-kyoo-ih-tee)

A

n. clarity or perceptiveness in speech, thought, or writing

The perspicuity of the writing made a complicated topic easy for all to understand.

85
Q

Define:

enjoin

(en-join)

A

v. to command or direct an action with authority

v. to prohibit or forbid an action

The captain enjoined his men to respect the local laws while on shore leave.

86
Q

Define:

fulsome

(fool-suhm)

A

adj. offensively flattering or insincere.

adj. offensive to the taste

adj. generous or abundant

I prefer Sara’s sincere criticism to all the fulsome praise I receive from Deb.

87
Q

Define:

imprecation

(im-prih-key-shuhn)

A

n. a curse

The witch cast an imprecation on the villagers.

88
Q

Define:

extenuate

(ik-sten-yoo-eyt)

A

v. to lessen the magnitude or seriousness of; to mitigate

The prisoner’s illness may extenuate the conditions of his captivity, but it shall not lead me to order his early release.

89
Q

Define:

ineluctable

(in-ih-luhk-tuh-buhl)

A

adj. certain, inevitable, unavoidable

A hectic lifestyle seems to be the ineluctable product of modernity.

90
Q

Define:

vitiate

(vish-ee-eyt)

A

v. to reduce the quality of

v. to corrupt

The tear in the painting vitiated its overall appeal and halved its appraisal cost.

91
Q

Define:

turpitude

(tur-pih-tood)

A

n. depravity, baseness

n. a vile act

Because of stealing, he was dismissed on grounds of moral turpitude.

92
Q

Define:

plaintive

(pleyn-tiv)

A

adj. mournful, sorrowful, melancholy

The procession was led by the plaintive strains of the bagpipe.

93
Q

Define:

pertinacious

(purt-n-ey-shuhs)

A

adj. holding tenaciously to a belief

adj. stubbornly unyielding

Her pertinacious devotion to the debunked theory led her to be marginalized in the scientific community.

94
Q

Define:

recreant

(rek-ree-uhnt)

A

adj. unfaithful, disloyal to belief or principle

adj. cowardly or craven

n. one who is a coward, unfaithful, or disloyal

The recreant knight ran from the battle.

95
Q

Define:

adduce

(uh-doos)

A

v. to offer as proof in an argument

Seth adduced several recent studies in support of his hypothesis.

96
Q

Define:

traduce

(truh-doos)

A

v. to slander or speak maliciously of

As a “green energy” campaigner, I distrust politicians who habitually traduce the motivations of environmentalists.

97
Q

Define:

apposite

(app-uh-zit)

A

adj. relevant, suitable, or fitting

Though clever, Dmitry’s pun was not apposite to the solemn occasion.

98
Q

Define:

discursive

(diss-kurr-siv)

A

adj. rambling aimlessly through a wide range of subjects.

The poor speaker gave a rambling, discursive speech

99
Q

Define:

avocation

(av-uh-key-shuhn)

A

n. an extracurricular activity; a hobby

My favorite avocation is playing baseball in the summertime.

100
Q

Define:

adumbrate

(uh-duhm-breyt)

A

v. to foreshadow vaguely

v. to produce a faint outline or resemblance of something

The first volume merely adumbrates the basics of the story to be developed in the next two books.

101
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. the extent, boundary or scope of something

A

ambit

(am-bit)

synonyms: compass, extension, range, scope, reach, limits

The discussion remained within the ambit of the assigned topics for the meeting.

102
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. one who abandons a belief, cause, party or religion

A

apostate

(uh-poss-teyt)

synonyms: traitor, defector, unfaithful, renegade, turncoat, dissenter

The apostate was shunned by his former comrades after leaving the movement.

103
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. fallacious reasoning; faulty, although plausible, logic

A

sophistry

(sof-uh-stree)

synonyms: fallacy, inconsistency, misleading argument, specious reasoning

The politician’s argument was nothing more than sophistry, designed to mislead the public.

104
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. clarity or perceptiveness in speech, thought, or writing

A

perspicuity

(purr-spih-kyoo-ih-tee)

synonyms: comprehensibility, articulateness, clarity, lucidity, transparency

The perspicuity of her speech made even the most complex ideas easy to understand.

