Casual reading Flashcards
Vacuous
having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless.
“a vacuous smile”
empty
Imbibe
Absorb or assimilate (ideas or knowledge).
(especially of seeds) absorb (water) into ultramicroscopic spaces or pores.
Capricious
(a person who is) given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
Titter
give a short, half-suppressed laugh; giggle.
Quaint
attractively unusual or old-fashioned
Coalesce
Come together to form one mass or whole.
Combine (elements) in a mass or whole.
Languishing
failing to make progress or be successful
Filigree
ornamental work of fine (typically gold or silver) wire formed into delicate tracery.
Literati
well-educated people who are interested in literature.
Caveat
a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations.
“There are a number of caveats which concern the validity of the assessment results”
topiary
shrubs or trees clipped into ornamental shapes.
Grisly
causing horror or disgust.
Conniption
A fit of rage or hysterics.
Frabjous
[FRAB-jəs] Origin: Author Lewis Carroll
Delightful; joyous.
This is a word Lewis Carroll coined in his 1871 book, “Through the Looking-Glass.” It is a blend of either “fabulous” and “joyous,” or “fair” and “joyous.”
Titivate
[TIH-də-veyt]
- Make small enhancing alterations to (something).
- Make oneself look attractive.
Lyceum
[ly-SEE-əm] Origin: Greek
- The garden at Athens in which Aristotle taught philosophy.
- (U.S. archaic) A literary institution, lecture hall, or teaching place.
Wonted
[WAHN-təd]
Habitual; usual.
Holograph
[HA-lə-graf] Origin: French or late Latin
A manuscript handwritten by the person named as its author.
“Some authors prefer to write holographs rather than typing. The holograph was merely the first draft of her novel.”
Nimbus
[NIM-bəs] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin
- A luminous cloud or a halo surrounding a supernatural being or a saint.
- A large gray rain cloud.
Promethean
[pro-MEE-thee-ən] Adj Origin: Late Middle English
Relating to or characteristic of the demigod Prometheus, especially in being rebelliously creative and innovative.
“The Promethean scientists worked to unlock the mysteries of the universe.”
“The protestors described their mission as rebellious and Promethean.”
Fracas
[FREY-kəs] Noun Origin: Italian
- A disorderly brawl
- A loud, outraged discussion
“Both teams were disqualified after the fracas on the court.”
“The town council meeting turned into a fracas over the new zoning proposal. “
Paseo
[pə-SAY-oh] Noun Origin: Spanish
- (In Spain or Spanish-speaking parts of the southwestern U.S.) a leisurely walk or stroll, especially one taken in the evening in which young people may socialize with each other.
- (In the U.S.) A plaza or walkway for strolling.
“The young couple took a leisurely paseo on the footbridge.”
“The campus has a gorgeous paseo made of red brick.”
Pleach
[pleeCH] Verb Origin: Late Middle English
Entwine or interlace (tree branches) to form a hedge or provide cover for an outdoor walkway.
“If you want to pleach your trees, winter is the best time.”
“The trees were pleached to create a romantic walkway in the garden.”
Omnifarious
[ahm-nə-FER-ee-əs] Adjective Origin: Late Latin
Comprising or relating to all sorts or varieties.
“The political panel was omnifarious in order to spark debates.”
“The farmers’ market had an omnifarious tomato display.”
Auspice
[AHS-pəs] Noun Origin: Latin
A divine or prophetic token
“The swallow sighting was a favorable auspice.”
“Gregory was superstitious about all kinds of auspices and omens.”
Parure
[pə-ROOR] Noun Origin: Latin
A set of jewels intended to be worn together.
“The Spanish royal family has an impressive collection of parures.”
“Sophie’s great-grandmother passed her prized parures down in her will.”
Benthic
[BEN-thik] Adjective Origin: French
Of, relating to, or occurring at the bottom of a body of water or in the depths of the ocean.
“Jacques Cousteau was fascinated by benthic creatures.”
“Part of marine biology is studying benthic flora and fauna.”
Vulgate
[VUHL-geyt] Noun Origin: Latin
- A commonly recognized text or edition, as of the Iliad.
- Common or colloquial speech.
"The professor instructed his class to purchase the vulgate of “Romeo and Juliet” so that they could all read the same text." "While I use flowery words on the stage, I prefer vulgate with my friends."
Aptronym
[AP-trə-nim] Noun
A person’s name that is regarded as amusingly appropriate to their occupation.
“The woman selling the fish wore a nametag reading “Ms. Flounder,” which was a perfect aptronym.”
“Our class’s enthusiastic new gym teacher had the aptronym “Mr. Fitt.””
Athenaeum
[ath-ə-NEE-əm] Noun Origin: Latin
- Used in the names of libraries or institutions for literary or scientific study.
- Used in the titles of periodicals concerned with literature, science, and art.
“Lauren went to the athenaeum that housed the rare, specialized books she needed.”
“The literary society recently published the first edition of “Athenaeum.””
This word comes from the Latinized form of the Greek “Athēnaion,” denoting the temple of the goddess Athene in ancient Athens (which was used for teaching).
Sycophantic
[sy·co·phan·tic] Adj
Behaving or done in an obsequious way in order to gain an advantage.
“a sycophantic interview”
Similar: obsequious, servile, subservient, groveling
