Advanced Vocab Words - Set 8 Flashcards

Question

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. of a peaceful nature adj. promoting peace and conflict resolution

Answer 1

pacific | (puh-**sif**-ick) ## Footnote synonyms: soothing, peaceful, conciliatory, calm, tranquil The _pacific_ tone of the speaker calmed the restless crowd. Her _pacific_ approach to conflict resolution was admirable.

Answer 2

palatable | (**pal**-ih-tuh-bull) ## Footnote synonyms: delicious, agreeable, acceptable, tasty, enjoyable The dish was surprisingly _palatable_, even for the picky eater.

Answer 3

perennial | (puh-**ren**-ee-ul) ## Footnote synonyms: enduring, perpetual, ceaseless, everlasting, constant The garden was filled with _perennial_ flowers that bloomed each spring. Her _perennial_ optimism inspired those around her.

Answer 4

perfidy | (**per**-fih-dee) ## Footnote synonyms: treachery, betrayal, corruption, disloyalty, faithlessness His _perfidy_ shattered the friendship they had built over the years.

Answer 5

perfunctory | (per-**funk**-tuh-ree) ## Footnote synonyms: automatic, habitual, careless, routine, mechanical She gave a _perfunctory_ nod, barely listening to the conversation.

Answer 6

pernicious | (per-**nish**-us) ## Footnote synonyms: damaging, devastating, harmful, malignant, destructive The _pernicious_ effects of the pollution were evident in the dying trees.

Answer 7

perspicacity | (per-spih-**kass-**ih-tee) ## Footnote synonyms: insight, astuteness, discernment, perception, sharpness Her _perspicacity_ allowed her to see through the deception.

Answer 8

perturb | (purr-**turb**) ## Footnote synonyms: unsettle, alarm, disturb, agitate, trouble The unexpected news began to _perturb_ her usual calm demeanor.

Answer 9

placate | (**play**-kate) ## Footnote synonyms: soothe, pacify, appease, calm, assuage She tried to _placate_ her friend after their heated argument.

Answer 10

placid | (**plass**-id) ## Footnote synonyms: composed, calm, tranquil, serene, peaceful The lake was _placid_, reflecting the clear blue sky.

Answer 11

pivotal | (**piv**-uh-tul) ## Footnote synonyms: critical, crucial, essential, key, significant His research proved to be _pivotal_ in the development of new treatments.

Answer 12

pragmatic | (prag-**mat**-ick) ## Footnote synonyms: businesslike, efficient, practical, realistic, sensible The committee took a _pragmatic_ approach to solving the issue.

Answer 13

predilection | (pred-ih-**leck**-shun) ## Footnote synonyms: inclination, love, fondness, preference, tendency She has a _predilection_ for classic literature over modern novels.

Answer 14

preside | (prih-**zahyd**) ## Footnote synonyms: administer, conduct, direct, oversee, manage The judge will _preside_ over the case next week.

Answer 15

prevaricate | (pruh-**vair**-ih-kate) ## Footnote synonyms: deceive, garble, misrepresent, equivocate, lie When questioned, he tended to _prevaricate_ rather than give a straight answer.

Answer 16

probity | (**pro**-bih-tee) ## Footnote synonyms: goodness, honor, integrity, virtue, morality Her _probity_ in all dealings earned her the trust of her colleagues.

Answer 17

n. a natural inclination ## Footnote Her _proclivity_ for laziness is going to be a problem when we begin the new project.

Answer 18

adj. lavishly wasteful adj. being generous or giving abundantly n. one who spends recklessly ## Footnote The woman ended up regretting her _prodigal_ lifestyle when she went bankrupt after a few years.

Answer 19

adj. combative in nature ## Footnote The _pugnacious_ young man was eventually suspended for constantly fighting with other students.

Answer 20

n. a state of uncertainty, a dilemma ## Footnote After receiving several great offers, I was in a _quandary_ as to which I should accept.

Answer 21

v. to forcibly suppress v. to extinguish ## Footnote The prosecution's star witness _quashed_ any chance the defense had of winning the trial.

Answer 22

v. to evade the truth or importance of an issue by raising trivial objections n. a trivial objection ## Footnote The argument grew even more aggravating when my opponent began to _quibble_ with me over semantics.

Answer 23

adj. being quiet or still ## Footnote The outlying region, usually a _quiescent_ outpost of the empire, was the unlikely origin of the rebellion that would unseat the emperor.