105
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to command or direct an action with authority

v. to prohibit or forbid an action

A

enjoin

(en-join)

synonyms: order, command; disallow, outlaw, dictate, direct, mandate

The court enjoined the company to halt its illegal practices immediately.

The rules enjoin students from bringing their phones to class.

106
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. offensively flattering or insincere.

adj. offensive to the taste

A

fulsome

(fool-suhm)

synonyms: overdone, copious, distasteful, excessive, lavish, insincere

His fulsome praise made everyone uncomfortable, as it felt exaggerated and fake.

The fulsome sweetness of the dessert made it difficult to finish.

107
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a curse

A

imprecation

(im-prih-key-shuhn)

synonyms: spell, hex, malediction, anathema, curse

The angry witch muttered an imprecation under her breath as she walked away.

108
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to lessen the magnitude or seriousness of; to mitigate

A

extenuate

(ik-sten-yoo-eyt)

synonyms: mitigate, lessen, lighten, alleviate, excuse, diminish

The lawyer tried to extenuate the defendant’s actions by highlighting his difficult upbringing.

109
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. certain, inevitable, unavoidable

A

ineluctable

(in-ih-luhk-tuh-buhl)

synonyms: inescapable, destined, inevitable, unavoidable, certain

The ineluctable passage of time affects everyone, no matter their status.

110
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to reduce the quality of

v. to corrupt

A

vitiate

(vish-ee-eyt)

synonyms: cheapen, deteriorate; blemish, debase, impair, spoil, undermine

His repeated lies vitiated the credibility of his testimony.

The scandal vitiated the integrity of the entire organization.

111
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. depravity, baseness

n. a vile act

A

turpitude

(tur-pih-tood)

synonyms: depravity, baseness, wickedness, immorality, corruption

The turpitude of the criminal’s actions shocked the entire community.

His turpitude was evident when he betrayed his own family for money.

112
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. mournful, sorrowful, melancholy

A

plaintive

(pleyn-tiv)

synonyms: sad, wistful, forlorn, sorrowful, lamenting

The plaintive melody of the violin expressed a deep sense of loss.

113
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. holding tenaciously to a belief

adj. stubbornly unyielding

A

pertinacious

(purt-n-ey-shuhs)

synonyms: stubbornly unyielding, tenacious, persistent, dogged, resolute

The pertinacious activist refused to back down, despite the opposition.

His pertinacious nature made it difficult to convince him to change his mind.

114
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. unfaithful, disloyal to belief or principle

adj. cowardly or craven

n. one who is a coward, unfaithful, or disloyal

A

recreant

(rek-ree-uhnt)

synonyms: cowardly, disloyal, traitorous, unfaithful, craven

The recreant knight abandoned his comrades in their hour of need.

The recreant fled the battlefield, leaving his fellow soldiers behind.

115
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to offer as proof in an argument

A

adduce

(uh-doos)

synonyms: introduce, exhibit, cite, bring forward, present, mention

The lawyer adduced several pieces of evidence to support her client’s innocence.

116
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to slander or speak maliciously of

A

traduce

(truh-doos)

synonyms: defame, slander, malign, disparage, vilify

He was quick to traduce his rivals, spreading false rumors to damage their reputations.

117
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. relevant, suitable, or fitting

A

apposite

(app-uh-zit)

synonyms: pertinent, timely, appropriate, fitting, applicable, relevant

His apposite remarks during the meeting helped to clarify the situation.

118
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. rambling aimlessly through a wide range of subjects

adj. drawing conclusions based on reason (as opposed to intuition)

A

discursive

(diss-kurr-siv)

synonyms: digressive, erratic; inclusive, absolute, wandering, rambling, aimless

His discursive lecture covered topics ranging from philosophy to pop culture.

The discursive analysis of the data led to several logical conclusions.

119
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. an extracurricular activity; a hobby

A

avocation

(av-uh-key-shuhn)

synonyms: hobby, recreation, pastime, interest, pursuit, diversion

Her avocation of painting provided a creative outlet outside of her day job.

