Bad Blood Flashcards
1
Q
verbatim
A
adverb, adjective
in exactly the same words as were used originally
[as adv.]
• subjects were instructed to recall the passage verbatim
• a verbatim account.
2
Q
rumple
A
I. verb — [with obj.] (usu. as adj. rumpled)
1. give a creased, ruffled, or dishevelled appearance to
• a rumpled bed.
II. noun — [in sing.]
1. an untidy state.
• she left her clothes in a rumple on the floor.
3
Q
saunter
A
I. verb — [no obj., with adverbial of direction]
1. walk in a slow, relaxed manner
• Adam sauntered into the room.
II. noun
a leisurely stroll
• a quiet saunter down the road.
4
Q
evangelize
A
I. verb — [with obj.]
convert or seek to convert (someone) to Christianity.
• some small groups have been evangelized by Protestant missionaries.
- [no obj.] —
preach the gospel.
• the Church has a mission to evangelize and declare the faith.
5
Q
cynical
A
adjective
- believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity
• he was brutally cynical and hardened to every sob story under the sun. - doubtful as to whether something will happen or whether it is worthwhile
• most residents are cynical about efforts to clean mobsters out of their city. - contemptuous; mocking
• he gave a cynical laugh. - concerned only with one’s own interests and typically disregarding accepted standards in order to achieve them
• a cynical manipulation of public opinion.
6
Q
contemptuous
A
adjective
showing contempt; scornful
• she was intolerant and contemptuous of the majority of the human race.
7
Q
contempt
A
I. noun — [ mass noun]
- the feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or beneath consideration
• Pam stared at the girl with total contempt
• he wouldn’t answer a woman he held in such contempt. - disregard for something that should be considered
• this action displays an arrogant contempt for the wishes of the majority.
8
Q
fruition
A
I. noun — [ mass noun]
- the realization or fulfilment of a plan or project
• the plans have come to fruition rather sooner than expected. - ‹literary› the state or action of producing fruit.
• the apples
9
Q
dubious
A
adjective
- hesitating or doubting
• I was rather dubious about the whole idea. - not to be relied upon; suspect
• extremely dubious assumptions. - morally suspect
• timeshare has been brought into disrepute by dubious sales methods. - of questionable value
• he holds the dubious distinction of being relegated with every club he has played for.
10
Q
demeanour
A
noun
outward behaviour or bearing
• his happy demeanour.
11
Q
squander
A
verb — [with obj.]
- waste (something, especially money or time) in a reckless and foolish manner
• £100m of taxpayers’ money has been squandered on administering the tax. - allow (an opportunity) to pass or be lost
• the team squandered several good scoring chances.
12
Q
jettison
A
I. verb — [with obj.]
- throw or drop (something) from an aircraft or ship
• six aircraft jettisoned their loads in the sea. - abandon or discard (someone or something that is no longer wanted)
• the scheme was jettisoned.
13
Q
obstinate
A
adjective
- stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so
• her obstinate determination to pursue a career in radio. - (of an unwelcome situation) very difficult to change or overcome
• the obstinate problem of unemployment.
14
Q
parlance
A
noun — [ mass noun]
- a particular way of speaking or using words, especially a way common to those with a particular job or interest
• dated terms that were once in common parlance
• medical parlance.
15
Q
rudimentary
A
adjective
- involving or limited to basic principles
• he received a rudimentary education. - relating to an immature, undeveloped, or basic form
• a rudimentary stage of evolution.
16
Q
severance
A
noun — [ mass noun]
- the action of ending a connection or relationship
• the severance and disestablishment of the Irish Church
• [ count noun] a complete severance of links with the Republic. - the state of being separated or cut off.
- dismissal or discharge from employment [as modifier]
• employees were offered severance terms. - short for severance pay.
- division by cutting or slicing.
17
Q
ubiquitous
A
adjective
present, appearing, or found everywhere
• his ubiquitous influence was felt by all the family
• cowboy hats are ubiquitous among the male singers.
18
Q
ominous
A
adjective
giving the worrying impression that something bad is going to happen; threateningly inauspicious
• there were ominous dark clouds gathering overhead.
19
Q
disdain
A
noun — [ mass noun]
- the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one’s consideration or respect
• her upper lip curled in disdain
• an aristocratic disdain for manual labour.