Answer 24

n. a feeling of deep and bitter anger ## Footnote Once the game ended there was no _rancor_ between the opponents, despite the intensity of their match.

Answer 25

adj. stubborn and defiant of authority ## Footnote Instead of obeying the police's instructions, the protesters became _recalcitrant_ and refused to move.

Answer 26

v. to suspend proceedings n. a break from class or business n. an indented or hollowed-out space ## Footnote The legislative body will _recess_ next week.

Answer 27

adj. fearsome or awe-inspiring ## Footnote I knew Mauricio would be a _redoubtable_ opponent after hearing my own coach sing his praises.

Answer 28

adj. very insightful or shrewd ## Footnote My best friend is quite _sagacious_, so I know I can always turn to her for wise advice.

Answer 29

adj. healthy or health-promoting ## Footnote My new exercise routine has had a _salubrious_ impact on my life.

Answer 30

adj. beneficial, esp. relating to health ## Footnote Anti-pollution laws have _salutary_ effects for humans and animals.

Answer 31

v. to fill to satisfaction ## Footnote Sasha knew that the small portions served in the cafeteria would not _satiate_ him.

Answer 32

n. an ethical or moral concern v. to hesitate on moral grounds ## Footnote The man _scrupled_ to tell a blatant lie, but eventually realized that he had no choice.

Answer 33

adj. sitting or seated adj. tending to stay in the same place ## Footnote Ming wanted to quit his _sedentary_ job at the library and become a police officer.

Answer 34

n. matter deposited by some natural process n. settled matter at the bottom of a liquid ## Footnote Kate refused to drink the water from the well when she noticed the _sediment_ at the bottom of the bucket.

Answer 35

adj. dirty or rundown adj. immoral or unethical ## Footnote During the divorce trial, the husband was asked to reveal the _sordid_ details of his affair.

Answer 36

adj. plausible but false adj. deceptively pleasing ## Footnote After doing some research of my own, I realized that his argument was _specious_ at best.

Answer 37

proclivity | (pro-**kliv**-ih-tee) ## Footnote synonyms: tendency, disposition, leaning, inclination, propensity His _proclivity_ for music was evident from a young age.

Answer 38

prodigal | (**prod**-ih-guhl) ## Footnote synonyms: excessive, luxurious, copious, wasteful, extravagant His _prodigal_ spending habits led to financial trouble. The _prodigal_ soon realized the importance of saving.

Answer 39

pugnacious | (pug-**nehy**-shuss) ## Footnote synonyms: hostile, belligerent, combative, aggressive, quarrelsome The _pugnacious_ dog barked at every passerby.

Answer 40

quandary | (**kwon**-duh-ree) ## Footnote synonyms: dilemma, predicament, uncertainty, confusion, stalemate She found herself in a _quandary_ about which job offer to accept.

Answer 41

quash | (**kwash**) ## Footnote synonyms: defeat, destroy, squash, suppress, extinguish The court decided to _quash_ the earlier ruling.

Answer 42

quibble | (**kwib**-ul) ## Footnote synonyms: split hairs, trifle, detail, nitpick, cavil Don't _quibble_ over small details; focus on the big picture. His _quibble_ about the terms was unnecessary.

Answer 43

quiescent | (kwee-**ess**-unt) ## Footnote synonyms: inactive, motionless, inert, dormant, still The _quiescent_ village was a stark contrast to the bustling city.

Answer 44

rancor | (**rang**-kur) ## Footnote synonyms: antagonism, hatred, bitterness, resentment, spite There was no _rancor_ between the players after the game.

Answer 45

recalcitrant | (rih-**kal**-sih-trunt) ## Footnote synonyms: disobedient, resistant, rebellious, obstinate, uncooperative The _recalcitrant_ student refused to follow the school rules.

Answer 46

recess | (**ree**-sess) ## Footnote synonyms: halt, breather, nook, break, pause The committee will _recess_ for lunch before continuing the discussion. During the _recess_, the students chatted happily.

Answer 47

redoubtable | (rih-**dow**-tuh-bull) ## Footnote synonyms: dreadful, admirable, worthy, formidable, fearsome He was a _redoubtable_ opponent on the chessboard.

Answer 48

sagacious | (suh-**gehy**-shuss) ## Footnote synonyms: smart, acute, sensible, insightful, shrewd Her _sagacious_ advice always proved valuable.

Answer 49

salubrious | (suh-**loo**-bree-uss) ## Footnote synonyms: beneficial, good, hygienic, healthful, wholesome The _salubrious_ climate attracted many retirees.

Answer 50

salutary | (**sal**-yuh-tare-ee) ## Footnote synonyms: aiding, restorative, beneficial, advantageous, helpful The _salutary_ effects of exercise are well-documented.

Answer 51

satiate | (**sehy**-she-ehyt) ## Footnote synonyms: satisfy, stuff, gratify, fulfill, quench She hoped the meal would _satiate_ her hunger.

Answer 52

scruple | (**skrew**-pull) ## Footnote synonyms: conscience, qualm, hesitation, misgiving, doubt; to balk at He had a _scruple_ about lying to his friend. She _scrupled_ at the idea of cheating.

Answer 53

sedentary | (**sed**-en-tair-ee) ## Footnote synonyms: desk-bound, motionless, stationary, inactive, immobile His _sedentary_ lifestyle contributed to his weight gain.

Answer 54

sediment | (**sed**-ih-munt) ## Footnote synonyms: debris, deposit, residue, precipitate, dregs The _sediment_ at the bottom of the lake was thick and dark.

Answer 55

sordid | (**sore**-did) ## Footnote synonyms: nasty, vile, corrupt, filthy, disreputable The _sordid_ details of the affair were shocking.

Answer 56

specious | (**spee**-shuss) ## Footnote synonyms: misleading, deceptive, apparent, fallacious, specious Her _specious_ argument failed to convince the jury.

Answer 57

adj. occurring occasionally and without pattern ## Footnote Our vacation plans were ruined by _sporadic_ rain that seemed to start every time we headed towards the beach.

Answer 58

adj. intending to deceive adj. not valid or genuine ## Footnote The tabloid writers made up _spurious_ accusations against the young actor.

Answer 59

n. filth; poverty ## Footnote The town's poorest inhabitants live in _squalor_ due to their inability to access clean water.

Answer 60

adj. complete or extreme adj. very simple adj. bare or blunt ## Footnote The expensive car that he parked outside stood in _stark_ contrast to the impoverished neighborhood surrounding it.

Answer 61

adj. indifferent to pleasure or pain n. one who is indifferent to pleasure or pain ## Footnote The defendant remained _stoic_ throughout the trial despite the harshness of the prosecution's questions.

Answer 62

n. a horizontal layer of material n. a level of society composed of people with similar social, cultural, or economic status ## Footnote Friction between two social _strata_ can often lead to political upheaval.

Answer 63

n. a linear mark, ridge, or groove, esp. one of a number of similar parallel features ## Footnote We examined the _striae_ on the rocks to see if they were really from the same underground cave.

Answer 64

adj. unpleasantly loud and harsh ## Footnote Her _strident_ voice made me dread our weekly phone conversations.

Answer 65

adj. strictly controlled or enforced ## Footnote Since accidents on roller coasters can often be fatal, amusement parks must undergo _stringent_ testing before being opened to the public.

Answer 66

n. a situation that defies progress or resolution v. to prevent or hinder the progress of something ## Footnote The guard dogs managed to _stymie_ the thief as he tried to break into the house.

Answer 67

adj. brief ## Footnote Since there were only a few minutes left in the meeting, the final speaker had to keep his comments _succinct_ and to the point.

Answer 68

adj. not permanent adj. moving from place to place n. one who moves from place to place ## Footnote The _transient_ relied on the kindness of strangers whenever he arrived in a new town.

Answer 69

n. a feeling of fear or agitation ## Footnote Janice had to face her _trepidation_ about flying in order to make the trip to California.

Answer 70

adj. clouded due to sediment adj. confused ## Footnote I dropped my phone in the lake and couldn't find it in the _turbid_ water.

Answer 71

adj. present everywhere ## Footnote In her neighborhood, Starbucks shops had become _ubiquitous_; she couldn't walk two blocks without passing one.

Answer 72

adj. sincerely felt or expressed ## Footnote Although it seemed a ridiculous concern to us, Joyce's preoccupation with her little sister's sprained ankle was _unfeigned_.

Answer 73

adj. beyond doubt or suspicion ## Footnote To win the case, the defense would need an _unimpeachable_ witness to prove their client's virtuous character.

Answer 74

adj. impossible to maintain or defend, as of an opinion ## Footnote Kate is argumentative enough to support even the most _untenable_ positions.

Answer 75

v. to waver between conflicting positions ## Footnote Both sides made such convincing arguments that the judge _vacillated_ between them for days before coming to a decision.

Answer 76

adj. devoid of significance or matter; empty adj. lacking serious purpose or occupation ## Footnote I told him pointedly to stop wasting my time with his _vacuous_ comments.

Answer 77

sporadic | (spuh-**rad**-ik) ## Footnote synonyms: random, scattered, seldom, intermittent, occasional The _sporadic_ rain made planning difficult.

Answer 78

spurious | (**spure**-ee-us) ## Footnote synonyms: deceitful, false, inaccurate, fraudulent, bogus The _spurious_ claims were quickly debunked.

Answer 79

squalor | (**skwol**-er) ## Footnote synonyms: dirtiness, destitution, filth, misery, deprivation They lived in _squalor_, struggling to make ends meet.

Answer 80

stark | (**stark**) ## Footnote synonyms: absolute, utter, austere, barren, severe The _stark_ contrast between rich and poor was evident.

Answer 81

stoic | (**stow**-ick) ## Footnote synonyms: apathetic, detached, impassive, indifferent, unemotional The _stoic_ soldier bore his injuries without complaint. The _stoic_ remained calm during the chaos, showing no signs of distress.

Answer 82

stratum | (**strat**-um) ## Footnote synonyms: layer, gradation, tier, level, section Archaeologists studied the _stratum_ to understand past civilizations.

Answer 83

stria | (**strahy**-uh) ## Footnote synonyms: banding, groove, stripe, line, marking The _striae_ on the surface revealed the rock's history.

Answer 84

strident | (**strahyd**-unt) ## Footnote synonyms: grating, shrill, loud, discordant, jarring Her _strident_ voice carried over the crowd.

Answer 85

stringent | (**strin**-djunt) ## Footnote synonyms: binding, strict, rigorous, severe, exacting The _stringent_ regulations ensured safety at the event.

Answer 86

stymie | (**stahy**-mee) ## Footnote synonyms: confound, impede, obstruct, hinder, block The ongoing conflict created a _stymie_ for negotiations. They tried to _stymie_ our efforts at reform.

Answer 87

succinct | (suck-**singkt**) ## Footnote synonyms: blunt, compact, brief, concise, terse Her _succinct_ explanation clarified the complex topic.

Answer 88

transient | (**tran**-zee-uhnt) ## Footnote synonyms: passing, fleeting, ephemeral, temporary, short-lived The _transient_ nature of his job meant he frequently relocated. The city has many _transient_ workers who stay for the summer.

Answer 89

trepidation | (trep-ih-**dehy-**shun) ## Footnote synonyms: anxiety, worry, apprehension, fear, unease He approached the stage with _trepidation_ before his performance.

Answer 90

turbid | (**tur**-bid) ## Footnote synonyms: cloudy, muddled, sedimentary, opaque, confused The _turbid_ waters made it difficult to see the bottom.

Answer 91

ubiquitous | (you-**bick**-wih-tuss) ## Footnote synonyms: everywhere, omnipresent, pervasive, universal, all-over Smartphones have become _ubiquitous_ in modern society.

Answer 92

unfeigned | (un-**feynd**) ## Footnote synonyms: genuine, heartfelt, sincere, honest, true Her _unfeigned_ gratitude was evident in her warm smile.

Answer 93

unimpeachable | (un-im-**pee**-chuh-bull) ## Footnote synonyms: blameless, spotless, immaculate, irreproachable, undeniable The witness's _unimpeachable_ testimony helped secure the verdict.

Answer 94

untenable | (un-**ten**-ih-bull) ## Footnote synonyms: inexcusable, faulty, indefensible, unsustainable, unmaintainable Their argument became _untenable_ after the new evidence emerged.

Answer 95

vacillate | (**vass**-ih-lehyt) ## Footnote synonyms: fluctuate, hesitate, to be unsure, waver, dither She began to _vacillate_ between two job offers, unsure of which to choose.

Answer 96

vacuous | (**vak**-yoo-us) ## Footnote synonyms: lacking, vacant, empty, insipid, purposeless His _vacuous_ remarks contributed nothing to the discussion.

Answer 97

adj. loud and insistent, esp. to compel attention ## Footnote The _vociferous_ mob gathered outside the store and awakened its owner.

Answer 98

n. the desire to travel ## Footnote A sudden feeling of _wanderlust_ encouraged me to pack my bags and head to Mexico.

Answer 99

v. to coax or persuade ## Footnote Eventually the ice-cream truck driver was _wheedled_ into giving the sullen child a free scoop.

Answer 100

adj. likely to change suddenly adj. liable to lead to violence adj. evaporating easily ## Footnote The situation in the war-torn country soon became too _volatile_ for most reporters and travelers to stay there safely.

Answer 101

n. the highest point or peak n. the point directly above one's head ## Footnote Climbing to the _zenith_ of the mountain will be difficult, but it has been a dream of mine since childhood.

Answer 102

v. to renounce or reject solemnly; to recant or avoid ## Footnote The monks had to _abjure_ all indulgences.

Answer 103

adj. deserved, adequate ## Footnote Though I believe I am compassionate, I will not hesitate to mete out a _condign_ punishment to wrongdoers.

Answer 104

adj. suave, urbane, affable, genial, charming,stylish ## Footnote The ladies were all drawn to the _debonair_ newcomer.

Answer 105

v. to obtain by deception or flattery ## Footnote He _inveigled_ the information from the president's wife.

Answer 106

adj. barbaric; lacking culture n. an individual guided by commonplace, rather than artistic or intellectual, values ## Footnote Why, the _philistine_ even declared that he hated the theater!

Answer 107

v. to spread through or over something, as with liquid, color, or light ## Footnote The sky was _suffused_ with deep colors.

Answer 108

adj. courageous, high-spirited ## Footnote The _mettlesome_ police officer saved the hostage.

Answer 109

n. hesitation or unease at committing (or having committed) an act ## Footnote A hardened criminal usually has no _compunction_ about hurting bystanders in order to evade the police.

Answer 110

v. to violate, or to conflict with a rule or principle ## Footnote Until recently, Americans could not visit that country without _contravening_ federal law.

Answer 111

v. to draw; to describe; to depict ## Footnote Here, the philosopher _limns_ a basic theory of just governance.

Answer 112

n. abusive language; damage to one's reputation; disgrace ## Footnote The president earned _obloquy_ for his tax hikes.

Answer 113

v. to decrease in intensity ## Footnote The ferocity of the fighting has started to _abate_, though the civilian population is still in great danger.

Answer 114

v. to willingly let go of; to relinquish ## Footnote The king _abdicated_ the throne rather than expose his nation to a potentially crippling civil war.

Answer 115

adj. abnormal, deviating from the norm ## Footnote The _aberrant_ accounting numbers led officials to conclude that a crime had been committed.

Answer 116

v. to erode or rub away ## Footnote The statue's hand was _abraded_ from all of the tourists rubbing it for luck.

Answer 117

vociferous | (voe-**siff**-er-uss) ## Footnote synonyms: clamorous, noisy, distracting, boisterous, uproarious The _vociferous_ crowd demanded answers from the officials.

Answer 118

wanderlust | (**wawn**-der-lust) ## Footnote synonyms: journey, wayfaring, excursion, travel desire, exploration Her _wanderlust_ led her to explore new countries every year.

Answer 119

wheedle | (**weed**-ul) ## Footnote synonyms: to influence through flattery, to entice, coax, persuade He tried to _wheedle_ his way into getting a free meal.

Answer 120

volatile | (**voll**-ih-tull) ## Footnote synonyms: explosive, changeable, inconsistent; vaporizable, unpredictable, unstable The political climate became increasingly _volatile_ as tensions rose between the opposing factions. The _volatile_ chemicals in the lab required careful handling to prevent harmful fumes from escaping.

Answer 121

zenith | (**zee**-nith) ## Footnote synonyms: acme, summit, pinnacle, peak, apex Reaching the _zenith_ of her career, she was celebrated worldwide.

Answer 122

abjure | (ab-**joor**) ## Footnote synonyms: forswear, abandon, renounce, reject He chose to _abjure_ his previous beliefs in favor of a new philosophy.

Answer 123

condign | (kon-**dahyn**) ## Footnote synonyms: appropriate, proper, fair, deserved, fitting The judge handed down a _condign_ sentence that matched the severity of the crime.

Answer 124

debonair | (deb-uh-**nair**) ## Footnote synonyms: refined, well-bred, sophisticated, charming, suave The _debonair_ host made everyone feel at ease at the party.

Answer 125

inveigle | (in-**vey**-guhl) ## Footnote synonyms: manipulate, cajole, ensnare, entice, lure He managed to _inveigle_ the secret from his friend by feigning interest.

Answer 126

philistine | (**fil**-uh-steen) ## Footnote synonyms: coarse, crass, barbarian, boor, unrefined His _philistine_ attitude was evident when he dismissed the importance of classical music. Despite his wealth, he was considered a _philistine_ for his disregard of fine art and literature.

Answer 127

suffuse | (suh-**fyooz**) ## Footnote synonyms: bathe, cover, saturate, permeate, infuse The sunset _suffused_ the sky with brilliant shades of orange and pink.

Answer 128

mettlesome | (**met**-uhl-sum) ## Footnote synonyms: plucky, spirited, valiant, courageous, brave The _mettlesome_ knight charged bravely into battle.

Answer 129

compunction | (kuhm-**punk**-shun) ## Footnote synonyms: regret, sorrow, qualm, guilt, remorse She felt a pang of _compunction_ after lying to her friend.

Answer 130

contravene | (kon-truh-**veen**) ## Footnote synonyms: breach, break, defy, violate, transgress His actions _contravene_ the company’s code of conduct.

Answer 131

limn | (**lim**) ## Footnote synonyms: characterize, chart, depict, illustrate, outline The artist _limns_ the landscape with delicate strokes.

Answer 132

obloquy | (**ob**-luh-kwee) ## Footnote synonyms: defamation, slander, disgrace, reproach, insult The politician faced _obloquy_ after the scandal was exposed.

Answer 133

abate | (uh-**behyt**) ## Footnote synonyms: lessen, moderate, diminish, decrease, reduce The storm began to _abate_, allowing us to go outside.

Answer 134

abdicate | (**ab**-dih-kate) ## Footnote synonyms: abandon, leave, relinquish, resign, vacate The king chose to _abdicate_ rather than face civil unrest.

Answer 135

aberrant | (**ab**-buh-runt) ## Footnote synonyms: atypical, bizarre, deviant, abnormal, irregular The _aberrant_ behavior of the dog raised concerns among its owners.

Answer 136

abrade | (uh-**brehyd**) ## Footnote synonyms: rub, chafe, wear down, erode, scrape The rough surface began to _abrade_ the paint on the wall.

Answer 137

v. to condense; to shorten ## Footnote The author threw a fit when his editor suggested that he _abridge_ his novel in order to make it more accessible.

Answer 138

v. to run away secretly and hide ## Footnote The guilty man _absconded_ during the night and was never heard from again.

Answer 139

adj. difficult to comprehend ## Footnote That film has been praised as a visionary masterpiece, but I found it more _abstruse_ than enlightening.

Answer 140

n. recognition for an accomplishment ## Footnote Cindy received _accolades_ in the media for her breathtaking performance.

Answer 141

adj. sour or bitter tasting, or of a bitter temperament ## Footnote My friends' _acerbic_ reaction to bringing my boyfriend to the game led me to believe that they didn't care much for him.

Answer 142

n. insightfulness ## Footnote Kofi was known for his _acumen_ in literary analysis.

Answer 143

n. the state of being physically attached n. the state of belonging to an organization ## Footnote _Adhesion_ to the regional economic union became a popular cause among the elites of the recession-weary nation.

Answer 144

v. to warn, to gently reprimand ## Footnote The pilot _admonished_ the passengers to remain seated during take off.

Answer 145

adj. skillful, competent ## Footnote The boy scout was an _adroit_ survivalist and so managed to cling to life until a rescue team arrived.

Answer 146

v. to give excessive praise ## Footnote Rather than _adulate_ his superiors, Moncef preferred to show his regard by emulating them.

Answer 147

adj. gentle, friendly, or of a kind nature ## Footnote Stacy was an _affable_ acquaintance to many but a real friend to few.

Answer 148

adj. wealthy ## Footnote Membership in the private club was only open to _affluent_ members of society.

Answer 149

v. to exaggerate; to increase the scope of or to make greater ## Footnote Luke had _aggrandized_ his credentials so much that he was fired on the spot when it was discovered that he was just a novice.

Answer 150

n. an offensive act or statement v. to insult openly ## Footnote Lucia's ingratitude was an _affront_ to all of us who had supported her.

Answer 151

adj. pertaining to farming or land matters ## Footnote The farmer switched from his habitual _agrarian_ routine to that of a high-powered business CEO in just a few years.

Answer 152

n. enthusiasm; speed ## Footnote Children approach their homework with more _alacrity_ if they know that a reward awaits them when they finish.

Answer 153

n. a small cavity in a rock ## Footnote She hid her trinkets in the _vug_ for safekeeping.

Answer 154

adj. rock-hard; stony ## Footnote The skull of the fetus has not yet become _petrous_; in fact, it is still translucent to x-rays at this stage.

Answer 155

n. a statement that is trivially true; unnecessary repetition ## Footnote It is no help to anybody when you spout _tautologies_ like "Whatever will be will be".

Answer 156

v. to skip playfully, to frolic ## Footnote The youngsters went _gamboling_ through the fields.

Answer 157

abridge | (uh-**bridge**) ## Footnote synonyms: reduce, refine, abbreviate, shorten, condense The editor decided to _abridge_ the lengthy manuscript.

Answer 158

abscond | (ab-**skond**) ## Footnote synonyms: depart, escape, flee, run away, vanish The thief managed to _abscond_ with the jewelry before anyone noticed.

Answer 159

abstruse | (ab-**strewss**) ## Footnote synonyms: abstract, enigmatic, incomprehensible, obscure, confusing The professor's lecture on quantum physics was incredibly _abstruse_.

Answer 160

accolade | (**ack**-uh-leyhd) ## Footnote synonyms: acclaim, kudos, honor, praise, recognition She received _accolades_ for her outstanding contributions to science.

Answer 161

acerbic | (uh-**sir-**bick) ## Footnote synonyms: acrid, caustic, sharp, biting, sarcastic His _acerbic_ comments often left others feeling hurt.

Answer 162

acumen | (**ack**-cue-men) ## Footnote synonyms: acuteness, intelligence, insight, discernment, sharpness Her business _acumen_ helped the company thrive in a competitive market.

Answer 163

adhesion | (ad-**hee**-zhun) ## Footnote synonyms: adherence, membership, attachment, bonding, allegiance The _adhesion_ of the paint to the wall was remarkable.

Answer 164

admonish | (ad-**mon**-ish) ## Footnote synonyms: check, counsel, scold, notice, reprimand The teacher _admonished_ the student for being late.

Answer 165

adroit | (ad-**royt**) ## Footnote synonyms: adept, apt, expert, skillful, proficient His _adroit_ handling of the situation impressed everyone.

Answer 166

adulate | (**adge**-uh-lehyt) ## Footnote synonyms: fawn, acclaim, laud, flatter, idolize The critics _adulated_ the film as a masterpiece.

Answer 167

affable | (**aff**-uh-buhl) ## Footnote synonyms: cordial, pleasant, friendly, sociable, genial Her _affable_ personality made her popular among her peers.

Answer 168

affluent | (**aff**-loo-uhnt) ## Footnote synonyms: rich, prosperous, wealthy, opulent, well-to-do The _affluent_ family hosted a lavish charity gala.

Answer 169

aggrandize | (uh-**gran**-dahyz) ## Footnote synonyms: enlarge, glorify, augment, amplify, elevate She tried to _aggrandize_ her achievements during the interview."

Answer 170

affront | (uh-**front**) ## Footnote synonyms: criticize, antagonize, offend, insult, provoke His rude comment was seen as an _affront_ to her dignity. To _affront_ someone in public is considered disrespectful.

Answer 171

agrarian | (uh-**grair**-ee-un) ## Footnote synonyms: agricultural, country, rural, farming, pastoral The _agrarian_ policies aim to support local farmers.

Answer 172

alacrity | (uh-**lack**-rih-tee) ## Footnote synonyms: liveliness, fervor, eagerness, readiness, enthusiasm She accepted the invitation with _alacrity_.

Answer 173

vug | (**vuhg**) ## Footnote synonyms: cavity, depression, hole, recess, hollow The geologist found a _vug_ filled with sparkling crystals.

Answer 174

petrous | (**pet**-ruhss) ## Footnote synonyms: rugged, rocky, petrified, stony, hard The _petrous_ surface of the mountain made climbing challenging.

Answer 175

tautology | (tawt-**aw**-luh-djee) ## Footnote synonyms: equivalence, redundancy, repetition, circular reasoning, tautological statement His explanation contained a _tautology_ that added no new information.

Answer 176

gambol | (**gam**-buhl) ## Footnote synonyms: cavort, skip, rollick, frolic, play The children began to _gambol_ in the sunny meadow.

Advanced Vocab Words - Set 8 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.