CD1 Flashcards
tenure
Can refer to a specific period of time. Used in academics to denote an indefinite period of time.
hiatus
Pause or break in something that is otherwise ongoing. A gap in a regular schedule. Most frequently used when talking about one instance in time.
elucidate
To make clear or to shed light on.
sinecure
A job where you don’t have any duties or responsibilities, but you still get paid.
equanimity
Calmness, especially during stressful situations. It’s a characteristic of someone who maintains his or her composure. It’s often used to refer to a person’s way of speaking as well as their attitude. Can also refer to stability or steadiness, in a mental or emotional sense.
affable
Friendly, but in a quiet, calm way. Other adjectives that describe this type of person are “amiable” and “cordial” – that is to say, polite and willing to go along with others, in a spirit of friendship.
mitigate
To reduce or decrease the effect of something negative
congenial
Having the same likes and dislikes. Kindred spirits. If you’re in a group of people who enjoy the same thing, you’re surrounded by congenial people
serendipity
The accidental discovery of something good or beneficial. A “happy accident.”
pandemic
Widespread – that is, covering a large geographic area and affecting many people. You’ll usually hear this in relation to an illness. An epidemic that spreads beyond the usual range of infection.
virulent
Highly infectious and deadly. Such as the Ebola virus, which kills over half of the people who catch it.
detrimental
Causing harm or damage
sequester
To isolate and make separate from outside contact. Putting in seclusion, or isolation.
stringent
Keeping strictly to specific rules or standards. The underlying sense of the word is that these rules are difficult to follow, but that there would be negative consequences if you didn’t follow them. Can also mean severe, rigorous, or rigid.
foible
An unusual habit or mannerism, particularly one that creates vulnerability or implies a weakness, specifically in a person’s character.
droll
Wry, whimsical, or odd, in a humorous way. It’s a quieter, subtle humor.
hyperbole
Exaggeration or overstatement, used in order to emphasize a point. It’s often done in order to create a humorous effect.
parody
Imitation of a person, place, or thing, done in order to poke fun at them. Can be humorous, but other times can be sharper, mocking someone’s mannerisms in a way intended to be hurtful.
potter
To mess about doing nothing in particular. In parodies, this is a common foible of an older person, or one who’s not altogether mentally sound.
fabrication
Making something – often machine parts or tools something that’s made up – that is, a lie, a story, a fiction, a falsehood.
erroneous
Based on false information.
chimera
A creation of the imagination, a foolish fancy, or an imaginary thing.
specious
Something that seems believable and reasonable at first glance, but is easily proven false when examined closely.
verbatim
Word for word. Exactly as it was said.
champion
A word used when you’re talking about a winner, someone who’s made it to the top.
brook
To tolerate or put up with, specifically with something negative.
pedestrian
Unremarkable or ordinary
quandary
Uncertainty, or difficulty in knowing what to do.
hiatus
A break or gap in something that is otherwise ongoing.
curriculum vitae
Like a resume, gives the details of your work and professional history, but also includes your academic background, personal achievements, and any awards and recognitions you have received.
elucidate
To make clear.