120
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to foreshadow vaguely

v. to produce a faint outline or resemblance of something

A

adumbrate

(uh-duhm-breyt)

synonyms: bode, suggest, indicate, outline, foreshadow, sketch

The author adumbrated the tragic ending early in the novel.

The sketch adumbrated the final design of the building.

121
Q

Define:

alchemy

(al-kuh-me)

A

n. the medieval study of transforming lead into gold

Although it was never proven possible, alchemy is in many ways related to the chemistry we study today.

122
Q

Define:

allege

(uh-ledge)

A

v. to state that something is true without providing proof

The neighbors alleged that it was the store owner who started the fire, but it turned out that he had been out of town after speaking with him.

123
Q

Define:

allude

(uh-lewd)

A

v. to refer to another concept indirectly

She would occasionally allude to a summer house, though nobody knew exactly where it was.

124
Q

Define:

altruism

(al-true-iz-um)

A

n. selfless concern for others

Many charities were formed thanks to Rajiv’s altruism and generosity.

125
Q

Define:

ambivalence

(am-biv-uh-lunce)

A

n. confused or contradicting feelings

The bride’s ambivalence towards the color of the roses meant the groom had to decide.

126
Q

Define:

amble

(am-bul)

A

v. to walk slowly

The old man ambled over to our table and started up a conversation.

127
Q

Define:

ameliorate

(uh-meal-yuh-rate)

A

v. to make better

The new medicine ameliorated her condition rather quickly.

128
Q

Define:

amenable

(uh-men-ih-bull)

A

adj. open to suggestion or criticism

adj. accountable

A good manager is amenable to his employee’s new ideas.

129
Q

Define:

analgesic

(ann-ul-djee-zick)

A

n. pain reliever

After the surgery, the doctor prescribed an analgesic for her patient’s leg.

130
Q

Define:

anecdote

(ann-ik-dote)

A

n. a story of a specific incident, used as an example or for entertainment

The actor’s acceptance speech included an anecdote about his first audition.

131
Q

Define:

annul

(uh-null)

A

v. to declare invalid

The couple had their marriage annulled when it was revealed that the groom was still married to another woman.

132
Q

Define:

didactic

(die-dak-tick)

A

adj. overly instructive, educational

He may mean well, but Pat’s efforts to help came across as fussy and didactic.

133
Q

Define:

diffident

(diff-ih-dunt)

A

adj. lacking confidence; restrained or reserved

Since it was her first day, Lucy ventured only diffident answers to her superiors’ requests for input.

134
Q

Define:

diffuse

(v. dih-fewz; adj. dih-fewss)

A

v. to spread out

adj. widely spread, scattered

adj. wordy and rambling

Such a diffuse network of law enforcement will not be able to eliminate all instances of crime.

135
Q

Define:

dilapidated

(dih-lap-ih-date-id)

A

adj. ruined, worn down

The abandoned house was dilapidated from years of neglect.

136
Q

Define:

dilate

(die-late)

A

v. to widen or enlarge

v. to give a long speech on a subject

The eye drops dilated his pupils so the eye doctor could better examine them.

137
Q

Define:

dilettante

(dill-ih-tont)

A

n. a person with an interest in a topic without really commiting

n. a patron of the arts

The dance school accepted dilettantes as well as trained professionals.

138
Q

Define:

dirge

(durge)

A

n. a mournful song

We heard a chorus singing a dirge as the funeral procession began.

139
Q

Define:

disabuse

(diss-uh-bewz)

A

v. to free from a misconception or error in thought

Luke made it his goal to disabuse his students of the notion that they didn’t need to work hard to do well.

140
Q

Define:

disaffect

(diss-uh-fect)

A

v. to make someone lose loyalty or affection

Her attention-seeking behavior disaffected many of her classmates.

141
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. the medieval study of transforming lead into gold

A

alchemy

(al-kuh-me)

synonyms: sorcery, wizardry, medieval science, magical transformation, mysticism, theurgy

Medieval scientists pursued alchemy, hoping to turn base metals into gold.

142
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to state that something is true without providing proof

A

allege

(uh-ledge)

synonyms: assert, claim, contend, proclaim, argue

He alleged that the company was involved in illegal activities, but no evidence was presented.