II. verb — [with obj.]
- consider to be unworthy of one’s consideration
• he disdained his patients as an inferior rabble. - refuse to do (something) from feelings of pride or superiority
• she remained standing, pointedly disdaining his invitation to sit down
• [with infinitive] he disdained to discuss the matter further.
20
Q
dossier
A
noun
a collection of documents about a particular person, event, or subject
• we have a dossier on him
• a dossier of complaints.
21
Q
espionage
A
noun — [ mass noun]
- the practice of spying or of using spies, typically by governments to obtain political and military information.
• the camouflage and secrecy of espionage.
22
Q
banter
A
I. noun — [ mass noun]
1. the playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks
• there was much good-natured banter.
II. verb — [no obj.]
1. exchange remarks in a good-humoured teasing way
• the men bantered with the waitresses
• (as adj. bantering) a bantering tone.
23
Q
simmer
A
verb — [no obj.]
1. (of water or food that is being heated) stay just below boiling point while bubbling gently
• the goulash was simmering slowly in the oven.
2. [with obj.] — keep (food) just below boiling point when cooking or heating it
• simmer the sauce gently until thickened.
3. exist in a suppressed state
• the disagreement simmered for years and eventually boiled over.
4. show or feel barely suppressed anger or other strong emotion
• she was simmering with resentment.
5. ( simmer down) — become calmer and quieter.
• she gave him time to simmer down after their argument.
II. noun — [in sing.]
1. a state or temperature just below boiling point
• bring the water to a simmer.
24
Q
haggard
A
adjective
- looking exhausted and unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering
• she was pale and haggard • Alex’s haggard face.
25
glum
adjective
looking or feeling dejected; morose
• the princess looked glum but later cheered up.
26
deject
verb — [with obj.]
1. ‹archaic› make sad or dispirited; depress
• nothing dejects a trader like the interruption of his profits.
27
morose
adjective
sullen and ill-tempered
• she was morose and silent when she got home.
28
sullen
adjective
1. bad-tempered and sulky
• a sullen pout.
2. (of the sky) full of dark clouds
• a sullen sunless sky.
II. noun — ( the sullens)
1. ‹archaic› a sulky or depressed mood.
29
sulky
adjective
1. morose, bad-tempered, and resentful; refusing to be cooperative or cheerful
• disappointment was making her sulky.
2. expressing or suggesting gloom and bad temper
• she had a sultry, sulky mouth.
30
nuance
noun
a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound
• he was familiar with the nuances of the local dialect.
II. verb — [with obj.]
1. give nuances to
• the effect of the music is nuanced by the social situation of listeners.
31
protracted
I. adjective
lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual
• a protracted and bitter dispute.
32
chicanery
I. noun — [ mass noun]
1. the use of deception or subterfuge to achieve one's purpose
• storylines packed with political chicanery.
33
subterfuge
noun — [ mass noun]
1. deceit used in order to achieve one's goal
• he had to use subterfuge and bluff on many occasions
• [ count noun] I hated all the subterfuges, I hated lying to you.
34
corroborate
verb — [with obj.]
1. confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding)
• the witness had corroborated the boy's account of the attack.
35
ample
I. adjective
1. enough or more than enough; plentiful
• there is ample time for discussion
• an ample supply of consumer goods.
2. large and accommodating
• he leaned back in his ample chair.
3. (of a person's figure) full or broad
• she stood with her hands on her ample hips.
36
vindicate
verb — [with obj.]
1. clear (someone) of blame or suspicion
• hospital staff were vindicated by the inquest verdict.
2. show or prove to be right, reasonable, or justified
• more sober views were vindicated by events.
37
irk
verb — [with obj.]
1. irritate; annoy
• it irks her to think of the runaround she received.
38
foe
noun ‹literary› ‹formal›
an enemy or opponent
• his work was praised by friends and foes alike.
39
vendetta
noun
1. a blood feud in which the family of a murdered person seeks vengeance on the murderer or the murderer's family.
2. a prolonged bitter quarrel with or campaign against someone
• he has accused the British media of pursuing a vendetta against him.
40
purport
I. verb — [with infinitive] purport /pəˈpɔːt /
1. appear to be or do something, especially falsely
• she is not the person she purports to be
• (as adj. purported) the purported marriage was void.
