ahh Flashcards
Aberration
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome
ex: An example of an aberration is when the temperature in Minnesota hits 90 degrees in January — it’s nice and warm, but it’s really strange.
Abstinence
The fact or practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically alcohol
Archaic
So extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period
ex: those fat phones in 90s that are the size of a microwave
Arid
Lacking sufficient water or rainfall
ex: Death Valley in Cali (it’s so dry there’s a reason why they’re not called “Life Valley”
Capitulate
Surrender under agreed conditions
Condescending
To describe someone who looked down on others
ex: me to anyone under 5’4
Cordial
Politely warm and friendly
Deference
Courteous regards for people’s feelings
synonym: respect, respectfulness
Denounce
Speak out against
Dichotomy
A classification into two opposed parts or subclasses
Ex: war and peace, love and hate
Digression
A message that departs from the main subject; “But I digress” is a phrase often used by people when they realize they’re no longer “on-topic”
Diligent
Characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out tasks
Ex: someone who is diligent works hard and carefully
Edifice
A structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
Synonym: building (prolly of importance)
Egregious
Conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible; basically a word to describe something that stands out in a bad way
Enervating
Causing weakness or debilitation
Ex: doing homework is enervating: they completely drain you of physical and emotional energy
Elusive
Difficult to describe
Fortuitous
Occurring by happy chance / lucky accident
Heretic
A person who holds unorthodox opinions in any field (not merely religion). The word heretic is used in a religious context to talk about someone whose beliefs or actions act against the beliefs of some other specific religion
Indifference
The trait of remaining calm and seeming not to care; a casual lack of concern
Listless
Lacking zest or vivacity
Ex: “he was listless and bored.”
Opulent
Rich and superior in quality
Prominent
Conspicuous in position or importance
Ex: a prominent person might be a big star - not just any ordinary person
Rancorous
Showing deep-seated resentment
Unobtrusive
Not obtrusive or undesirably noticeable; something that doesn’t attract much attention
Venerable
Profoundly honored; to be admired and respected because of your status and age