143
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to refer to another concept indirectly

A

allude

(uh-lewd)

synonyms: bring up, imply, mention, hint at, suggest, insinuate

The author alluded to a famous historical event in the opening chapter of the novel.

144
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. selfless concern for others

A

altruism

(al-true-iz-um)

synonyms: charity, kindness, selflessness, benevolence, philanthropy

Her decision to volunteer at the shelter was an act of pure altruism.

145
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. confused or contradicting feelings

A

ambivalence

(am-biv-uh-lunce)

synonyms: confusion, dilemma, hesitation, uncertainty, mixed feelings, conflict

His ambivalence about moving to a new city made the decision difficult.

146
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to walk slowly

A

amble

(am-bul)

synonyms: saunter, drag, stroll, meander, roam

They amble along the park path, enjoying the sunny afternoon.

147
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to make better

A

ameliorate

(uh-meal-yuh-rate)

synonyms: amend, help, improve, enhance, alleviate

The government launched several initiatives to ameliorate living conditions in the city.

148
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. open to suggestion or criticism

adj. accountable

A

amenable

(uh-men-ih-bull)

synonyms: willing, cooperative; chargeable, liable, receptive, compliant, flexible

She was amenable to feedback and worked hard to improve her skills.

As the team leader, he was amenable for any issues that arose during the project.

149
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. pain reliever

A

analgesic

(ann-ul-djee-zick)

synonyms: painkiller, soother, anodyne, remedy, analgesic agent

The doctor prescribed an analgesic to help manage the patient’s pain after surgery.

150
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a story of a specific incident, used as an example or for entertainment

A

anecdote

(ann-ik-dote)

synonyms: episode, account, chronicle, tale, narrative, story

He shared a humorous anecdote about his childhood during the family gathering.

151
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to declare invalid

A

annul

(uh-null)

synonyms: void, abolish, cancel, invalidate, nullify, revoke

The court decided to annul the contract due to a breach of terms.

152
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. overly instructive or preachy

A

didactic

(die-dak-tick)

synonyms: advisory, sermonic, bookish, pedagogical, moralistic, instructive

His didactic tone made it difficult for the students to engage with the lesson.

153
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. lacking confidence; restrained or reserved

A

diffident

(diff-ih-dunt)

synonyms: hesitant, unconfident, shy, timid, self-doubting

Her diffident manner made her seem shy during the presentation, though her ideas were strong.

154
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to spread out

adj. widely spread, scattered

adj. wordy and rambling

A

diffuse

(v. dih-fewz; adj. dih-fewss)

synonyms: delocalized, verbose, prolix, dispersed, scattered, extended

The scent of flowers diffused through the air as we entered the garden.

The organization’s goals were too diffuse, leading to a lack of focus.

155
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. ruined, worn down

A

dilapidated

(dih-lap-ih-date-id)

synonyms: ramshackle, wasted, decayed, crumbling, deteriorated, neglected

The dilapidated house on the corner had been abandoned for years.

156
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to widen or enlarge

v. to give a long speech on a subject

A

dilate

(die-late)

synonyms: stretch, amplify; hold forth, expand, broaden, enlarge

The doctor used eye drops to dilate his pupils for the examination.

He began to dilate on the importance of education during the town hall meeting.

157
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a person with an interest in a topic without really commiting

n. a patron of the arts

A

dilettante

(dill-ih-tont)

synonyms: green, unskilled; artist, connoisseur, amateur, enthusiast, hobbyist

As a dilettante, he dabbled in painting but never took it seriously.

The wealthy dilettante often attended art exhibitions and supported local artists.

158
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a mournful song

A

dirge

(durge)

synonyms: death song, lament, funeral hymn, elegy, requiem, lamentation

The choir sang a somber dirge at the funeral.

159
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to free from a misconception or error in thought

A

disabuse

(diss-uh-bewz)

synonyms: correct, debunk, enlighten, clarify, set straight

He worked hard to disabuse his friend of the belief in a common conspiracy theory.

160
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to make someone lose loyalty or affection

A

disaffect

(diss-uh-fect)

synonyms: alienate, antagonize, estrange, turn away, alienate

The manager’s harsh treatment of employees began to disaffect many from the company.

