Advanced Vocab Words - Set 4 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:

aseptic

(uh-sep-tik)

A

adj. free of pathogens or germs

adj. with little or no emotion

Doctors are always careful to use aseptic surgical equipment to prevent infection.

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2
Q

Define:

prolix

(proh-liks)

A

adj. wordy or prolonged; tedious in length

The prolix manuscript took days to read.

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3
Q

Define:

foolhardy

(fool-hahr-dee)

A

adj. reckless, unwisely bold; thoughtlessly rash

It was a foolhardy attempt to climb the Sears Tower that went very wrong.

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4
Q

Define:

picaresque

(pik-uh-resk)

A

adj. involving clever rogues in episodes of comedy or adventure

Huck Finn is a picaresque hero.

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5
Q

Define:

raucous

(raw-kuhs)

A

adj. rough sounding, harsh

adj. boisterous, rowdy, disorderly

The raucous laughter went on long into the night.

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6
Q

Define:

providential

(prov-ih-den-shuhl)

A

adj. to occur as if from divine intervention or great time

His providential recovery, when it seemed that he would surely succumb, brought hope to many.

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7
Q

Define:

antipodal

(an-tip-uh-dl)

A

adj. diametrically opposed to, polar opposite

adj. on the opposite side of the earth

The couple had totally antipodal personalities, but they enjoyed each other’s company.

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8
Q

Define:

pillory

(pill-uh-ree)

A

v. to punish; to hold up for public scorning

n. a wooden framework with holes for head and hands, in which criminal offenders are held

Dan was pilloried in class for his inability to spell “potato”.

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9
Q

Define:

infelicitous

(in-fuh-liss-ih-tuss)

A

adj. unfortunate, awkward, inappropriate

In Thailand, it is considered infelicitous to touch someone’s head.

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10
Q

Define:

dilatory

(dil-uh-tawr-ee)

A

adj. tending to delay, put off, or procrastinate

adj. intended to slow progress

Courtney employed dilatory tactics in the debate in order to collect her thoughts, but the judges noticed and she was docked a point.

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11
Q

Define:

overweening

(oh-ver-wee-ning)

A

adj. presumptuously arrogant or conceited; overconfident, overbearing

Ian made the overweening assumption that people would rush to help him.

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12
Q

Define:

neologism

(nee-awl-uh-djiz-uhm)

A

n. the creation of new words, expressions, or usages for words

“Technophile” is a neologism, just as “UFO” once was.

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13
Q

Define:

lassitude

(lass-ih-tood)

A

n. a state of listless exhaustion, weakness, or weariness of the mind or body

The extreme heat led to a general lassitude that settled on the village from May to October.

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14
Q

Define:

locution

(loh-kyoo-shuhn)

A

n. a particular word, phrase, or style used by a person or group

n. style of speaking, phraseology

The newcomers were fascinated by the Aussie’s locution.

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15
Q

Define:

jocose

(joh-kohss)

A

adj. characterized by a joking or humorous manner

The jocose innkeeper could always be counted on for a bit of levity.

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16
Q

Define:

rend

(rend)

A

v. to forcibly take

v. to tear apart

The three-year-old decided she wants to play with the teddy bear, so she rended it from her infant sister’s hands.

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17
Q

Define:

stanch

(stawnch)

A

v. to cease the flow of a liquid (esp. blood)

The doctor’s attempt to stanch the flow of blood eventually succeeded, and the patient’s blood pressure stabilized.

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18
Q

Define:

solder

(sod-er)

A

v. to weld, fuse, or join (esp. metals)

Harry soldered the bits of scrap metal together to make a pet door.

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19
Q

Define:

demure

(duh-myoor)

A

adj. modest, shy

Lindsay was demure and had a tough time opening up to new people.

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20
Q

Define:

insensible

(in-sen-suh-buhl)

A

adj. unconscious, unresponsive

The boxer lay insensible on the floor of the ring.

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21
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. free of pathogens or germs

adj. with little or no emotion

A

aseptic

(uh-sep-tik)

synonyms: barren, clean; withdrawn, introverted, sterile, unemotional

The hospital room was kept aseptic to prevent infections.

His aseptic demeanor made it hard to read his feelings.

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22
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. wordy or prolonged; tedious in length

A

prolix

(proh-liks)

synonyms: lengthy, rambling, verbose, long-winded, tedious

The professor’s prolix lecture caused several students to lose focus.

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23
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. reckless, unwisely bold; thoughtlessly rash

A

foolhardy

(fool-hahr-dee)

synonyms: daredevil, venturous, risky, audacious, imprudent

His foolhardy decision to drive through the storm led to disaster.

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24
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. involving clever rogues in episodes of comedy or adventure

A

picaresque

(pik-uh-resk)

synonyms: roguish, satirical, adventurous, playful, whimsical

The novel’s picaresque hero was always getting into mischief.