II. noun — [ mass noun] purport /ˈpəːpɔːt /
1. the meaning or sense of something, typically a document or speech
• I do not understand the purport of your remarks.
2. the purpose or intention of something
• the purport of existence.
41
exasperate
verb — [with obj.]
1. irritate intensely; infuriate
• this futile process exasperates prison officers.
42
fervently
adverb
very enthusiastically or passionately
• he fervently believes he's doing the right thing
• I fervently opposed the change.
43
diminutive
adjective
1. extremely or unusually small
• a diminutive figure dressed in black.
2. (of a word, name, or suffix) implying smallness, either actual or imputed to convey affection, scorn, etc. (e.g. teeny, -let, -kins).
44
haughty
adjective
arrogantly superior and disdainful
• a look of haughty disdain
• a haughty British aristocrat.
45
deference
I. noun — [ mass noun]
1. polite submission and respect
• he addressed her with the deference due to age.
II. phrases
in deference to
out of respect for; in consideration of.
• in deference to her wishes we spent two weeks on the coast.
46
preposterous
adjective
contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous
• a preposterous suggestion.
47
elusive
adjective
1. difficult to find, catch, or achieve
• success will become ever more elusive.
2. difficult to remember
• the elusive thought he had had moments before.
48
glean
verb — [with obj.]
1. obtain (information) from various sources, often with difficulty
• the information is gleaned from press cuttings.
2. collect gradually
• objects gleaned from local markets.
49
appal
I. verb — [with obj.]
1. greatly dismay or horrify
• bankers are appalled at the economic incompetence of some ministers
• (as adj. appalled) Alison looked at me, appalled.
50
dismay
I. noun — [ mass noun]
1. concern and distress caused by something unexpected • to his dismay, she left him.
II. verb — [with obj.]
1. cause (someone) to feel concern and distress
• they were dismayed by the U-turn in policy
• (as adj. dismaying) to most experts, such findings have been somewhat dismaying.
51
purveyor
noun
1. a person who sells or deals in particular goods
• a purveyor of large luxury vehicles.
2. a person or group who spreads or promotes an idea, view, etc.
• a purveyor of traditional Christian values.
52
nepotism
noun — [ mass noun]
1. the practice among those with power or influence of favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.
• his years in office were marked by corruption and nepotism.
53
disenchantment
noun — [ mass noun]
1. a feeling of disappointment about someone or something you previously respected or admired; disillusionment
• their growing disenchantment with the leadership.
54
rebuke
I. verb — [with obj.]
1. express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behaviour or actions
• she had rebuked him for drinking too much
• the judge publicly rebuked the jury.
II. noun
an expression of sharp disapproval or criticism
• he hadn't meant it as a rebuke, but Neil flinched.
55
thrall
noun
1. [ mass noun] — ‹literary› the state of being in someone's power, or of having great power over someone • she was in thrall to her abusive husband.
2. ‹archaic› a slave, servant, or captive.
56
enumerate
verb — [with obj.]
1. mention (a number of things) one by one
• there is not space to enumerate all his works.
2. ‹formal› establish the number of
• 6,079 residents were enumerated in 241 establishments.
57
impromptu
adjective, adverb
done without being planned or rehearsed
[as adj.]
• an impromptu press conference
• [as adv.] he spoke impromptu.
58
impasse
noun
a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock
• the current political impasse.
59
obviate
verb — [with obj.]
1. remove (a need or difficulty)
• the presence of roller blinds obviated the need for curtains.
2. avoid or prevent (something undesirable)
• a parachute can be used to obviate disaster.
60
frivolous
adjective
1. not having any serious purpose or value
• frivolous ribbons and lacy frills
• rules to stop frivolous lawsuits.
2. (of a person) carefree and superficial
• the frivolous, fun-loving flappers of the twenties.
61
garrulous
adjective
excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters
• a garrulous cab driver.
62
copious
adjective
1. abundant in supply or quantity
• she took copious notes.
2. ‹archaic› profuse in speech or ideas.
• I had been a little too copious in talking of my country.
63
mothball
I. noun — (usu. mothballs)
1. a small pellet of a pungent substance, typically naphthalene, put in among stored garments to keep away clothes moths.
II. verb — [with obj.]
1. store (clothes) with mothballs.
2. stop using (a piece of equipment or a building) but keep it in good condition so that it can readily be used again.
• it would cost the company a lot of money just to mothball the mine.