161
Q

Define:

discern

(dih-surn)

A

v. to recognize, to recognize as different

From a distance, it was difficult for Josh to discern who was waving at him.

162
Q

Define:

discomfit

(diss-kum-fit)

A

v. to unsettle

v. to upset or prevent from succeeding

The presence of the victim’s family at the trial discomfited the accused.

163
Q

Define:

hackneyed

(hack-need)

A

adj. overdone or cliché

The student’s poem contained the hackneyed expressions that typically fill teenage diaries.

164
Q

Define:

hallmark

(hall-mark)

A

n. a unique, identifying trait

n. a mark used to indicate the purity of certain metals

Complete obedience is the hallmark of a good soldier.

165
Q

Define:

harangue

(huh-rang)

A

v. to speak with intense emotions

n. a rant

The lobbyists arrived at the senator’s office expecting to make a deal, but instead they received a 45-minute harangue from the angry politician.

166
Q

Define:

hedonism

(heed-in-iz-um)

A

n. dedication to pursuing pleasure

Jake’s hedonism became apparent when he quit his job rather than cancel his trip to the Bahamas.

167
Q

Define:

tan

(tan)

A

v. to whip

v. to make leather out of animal hide

He spent days tanning the leather properly.

168
Q

Define:

heretical

(huh-ret-ih-kull)

A

adj. differing from official beliefs

Galileo’s discoveries of the nature of Earth’s place in the universe were considered heretical at the time.

169
Q

Define:

hieroglyphic

(high-ruh-glif-ik)

A

adj. difficult to understand, mysterious

The students could not read the teacher’s hieroglyphic writing on the board.

170
Q

Define:

homogenous

(hoe-modj-ih-nus)

A

adj. composed of similar or identical parts

The audience was mostly a homogenous group of fashion design students, though one or two engineering students also attended.

171
Q

Define:

hone

(hone)

A

v. to perfect

v. to sharpen

The swimmers spent all day in the water trying to hone their skills before the meet.

172
Q

Define:

husband

(huz-bund)

A

v. to conserve

The campers knew they would have to husband their supplies on their trip.

173
Q

Define:

nonplussed

(non-plust)

A

adj. confused

She was nonplussed when her mother scolded her for no apparent reason.

174
Q

Define:

noxious

(knock-shuss)

A

adj. harmful in a physical or moral way

Unfortunately, the group did not notice the noxious gas until it had claimed several victims.

175
Q

Define:

nuance

(new-awnss)

A

n. a small difference

A trained scientist is sensitive to the nuances between these two seemingly identical procedures.

176
Q

Define:

obdurate

(ob-duh-ritt)

A

adj. stubborn; inflexible and unyielding

adj. emotionally cold; not compassionate

Even when the witness began to cry, the accused remained obdurate and detached.

177
Q

Define:

obsequious

(ob-see-kwee-us)

A

adj. very submissive and flattering

In industries where obsequious service is expected, one generally leaves a tip.

178
Q

Define:

obstinate

(ob-stuh-nitt)

A

adj. stubborn, unyielding to change an opinion

The obstinate woman refused to move out of the other customers’ way.

179
Q

Define:

obviate

(ob-vee-ehyt)

A

v. to anticipate and prevent

v. to make obsolete

The Internet has all but obviated the need for radio stations.

180
Q

Define:

occlude

(uh-clued)

A

v. to close or block off

v. to combine opposite surfaces

The only way out of the cabin was occluded by a mound of fresh snow.

181
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to see clearly

A

discern

(dih-surn)

synonyms: note, notice, focus, detect, perceive, distinguish

She was able to discern the hidden meaning behind his words after careful reflection.

182
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to unsettle

v. to upset or prevent from succeeding

A

discomfit

(diss-kum-fit)

synonyms: frustrate, annoy, embarrass, confuse, thwart

The unexpected question discomfited the speaker, causing him to lose his train of thought.

Their attempts to discomfit the opposing team by changing tactics were ultimately successful.

183
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. overdone or cliché

A

hackneyed

(hack-need)

synonyms: tired, common, trite, stale, unoriginal

The movie’s plot was filled with hackneyed dialogue that felt tired and unoriginal.