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25
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. rough sounding, harsh adj. boisterous, rowdy, disorderly
raucous | (**raw**-kuhs) ## Footnote synonyms: noisy, chaotic, loud, clamorous, disorderly The _raucous_ laughter filled the noisy bar. The _raucous_ crowd disrupted the concert.
26
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. to occur as if from divine intervention
providential | (prov-ih-**den**-shuhl) ## Footnote synonyms: accidental, convenient, fortunate, serendipitous, timely Their _providential_ meeting led to a lifelong friendship.
27
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. diametrically opposed to, polar opposite adj. on the opposite side of the earth
antipodal | (an-**tip**-uh-dl) ## Footnote synonyms: opposed, contrary, counter, opposite, divergent Their views on politics were _antipodal_. Australia and Argentina are _antipodal_ regions.
28
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to punish; to hold up for public scorning n. a wooden framework with holes for head and hands, in which criminal offenders are held
pillory | (**pill**-uh-ree) ## Footnote synonyms: ridicule, abuse, condemn, chastise He was _pilloried_ in the press for his controversial remarks. In medieval times, criminals were placed in the _pillory_ as punishment.
29
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. unfortunate, awkward, inappropriate
infelicitous | (in-fuh-**liss**-ih-tuss) ## Footnote synonyms: improper, ill-suited, inopportune, unsuitable His _infelicitous_ comment ruined the otherwise pleasant dinner.
30
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. tending to delay, put off, or procrastinate adj. intended to slow progress
dilatory | (**dil**-uh-tawr-ee) ## Footnote synonyms: dallying, sluggish, tardy, procrastinating, lagging Her _dilatory_ approach to her work caused deadlines to be missed. The _dilatory_ tactics during the meeting frustrated the team.
31
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. presumptuously arrogant or conceited, overconfident, overbearing
overweening | (oh-ver-**wee**-ning) ## Footnote synonyms: brash, conceited, pompous, hubristic, egotistical His _overweening_ arrogance made him unpopular among his colleagues.
32
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the creation of new words, expressions, or usages for words
neologism | (nee-**awl**-uh-djiz-uhm) ## Footnote synonyms: synthetic word, new phrase, coinage, innovation The tech industry is full of _neologisms_ that are hard to keep up with.
33
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a state of listless exhaustion, weakness, or weariness of the mind or body
lassitude | (**lass**-ih-tood) ## Footnote synonyms: lethargy, weariness, fatigue, listlessness, apathy After the long hike, she was overcome with _lassitude_.
34
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a particular word, phrase, or style used by a person or group n. style of speaking, phraseology
locution | (loh-**kyoo**-shuhn) ## Footnote synonyms: phrasing, expression, lingo, vernacular, terminology His _locution_ was filled with regional slang that made him hard to understand. The speaker's _locution_ was elegant and engaging.
35
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. characterized by a joking or humorous manner
jocose | (joh-**kohss**) ## Footnote synonyms: facetious, humorous, funny, playful, lighthearted His _jocose_ personality made him the life of the party.
36
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to forcibly take v. to tear apart
rend | (**rend**) ## Footnote synonyms: break, divide, rip, tear, split He tried to _rend_ the book from her hands.
37
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to cease the flow of a liquid (esp. blood)
stanch | (**stawnch**) ## Footnote synonyms: halt, stop, quench, check The nurse quickly _stanched_ the bleeding.
38
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to weld, fuse, or join (esp. metals)
solder | (**sod**-er) ## Footnote synonyms: fasten, braze, fuse, bind He carefully _soldered_ the broken circuit board back together.
39
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. modest, shy
demure | (duh-**myoor**) ## Footnote synonyms: reserved, bashful, coy, retiring, unassuming She gave a _demure_ smile when complimented.
40
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. unconscious, unresponsive
insensible | (in-**sen**-suh-buhl) ## Footnote synonyms: cold, numb, inanimate, unfeeling, unaware He was _insensible_ after being hit on the head.
41
# Define: rail | (**reyl**)
v. to complain bitterly ## Footnote The citizens _railed_ against the injustice of the federal land grab in tersely-worded editorials and letters to the editor.
42
# Define: noisome | (**noy**-suhm)
adj. unpleasant (smell) or harmful ## Footnote The _noisome_ odor of the garbage nauseated Audrey.
43
# Define: mellifluous | (muh-**lif**-loo-uhs)
adj. sweetly flowing (esp. of words or sounds) ## Footnote Lucy's _mellifluous_ voice was noted by her interviewer.
44
# Define: inveterate | (in-**vet**-er-it)
adj. established, habitual, deep-rooted ## Footnote It was Tony's _inveterate_ preference to drink orange juice every morning.
45
# Define: coterie | (**koh**-tuh-ree)
n. a small or exclusive group of people with common interests ## Footnote The _coterie_ of musicians began to meet on Tuesday nights and eventually established a weekly concert series.
46
# Define: impugn | (im-**pyoon**)
v. to challenge or attack one's beliefs or motives as false ## Footnote The candidate went too far when he began to _impugn_ the character of his opponent's husband.
47
# Define: voluble | (**vol**-yuh-buhl)
adj. able to speak easily and in quantity, glib, talkative ## Footnote The _voluble_ speaker talked late into the night.
48
# Define: misogynist | (mih-**sodj**-uh-nist)
n. one who hates women ## Footnote The song contained several lyrics that were so offensive to women that the singer was immediately labeled a _misogynist_.
49
# Define: pedagogy | (**ped**-uh-goh-djee)
n. the art or profession of training, teaching, or instructing ## Footnote Training in _pedagogy_ can't prepare you for manic third graders.
50
# Define: ambient | (**am**-bee-uhnt)
adj. relating to the immediate surroundings; surrounding environment ## Footnote The low _ambient_ lighting made for a romantic dinner setting.
51
# Define: inquest | (**in**-kwest)
n. a judicial inquiry of some matter held before a jury n. an investigation, inquiry ## Footnote The police opened an _inquest_ into the cause of death.
52
# Define: preen | (**preen**)
v. to primp, to dress up v. to clean fur or feathers of an animal ## Footnote The bird _preened_ its feathers with its beak for a few moments before taking flight.
53
# Define: parry | (**pear**-ee)
v. to block, evade, or ward off ## Footnote The politician _parried_ the reporter's questions with a few of her own.
54
# Define: guy | (**gahy**)
n. rope or cord attached to something as a brace ## Footnote I was nervous that the _guy_ for the pulley would snap.
55
# Define: sallow | (**sal**-oh)
adj. of a sickly yellowish hue or complexion ## Footnote There was a large number of _sallow_-looking patients in the doctor's office.
56
# Define: plangent | (**plan**-djuhnt)
adj. pounding, thundering, resounding ## Footnote The _plangent_ honking of geese flying overhead jolted me awake.
57
# Define: peripatetic | (per-uh-puh-**tet**-ik)
adj. itinerant, nomadic ## Footnote A _peripatetic_ existence can take its toll on your relationships with the ones you love.
58
# Define: rue | (**roo**)
v. to regret; to feel or experience remorse ## Footnote I _rued_ the day I ever let her go.
59
# Define: macerate | (**mass**-uh-reyt)
v. to soften by steeping in a liquid, or decompose v. to emaciate; to starve ## Footnote Now, we will _macerate_ the rest of the melon in hot water so we can use it to flavor the cream.
60
# Define: callow | (**kal**-oh)
adj. lacking maturity or experience ## Footnote A _callow_ young man was tormenting the elderly in the park.
61
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to complain bitterly
rail | (**reyl**) ## Footnote synonyms: berate, abuse, complain, rant, criticize She _railed_ against the unfair treatment she received.
62
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. offensive or harmful
noisome | (**noy**-suhm) ## Footnote synonyms: repulsive, dangerous, foul, malodorous The _noisome_ fumes made it difficult to breathe.
63
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. sweetly flowing (esp. of words or sounds)
mellifluous | (muh-**lif**-loo-uhs) ## Footnote synonyms: euphonic, harmonic, mellow, pleasing, smooth, soothing Her _mellifluous_ voice captivated the audience.
64
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. established, habitual, deep-rooted
inveterate | (in-**vet**-er-it) ## Footnote synonyms: chronic, habitual, ingrained, persistent, entrenched He was an _inveterate_ smoker despite numerous attempts to quit.
65
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a small or exclusive group of people with common interests
coterie | (**koh**-tuh-ree) ## Footnote synonyms: clique, crowd, collective, group, association She belonged to an elite _coterie_ of art collectors.
66
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to challenge or attack ones beliefs or motives as false
impugn | (im-**pyoon**) ## Footnote synonyms: criticize, challenge, dispute, question He _impugned_ her integrity during the heated debate.
67
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. able to speak easily and in quantity, glib, talkative
voluble | (**vol**-yuh-buhl) ## Footnote synonyms: articulate, chatty, conversational, talkative, garrulous The _voluble_ speaker entertained the crowd for hours.
68
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. one who hates women
misogynist | (mih-**sodj**-uh-nist) ## Footnote synonyms: sexist, chauvinist, woman-hater, male chauvinist The _misogynist_ was known for his discriminatory views.
69
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the art or profession of training, teaching, or instructing
pedagogy | (**ped**-uh-goh-djee) ## Footnote synonyms: education, apprenticeship, discipline, instruction, teaching She excelled in _pedagogy_, making complex subjects accessible to students.
70
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. relating to the immediate surroundings; surrounding environment
ambient | (**am**-bee-uhnt) ## Footnote synonyms: environment, atmosphere, surrounding, environmental The _ambient_ noise of the city made it hard to concentrate.
71
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a judicial inquiry of some matter held before a jury. n. an investigation, inquiry
inquest | (**in**-kwest) ## Footnote synonyms: a judicial inquiry, an official review before a panel, investigation, examination The court held an _inquest_ into the cause of the accident.
72
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to primp, to dress up v. to clean fur or feathers of an animal
preen | (**preen**) ## Footnote synonyms: beautify, groom, brush, doll up, tidy, arrange She spent hours _preening_ before the big event. The bird _preened_ its feathers in the sunlight.
73
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to block, evade, or ward off
parry | (**pear**-ee) ## Footnote synonyms: block, dodge, circumvent, deflect, counter He skillfully _parried_ his opponent's attack.
74
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. rope or cord attached to something as a brace
guy | (**gahy**) ## Footnote synonyms: cable, wire, rope, support, line The tent was secured with a _guy_ to withstand the wind.
75
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. of a sickly yellowish hue or complexion
sallow | (**sal**-oh) ## Footnote synonyms: pale, unhealthy-looking, jaundiced, sickly, wan Her _sallow_ complexion was a sign of her illness.
76
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. pounding, thundering, resounding
plangent | (**plan**-djuhnt) ## Footnote synonyms: booming, loud, roaring, mournful, melancholy The _plangent_ roar of the waves echoed through the cliffs.
77
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. itinerant, nomadic
peripatetic | (per-uh-puh-**tet**-ik) ## Footnote synonyms: migrant, vagrant, wandering, traveling, roving His _peripatetic_ lifestyle took him all over the world.
78
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to regret; to feel or experience remorse
rue | (**roo**) ## Footnote synonyms: feel remorse, grieve for, lament, repent He _rued_ the day he made that fateful decision.
79
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to soften by steeping in a liquid, or decompose v. to emaciate; to starve
macerate | (**mass**-uh-reyt) ## Footnote synonyms: soak, dissolve, break down, soften The fruit was left to _macerate_ in the wine overnight. The harsh conditions caused the prisoners to _macerate_.
80
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. lacking maturity or experience
callow | (**kal**-oh) ## Footnote synonyms: immature, foolish, green, inexperienced The _callow_ youth made many naive mistakes.
81
# Define: wistful | (**wist**-fuhl)
adj. yearning, longing, or melancholy ## Footnote The child stared _wistfully_ out the window for days, waiting for her dog to return.
82
# Define: corroborate | (kuh-**rob**-uh-rehyt)
v. to confirm or validate ## Footnote The mailman _corroborated_ the alleged thief's story, confirming that he had merely been passing by when the robbery occurred.
83
# Define: couch | (**couch**)
v. to express in indirect terms; to frame in a certain way ## Footnote Her criticism was _couched_ in flattering terms so that her coworker wouldn't take offense.
84
# Define: innervate | (ih-**nur**-veyt)
v. to give nervous energy to; to supply with nerves ## Footnote The team was _innervated_ by the coach's pep talk and approached the second half with renewed energy.
85
# Define: impecunious | (im-puh-**kyoo**-nee-us)
adj. poor; without any money ## Footnote A graduate student generally leads an _impecunious_ existence.
86
# Define: grovel | (**gruhv**-uhl)
v. to behave in a servile manner to receive forgiveness or a favor v. to kneel with one's head down ## Footnote The servants _groveled_ at the king's throne.
87
# Define: epicurean | (ep-ih-kyoo-**ree**-uhn)
adj. characterized by luxury (esp. in terms of food and drink) or by a propensity for indulging in luxury ## Footnote The cruise was marketed as an _epicurean_ adventure through the cuisines of four Caribbean nations.
88
# Define: hirsute | (**hur**-soot)
adj. hairy, shaggy ## Footnote A _hirsute_ sheepdog won the Dog Showing Contest.
89
# Define: countenance | (**koun**-tuh-nunce)
n. appearance of a person's face v. to permit, to allow ## Footnote Many people thought she was friendly because of her kindly _countenance_.
90
# Define: scurvy | (**skur**-vee)
adj. not admirable, despicable ## Footnote The _scurvy_ pirate secured his escape by throwing gun powder into the eyes of his pursuers.
91
# Define: covert | (**koe**-vert)
adj. hidden; secret ## Footnote The government's _covert_ operations were laid bare by the shocking article.
92
# Define: craven | (**kray**-vun)
adj. cowardly ## Footnote The _craven_ man ran away at the first sign of danger.
93
# Define: eugenics | (yoo-**djen**-iks)
n. the study of heredity improvements by genetic control ## Footnote Nazi Germany is known to have carried out many _eugenics_ experiments that provoked outrage once they came to light.
94
# Define: credence | (**creed**-enss)
n. belief that something is true n. plausibility ## Footnote She gave _credence_ to the rumors when she failed to deny them.
95
# Define: execrate | (**ek**-si-kreyt)
v. to declare to be hateful or abhorrent; denounce v. to loathe v. to curse ## Footnote The rival teams appeared on the news to _execrate_ one another.
96
# Define: sempiternal | (sem-pih-**tur**-nl)
adj. eternal, infinite ## Footnote Nothing in life is _sempiternal_, alas.
97
# Define: credulous | (**kredj**-uh-luss)
adj. easily convinced that something is true ## Footnote His lies were so ridiculous that only the most _credulous_ child would have believed them.
98
# Define: plumb | (**pluhm**)
v. to measure the depth v. to examine critically ## Footnote I think she is the only architect working today who has the courage to truly _plumb_ the possibilities of recycled construction materials.
99
# Define: culpable | (**kull**-puh-bull)
adj. deserving of blame or punishment ## Footnote He confessed that he was _culpable_ for the crime and faced the consequences.
100
# Define: debase | (dih-**base**)
v. to corrupt or lower the value of ## Footnote Many argue that modern society has been _debased_ by materialism.
101
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. yearning, longing, or melancholy
wistful | (**wist**-fuhl) ## Footnote synonyms: forlorn, reflective, pensive, melancholic She gave a _wistful_ glance at the old photographs, remembering better times.
102
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to confirm or validate
corroborate | (kuh-**rob**-uh-rehyt) ## Footnote synonyms: affirm, validate, give further supporting evidence, verify, support The witness's testimony _corroborated_ the alibi of the defendant.
103
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to express in indirect terms; to frame in a certain way
couch | (**couch**) ## Footnote synonyms: formulate, phrase, surround, present, articulate She _couched_ her criticism in more diplomatic language to avoid offense.
104
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to give nervous energy to; to supply with nerves
innervate | (ih-**nur**-veyt) ## Footnote synonyms: invigorate, evoke, energize, stimulate The motivational speech _innervated_ the team before the big game.
105
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. poor; without any money
impecunious | (im-puh-**kyoo**-nee-us) ## Footnote synonyms: destitute, impoverished, broke, needy He was _impecunious_ after years of struggling to find steady work.
106
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to behave in a servile manner v. to indulge in unworthy pursuits
grovel | (**gruhv**-uhl) ## Footnote synonyms: beg, serve, fawn, abase He had to _grovel_ for forgiveness after making a serious mistake. They _groveled_ to win favor with the influential leader.
107
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. characterized by luxury (esp. in terms of food and drink) or by a propensity for indulging in luxury
epicurean | (ep-ih-kyoo-**ree**-uhn) ## Footnote synonyms: gluttonous, libertine, luxurious, indulgent The _epicurean_ feast featured the finest wines and gourmet dishes.
108
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. hairy, shaggy
hirsute | (**hur**-soot) ## Footnote synonyms: furry, woolly, fuzzy, hairy The _hirsute_ dog left fur all over the furniture.
109
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. appearance of a person's face v. to permit, to allow
countenance | (**koun**-tuh-nunce) ## Footnote synonyms: aspect, demeanor, expression; face, approval His serious _countenance_ made him look older than his years. The manager _countenanced_ the team's request for a day off.
110
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. not admirable, despicable
scurvy | (**skur**-vee) ## Footnote synonyms: abominable, low-down, despicable, contemptible His _scurvy_ behavior left him with few friends.
111
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. hidden; secret n. a covered place for hiding
covert | (**koe**-vert) ## Footnote synonyms: cloaked, secret, sly, concealed, hidden The agent's _covert_ operation was unknown to most of his colleagues. The fox darted into the _covert_ to avoid the hunters.
112
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. cowardly
craven | (**kray**-vun) ## Footnote synonyms: weak, timid, fearful, spineless, cowardly His craven refusal to stand up for his beliefs cost him his reputation.
113
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the study of heredity improvements by genetic control
eugenics | (yoo-**djen**-iks) ## Footnote synonyms: genetic enhancement, genetic manipulation, biogenetics The controversial theory of _eugenics_ has raised ethical concerns over the years.
114
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. belief that something is true n. plausibility
credence | (**creed**-enss) ## Footnote synonyms: credulity, confidence, possibility, faith, trust The scientist's findings lent _credence_ to the new theory. Her story had enough _credence_ to be considered seriously.
115
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to declare to be hateful or abhorrent; denounce v. to loathe v. to curse
execrate | (**ek**-si-kreyt) ## Footnote synonyms: accurse, condemn; hate, detest, revile The dictator was _execrated_ by the people for his brutal regime. She _execrated_ the idea of injustice.
116
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. eternal, infinite
sempiternal | (sem-pih-**tur**-nl) ## Footnote synonyms: ageless, constant, everlasting, timeless The stars in the sky seem _sempiternal_, twinkling throughout the ages.
117
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. easily convinced that something is true
credulous | (**kredj**-uh-luss) ## Footnote synonyms: gullible, too trusting, naive, unsuspecting The _credulous_ child believed every story his older brother told him.
118
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to measure the depth v. to examine critically
plumb | (**pluhm**) ## Footnote synonyms: probe, gauge; assess, study, explore They used a rope to _plumb_ the depths of the ocean. The professor _plumbed_ the complexities of the argument during the lecture.
119
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. deserving of blame or punishment
culpable | (**kull**-puh-bull) ## Footnote synonyms: guilty, liable, responsible, accountable He was found _culpable_ for the accident and faced legal consequences.
120
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. to corrupt or lower the value of
debase | (dih-**base**) ## Footnote synonyms: degrade, cheapen, diminish, tarnish The scandal _debased_ the reputation of the company.
121
# Define: decadent | (**deck**-ih-dunt)
adj. in a state of decline adj. self-indulgent ## Footnote Louis XIV was known for his _decadent_ displays of wealth and power.
122
# Define: decorous | (**dek**-core-us)
adj. conforming to what is acceptable to society adj. marked by propriety and etiquette ## Footnote One must always behave in a _decorous_ manner at formal events.
123
# Define: decry | (dih-**cry**)
v. to strongly disapprove of ## Footnote The preacher _decried_ society's indifference towards the poor.
124
# Define: artless | (**art**-liss)
adj. simple and natural adj. unable to mask true feelings adj. without artistic merit; crudely made ## Footnote She had an _artless_ grace about her that endeared her to strangers.
125
# Define: ascetic | (uh-**set-**ik)
adj. relating to self-denial n. a person who practices self-denial ## Footnote The _ascetic_ monks rejected modern comforts such as electricity.
126
# Define: ascendant | (uh-**sen**-dent)
adj. rising adj. most powerful n. a position of being dominant or in control ## Footnote In this game, newcomers are _ascendant_ because of their youth.
127
# Define: ascribe | (uh-**scribe**)
v. to attribute or assign to a cause ## Footnote Her success was _ascribed_ to the hours she had spent studying.
128
# Define: assiduous | (uh-**sidj**-oo-us)
adj. making careful and persistent effort ## Footnote John was an _assiduous_ student who always tried his best.
129
# Define: assuage | (uh-**swaydj**)
v. to relieve ## Footnote Her anger was _assuaged_ by her friend's soothing words.
130
# Define: astute | (uh-**stewt**)
adj. having practical intelligence and good judgment ## Footnote An _astute_ teacher always checks for plagiarism.
131
# Define: suppliant | (**suhp**-lee-uhnt)
adj. asking humbly, beseeching n. a person who requests or begs ## Footnote The boy was peering into the pet store window with the look of a _suppliant_ on his face.
132
# Define: atrophy | (**at**-ruh-fee)
n. deterioration (esp. due to inactivity) v. to deteriorate, to waste away (esp. due to inactivity) ## Footnote The paralyzed patient began to show signs of _atrophy_ in his leg muscles.
133
# Define: anosmia | (an-**oz**-mee-uh)
n. loss of the sense of smell ## Footnote Melissa has been afflicted with _anosmia_ since birth; she likes to say that sometimes it is a curse, and sometimes a blessing.
134
# Define: austere | (aw-**steer**)
adj. severe, strict, or very plain ## Footnote The _austere_ room was anything but inviting.
135
# Define: autonomous | (aw-**tawn**-ih-muss)
adj. independent ## Footnote The revolutionaries are fighting to make their country _autonomous_.
136
# Define: rapacious | (ruh-**pey**-shuhs)
adj. voracious, greedy, plundering ## Footnote The Vikings were _rapacious_ warriors.
137
# Define: avarice | (**av**-uh-riss)
n. insatiable greed ## Footnote The rich man's _avarice_ led him to buy up most of the neighborhood.
138
# Define: unflappable | (uhn-**flap**-uh-buhl)
adj. not easily upset or excited (e.g., in a crisis) ## Footnote The _unflappable_ hero maintained his level-headed mentality during the disaster.
139
# Define: aver | (uh-**vurr**)
v. to declare as true ## Footnote When interviewed, Susan's friends all _averred_ that she was a trustworthy person.
140
# Define: emasculate | (uh-**mass**-kyuh-leyt)
v. to castrate or make effeminate v. to weaken ## Footnote Wearing the frilly pink shirt made him feel _emasculated_.
141
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. in a state of decline adj. self-indulgent
decadent | (**deck**-ih-dunt) ## Footnote synonyms: decaying, hedonistic, luxurious, indulgent The once-vibrant city now appeared _decadent_, with crumbling buildings and empty streets. The _decadent_ lifestyle of the wealthy left them morally bankrupt.
142
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. conforming to what is acceptable to society adj. marked by propriety and etiquette
decorous | (**dek**-core-us) ## Footnote synonyms: acceptable, befitting; civil, courtly, seemly, proper, respectable Her _decorous_ behavior at the formal event impressed the guests. The _decorous_ conversation at dinner was a refreshing change from their usual banter.
143
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. to strongly disapprove of
decry | (dih-**cry**) ## Footnote synonyms: denounce, deplore, condemn, criticize, vilify The politician _decried_ the corruption in the system.
144
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. simple and natural adj. unable to mask true feelings adj. without artistic merit; crudely made
artless | (**art**-liss) ## Footnote synonyms: genuine, pure; naive, straightforward; awkward, amateurish, unpretentious, unrefined Her _artless_ charm made her instantly likable. His _artless_ honesty was refreshing, as he spoke from the heart.
145
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. relating to self-denial; and n. a person who practices self-denial
ascetic | (uh-**set-**ik) ## Footnote synonyms: abstinent, restrained, austere, self-disciplined, rigorous His _ascetic_ lifestyle was characterized by minimal possessions and strict routines. The _ascetic_ devoted his life to meditation and reflection, seeking enlightenment through simplicity.
146
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. rising adj. most powerful n. a position of being dominant or in control
ascendant | (uh-**sen**-dent) ## Footnote synonyms: ruling, superior, dominant, rising, prevailing The ascendant sun signaled the start of a new day. The nation enjoyed a period of ascendant power on the global stage.
147
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to attribute or assign to a cause
ascribe | (uh-**scribe**) ## Footnote synonyms: assign, appoint, accredit, attribute, impute He _ascribed_ his success to hard work and determination.
148
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. making careful and persistent effort
assiduous | (uh-**sidj**-oo-us) ## Footnote synonyms: hardworking, attentive, diligent, tireless, indefatigable, meticulous Her _assiduous_ attention to detail ensured the project was flawless.
149
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to relieve
assuage | (uh-**swaydj**) ## Footnote synonyms: soothe, alleviate, ease, calm, pacify He tried to _assuage_ her guilt with comforting words.
150
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. having practical intelligence and good judgment
astute | (uh-**stewt**) ## Footnote synonyms: adroit, perspicacious, sagacious, shrewd, insightful, perceptive, clever Her _astute_ observations helped the team solve the problem quickly.
151
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. asking humbly, beseeching n. a person who requests or begs
suppliant | (**suhp**-lee-uhnt) ## Footnote synonyms: begging; beggar, seeker, humble, beseeching, pleading, imploring The _suppliant_ tone of her voice revealed her deep desire for help. As a _suppliant_, he approached the council for assistance in his plight.
152
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. deterioration (esp. due to inactivity) v. to deteriorate, to waste away (esp. due to inactivity)
atrophy | (**at**-ruh-fee) ## Footnote synonyms: disintegration; to disintegrate, decline, degeneration, waste, diminish Muscle _atrophy_ can occur when a person is bedridden for an extended period. If not exercised regularly, the muscles will begin to _atrophy_.
153
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. loss of the sense of smell
anosmia | (an-**oz**-mee-uh) ## Footnote synonyms: without smell, smell loss, olfactory loss She was diagnosed with _anosmia_ after a severe illness.
154
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. severe, strict, or very plain
austere | (aw-**steer**) ## Footnote synonyms: bare, stark, simple, stern, harsh, unadorned The _austere_ decor of the room matched her minimalist lifestyle.
155
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. independent
autonomous | (aw-**tawn**-ih-muss) ## Footnote synonyms: self-determining, independent, self-governing, sovereign, free, self-sufficient The island nation remained _autonomous_ despite political pressures.
156
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. voracious, greedy, plundering
rapacious | (ruh-**pey**-shuhs) ## Footnote synonyms: marauding, ravenous, avaricious, greedy, insatiable The _rapacious_ invaders took everything of value from the village.
157
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. insatiable greed
avarice | (**av**-uh-riss) ## Footnote synonyms: selfishness, ambition, greed, covetousness, insatiability, materialism His _avarice_ led him to exploit his employees without remorse.
158
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. not easily upset or excited (e.g., in a crisis)
unflappable | (uhn-**flap**-uh-buhl) ## Footnote synonyms: calm, collected, composed, steady, imperturbable Even in the face of disaster, he remained _unflappable_ and calm.
159
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to declare as true
aver | (uh-**vurr**) ## Footnote synonyms: affirm, assert, declare, state She _averred_ her innocence during the trial.
160
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to castrate or make effeminate v. to weaken
emasculate | (uh-**mass**-kyuh-leyt) ## Footnote synonyms: desexualize, neuter; devitalize, weaken, undermine, debilitate, enfeeble The harsh criticism seemed to _emasculate_ his confidence in the project. Excessive regulations can _emasculate_ the effectiveness of a program.
161
# Define: dormant | (**door-**munt)
adj. inactive for a period of time ## Footnote The _dormant_ volcano erupted unexpectedly, injuring many.
162
# Define: recumbent | (rih-**kuhm**-buhnt)
adj. leaning, lying down ## Footnote He sat _recumbent_ on the picnic blanket.
163
# Define: dote | (**dote**)
v. to show excessive affection ## Footnote Her parents were strict but her grandparents always _doted_ on her and showered her with gifts.
164
# Define: frangible | (**fran**-djuh-buhl)
adj. fragile; easily broken ## Footnote The _frangible_ statue was accidently pushed over and shattered.
165
# Define: dupe | (**dewp**)
n. a person who is easily tricked v. to deceive ## Footnote The lying politician made those who had voted for him seem like _dupes_.
166
# Define: magnanimous | (mag-**nan**-uh-muhss)
adj. noble in spirit, generous in forgiving others ## Footnote Susan's _magnanimous_ personality made her many life-long friends.
167
# Define: ebb | (**eb**)
v. to decrease or recede n. a decline n. the outward flow of the tide ## Footnote Her affection for him began to _ebb_ a few days after the hasty wedding.
168
# Define: wizen | (**wiz**-uhn)
adj. shriveled, wrinkled, or withered, as of with old age ## Footnote A _wizened_ old man was walking through the park.
169
# Define: countermand | (koun-ter-**mand**)
v. to annul, cancel, make a contrary order ## Footnote The general _countermanded_ his previous order to retreat, telling the men to march straight into battle.
170
# Define: ebullient | (ih-**buhl**-yunt)
adj. very excited; joyously enthusiastic ## Footnote Linda was _ebullient_ when she made it into the semifinals.
171
# Define:: apogee | (**ap**-uh-djee)
n. the highest point, zenith ## Footnote The _apogee_ of the roller coaster terrified even the most seasoned riders.
172
# Define: ecclesiastical | (ih-klee-zee-**ass**-tih-kuhl)
adj. relating to the church ## Footnote Mary decided to take up her _ecclesiastical_ concerns with the local priest.
173
# Define: eclectic | (ih-**klek**-tik)
adj. composed of parts from many different sources ## Footnote The girl's fashion sense was an _eclectic_ mix of conservative Victorian and colorful modern styles.
174
# Define: edify | (**ed**-ih-fahy)
v. to educate, instruct, or benefit, especially morally or spiritually; uplift ## Footnote John attempted to _edify_ the impolite young man.
175
# Define: efficacious | (eff-ih-**kay**-shuss)
adj. producing or able to produce a desired result ## Footnote The woman insisted that her herbal medicines would be the most _efficacious_ remedy for the young patient.
176
# Define: puerile | (**pyoo**-er-ill)
adj. childish, immature ## Footnote The comedian had a _puerile_ sense of humor, invoking the bathroom in practically every joke.
177
# Define: effrontery | (ih-**frun**-tuh-ree)
n. unjustified arrogance or boldness ## Footnote Although my sister had not invited me to her party, she had the _effrontery_ to ask me for help setting up.
178
# Define: effusive | (ih-**few**-siv)
adj. related to excessive or unchecked emotion; expressing feelings of gratitude ## Footnote Susan's _effusive_ praise of Ramon's new car made him think that perhaps she didn't really like it.
179
# Define: tortuous | (**tawr**-choo-uhs)
adj. winding, excessively complicated ## Footnote The philosopher made a _tortuous_ argument that not many of his students followed.
180
# Define: debauchery | (dih-**baw**-chuh-ree)
n. extreme sensual indulgence ## Footnote The _debauchery_ in the movie was enough to make me blush.
181
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. inactive for a period of time
dormant | (**door-**munt) ## Footnote synonyms: inactive, sleeping, inoperative, latent, idle, resting The volcano has been _dormant_ for centuries.
182
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. leaning, lying down
recumbent | (rih-**kuhm**-buhnt) ## Footnote synonyms: sprawling, reclining, horizontal, prone He remained _recumbent_ on the couch, watching TV.
183
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to show excessive affection
dote | (**dote**) ## Footnote synonyms: favor, cherish, adore, pamper She couldn't help but _dote_ on her new puppy.
184
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. fragile; easily broken
frangible | (**fran**-djuh-buhl) ## Footnote synonyms: brittle, flimsy, delicate, breakable The _frangible_ glass shattered upon impact.
185
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a person who is easily tricked v. to deceive
dupe | (**dewp**) ## Footnote synonyms: chump, sucker, victim, fool, gull He was such a _dupe_, falling for every scam. The con artist _duped_ him into giving away his money.
186
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. noble in spirit, generous in forgiving others
magnanimous | (mag-**nan**-uh-muhss) ## Footnote synonyms: big-hearted, forgiving, generous, altruistic Her _magnanimous_ gesture of forgiveness surprised everyone.
187
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to decrease or recede n. a decline n. the outward flow of the tide
ebb | (**eb**) ## Footnote synonyms: subside; regression, decline, diminution, retreat As the excitement began to _ebb_, the crowd slowly dispersed. The _ebb_ of support left the candidate discouraged.
188
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to shrivel, wrinkle, or wither, as of old age
wizen | (**wiz**-uhn) ## Footnote synonyms: sag, crinkle, dry up, fade, shrivel The once vibrant flowers began to _wizen_ in the heat.
189
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to annul or cancel; to give a contrary order
countermand | (koun-ter-**mand**) ## Footnote synonyms: override, recall, revoke, rescind, retract The general _countermanded_ the earlier attack order.
190
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. very excited; joyously enthusiastic
ebullient | (ih-**buhl**-yunt) ## Footnote synonyms: bouncy, chipper, effervescent, exuberant, lively The _ebullient_ crowd cheered loudly for their team.
191
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the highest point, zenith
apogee | (**ap**-uh-djee) ## Footnote synonyms: pinnacle, apex, summit, peak The astronaut reached the _apogee_ of his career with the moon landing.
192
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. relating to the church
ecclesiastical | (ih-klee-zee-**ass**-tih-kuhl) ## Footnote synonyms: clerical, parochial, religious, spiritual The _ecclesiastical_ leaders gathered for the annual conference.
193
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. composed of parts from many different sources
eclectic | (ih-**klek**-tik) ## Footnote synonyms: heterogeneous, multifarious, varied, diverse Her music taste is quite _eclectic_, ranging from classical to punk rock.
194
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to educate, instruct, or benefit, especially morally or spiritually; uplift
edify | (**ed**-ih-fahy) ## Footnote synonyms: enlighten, teach, uplift, inspire The speaker's words were meant to _edify_ the audience.
195
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. producing or able to produce a desired result
efficacious | (eff-ih-**kay**-shuss) ## Footnote synonyms: efficient, capable, effective, potent The treatment was _efficacious_ in curing the disease.
196
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. childish, immature
puerile | (**pyoo**-er-ill) ## Footnote synonyms: babyish, callow, infantile, naive, juvenile His _puerile_ jokes irritated everyone at the meeting.
197
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. unjustified arrogance or boldness
effrontery | (ih-**frun**-tuh-ree) ## Footnote synonyms: audacity, impudence, brashness, insolence He had the _effrontery_ to insult the host at the dinner party.
198
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. related to excessive or unchecked emotion; expressing feelings of gratitude
effusive | (ih-**few**-siv) ## Footnote synonyms: overdone, extravagant, gushing, unrestrained Her _effusive_ praise made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
199
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. winding, excessively complicated
tortuous | (**tawr**-choo-uhs) ## Footnote synonyms: ambiguous, convoluted, indirect, circuitous, twisted The legal contract was so _tortuous_ that no one could understand it.
200
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. extreme sensual indulgence
debauchery | (dih-**baw**-chuh-ree) ## Footnote synonyms: depravity, lechery, lewdness, dissipation, excess The party was known for its _debauchery_ and excess.