• (as adj. mothballed) mothballed ships from World War II.
3. cancel or postpone work on (a plan or project)
• plans to invest in four superstores have been mothballed.
64
subpoena
I. noun
(in full subpoena ad testificandum) — a writ ordering a person to attend a court
• a subpoena may be issued to compel their attendance
• [ mass noun] they were all under subpoena to appear.
II. verb — [with obj.]
1. summon (someone) with a subpoena
• the Queen is above the law and cannot be subpoenaed. 2. require (a document or other evidence) to be submitted to a court of law
• the decision to subpoena government records.
65
tantamount
adjective — ( tantamount to)
1. equivalent in seriousness to; virtually the same as
• the resignations were tantamount to an admission of guilt.
66
nettlesome
adjective
(chiefly US) causing annoyance or difficulty
• nettlesome regional disputes.
67
inscrutable
adjective
impossible to understand or interpret
• Guy looked blankly inscrutable.
68
tremulous
adjective
1. shaking or quivering slightly
• Barbara's voice was tremulous.
2. timid; nervous
• he gave a tremulous smile.
69
intricate
I. adjective
very complicated or detailed
• an intricate network of canals.
70
jovial
adjective
cheerful and friendly
• she was in a jovial mood.
71
withering
adjective
1. intended to make someone feel humiliated; scornful
• a withering look.
2. (of heat) intense; scorching.
• protective cover to escape withering heat.
72
ebullient
adjective
1. cheerful and full of energy
• she sounded ebullient and happy.
2. ‹archaic› (of liquid or matter) boiling or agitated as if boiling
• misted and ebullient seas.
73
accolade
noun
1. an award or privilege granted as a special honour or as an acknowledgement of merit
• the hotel has won numerous accolades.
2. an expression of praise or admiration.
• poignant accolades and urgent testimonials of thanks.
3. a touch on a person's shoulders with a sword at the bestowing of a knighthood.
74
ubiquitous
adjective
present, appearing, or found everywhere
• his ubiquitous influence was felt by all the family • cowboy hats are ubiquitous among the male singers.
75
poignant
adjective
1. evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
• a poignant reminder of the passing of time.
2. ‹archaic› sharp or pungent in taste or smell.
• the poignant scent of her powder.
76
shenanigans
plural noun
1. ‹informal› secret or dishonest activity or manoeuvring
• the chairman was accused of financial shenanigans.
2. ‹informal› silly or high-spirited behaviour; mischief.
77
affidavit
noun
[Law] a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.
• a former employee swore an affidavit relating to his claim for unfair dismissal.
78
perjury
noun — [ mass noun]
1. [Law] the offence of wilfully telling an untruth or making a misrepresentation under oath.
• he claimed two witnesses at his trial had committed perjury.
79
catatonic
adjective
1. [Psychiatry] relating to or characterized by catatonia
• catatonic schizophrenia.
2. ‹informal› of or in an immobile or unresponsive stupor.
80
flimsy
adjective
1. insubstantial and easily damaged
• a flimsy barrier.
2. (of clothing) very light and thin
• the flimsy garment fell from her.
3. (of a pretext or account) weak and unconvincing
• a pretty flimsy excuse.
81
leery
adjective
‹informal› cautious or wary due to realistic suspicions
• a city leery of gang violence.
82
rebut
verb — [with obj.]
1. claim or prove that (evidence or an accusation) is false
• he had to rebut charges of acting for the convenience of his political friends.
2. ‹archaic› drive back or repel (a person or attack).
• but he … their sharp assault right boldly did rebut.
83
interlude
noun
1. an intervening period of time; an interval
• enjoying a lunchtime interlude.
2. a pause between the acts of a play.
3. a thing occurring or done during an interval.
4. something performed during a theatre interval
• an orchestral interlude.
5. a piece of music played between other pieces or between the verses of a hymn.
• short instrumental interludes between songs.
6. a temporary amusement or diversion that contrasts with what goes before or after
• the romantic interlude palled rapidly once he was back in town.
84
placate
verb — [with obj.]
1. make (someone) less angry or hostile
• they attempted to placate the students with promises.
85
misogynist
misogynist /mɪˈsɒdʒ(ə)nɪst/
I. noun a person who dislikes, despises, or is strongly prejudiced against women.
• a bachelor and renowned misogynist.