184
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a unique, identifying trait

n. a mark used to indicate the purity of certain metals

A

hallmark

(hall-mark)

synonyms: authentication, emblem, brand, signature, indicator, symbol

Attention to detail is the hallmark of a great designer.

The jeweler inspected the hallmark on the gold ring to verify its authenticity.

185
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to speak with intense emotions

n. a rant

A

harangue

(huh-rang)

synonyms: diatribe, tirade, speech, lecture, oration, tirade

The coach harangued his team after their lackluster performance.

His harangue about politics lasted for nearly an hour.

186
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. dedication to pursuing pleasure

A

hedonism

(heed-in-iz-um)

synonyms: seeking pleasure and happiness, sensualism, indulgence, self-indulgence

His lifestyle of constant parties and indulgence was a clear example of hedonism.

187
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to whip

v. to make leather out of animal hide

A

tan

(tan)

synonyms: flog, beat, treat, process, skin

In old times, sailors were often tanned for disobedience.

The workers tanned the hides to create durable leather goods.

188
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. differing from official beliefs

A

heretical

(huh-ret-ih-kull)

synonyms: unorthodox, disagreeing, dissenting, radical, nonconformist, unconventional

His heretical views on religion caused him to be ostracized by the community.

189
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. difficult to understand, mysterious

A

hieroglyphic

(high-ruh-glif-ik)

synonyms: unclear, unreadable, cryptic, enigmatic, puzzling, obscure

The professor’s notes were so hieroglyphic that no one could make sense of them.

190
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. composed of similar or identical parts

A

homogenous

(hoe-modj-ih-nuss)

synonyms: same, of like parts, uniform, identical, consistent, congruent

The population of the small town was largely homogeneous, with little cultural diversity.

191
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to perfect

v. to sharpen

A

hone

(hone)

synonyms: train, discipline; whet, grind, refine, enhance, improve

She spent years honing her skills as a pianist to reach a professional level.

He used a stone to hone the blade of his knife.

192
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to conserve

A

husband

(huz-bund)

synonyms: retain, preserve, manage, conserve, safeguard

They carefully husbanded their resources to ensure they would last through the winter.

193
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. confused

A

nonplussed

(non-plust)

synonyms: perplexed, baffled, puzzled, bewildered, astonished, flabbergasted

He was nonplussed by the strange behavior of his coworkers.

194
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. harmful in a physical or moral way

A

noxious

(knock-shuss)

synonyms: dangerous, corrupt, harmful, toxic, deleterious

The factory emitted noxious fumes that were dangerous to both the environment and the workers.

195
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a small difference

A

nuance

(new-awnss)

synonyms: degree, subtlety, shade, distinction, variation

The actor’s performance captured every nuance of the character’s emotions.

196
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. emotionally cold; not compassionate

A

obdurate

(ob-duh-ritt)

synonyms: insensitive, apathetic, unyielding, stubborn, relentless

Despite their pleas, the judge remained obdurate in his decision to impose the harshest penalty.

197
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. very submissive and flattering

A

obsequious

(ob-see-kwee-us)

synonyms: flattering, sycophantic, servile, fawning, subservient

His obsequious behavior towards his boss made him seem insincere and desperate for approval.

198
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. stubborn

A

obstinate

(ob-stuh-nitt)

synonyms: stubborn, determined, headstrong, unyielding, persistent

Despite all the evidence, he remained obstinate in his opinion.

199
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to anticipate and prevent

v. to make obsolete

A

obviate

(ob-vee-ehyt)

synonyms: anticipate, counteract; inhibit, stymie, prevent, eliminate, preclude

The new safety measures were put in place to obviate potential accidents.

The introduction of digital cameras quickly obviated the need for film.

200
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to close or block off

v. to combine opposite surfaces

A

occlude

(uh-clued)

synonyms: clog, prevent, choke, congest, smother, block, obstruct, seal

The dentist noticed that the patient’s teeth were occluding improperly, causing discomfort.

The doctor had to occlude the blood vessels during the surgery to prevent bleeding.

Advanced Vocab Genius (10 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions