Basic Words V Flashcards
Aphoristic
something that is concise and instructive of a general truth or principle
Exemplify
be characteristic of, clarify by giving an example
Obstinate
resistant to guidance and discipline, stubbornly persistent, very difficult to change or overcome.
Tout
advertise in strongly positive terms, show off
Elude
escape understanding
Tact
consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense
Unseemly
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right and proper in polite society
Unprecedented
having never been done or known before, novel
Retract
pull inwards or towards a center, reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
Foible
a behavioral attribute that is distinctive or peculiar to an individual
Irk
irritate or vex
convoluted
highly complex or intricate
Travail
use of physical or mental energy; hard work; agony or anguish
Diligent
characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out tasks
Malevolent
wishing or appearing to wish evil to others, arising from intense will or hatred
Tarnish
make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air, also used metaphorically
Candidness
the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech
Goad
urge on with unpleasant comments, provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate some action or reaction.
Pastoral
relating to the countryside in a pleasant sense
Enmity
a state of deep seated ill will
impregnable
immune to attack, incapable of being tampered with
Impending
close in time, about to occur
Rash
marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences; imprudently incurring risk
Serene
calm and peaceful
Derogative
expressed as worthless or in negative terms
Presumption
an assumption that is taken for granted, audacious (even arrogant)
Maxim
a short saying expressing a general truth
Quip
a witty saying or remark, to make a witty remark, to say in jest
Leery
openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
Brusquely
in a blunt direct manner
Complacent
contended to a fault with oneself or one’s actions
Connive
taking part in immoral or unethical plots
Reservation
an unstated doubt that prevents you from accepting something wholeheartedly
Devolve
pass on or delegate to another , grow worse (“devolve into”)
Eke
to live of meager resources, to scrape by
Placid
not easily irritated
Collusion
agreement on a secret plot
Credulity
tendency to believe readily,tendency to believe in things too easily and without evidence. gullible
Savvy
a perceptive, well informed or perceptive, understanding, get the meaning of something
Ploy
a clever plan to turn a situation to one’s advantage
Exasperate
to irritate intensely
Taxing
use to the limit, exhaust
Smug
marked by excessive complacency or self satisfaction
Peevish
easily irritated or annoyed
Discord
lack of agreement or harmony
Squander
spend thoughtlessly; waste time, money or an opportunity
Steadfast
marked by firm determination or resolution, not shakeable
Destitute
poor enough to need help from others, completely wanting or lacking (destitute of)
Embellish
make more attractive by adding ornament, color, etc, make more beautiful
Perturb
disturb in mind or cause to be worried or alarmed
