CD3 Flashcards
ribald
Vulgar, but in a humorous way. It can be applied to off-color jokes, or to the person who tells them.
cacophony
A loud confusion of sound, where the level or type of noise – or both – are unpleasant.
milieu
Environment or surroundings. This word refers to both physical and metaphysical space.
eclectic
From a variety of sources.
plethora
More than enough. Refers to a large number in general, but specifically means an amount in excess of what is necessary.
accord
Agreement or harmony. This noun can refer to specific agreement on an issue, or a general like-mindedness.
pragmatic
Realistic or practical. Someone who is pragmatic is down-to-earth, and focuses on the essentials of a problem without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail.
panacea
A solution or remedy, something that cures all problems.
transcend
transcend
To rise above or go beyond. Where people try to go outside of their earthbound minds and become a part of a larger consciousness. To transcend means to be able to cross boundaries, or remove them by rising above them.
catharsis
A release of emotions that is triggered by a vicarious experience of something that someone else is going through, but that touches you in some way as well.
unctuous
It means that the food coats the tongue with a smooth, almost oily layer of flavor. When the word applies to food, it’s a good thing. It’s not a good thing when applied to a person. Someone with a smooth, oily manner is usually not to be trusted.
unconscionable
Without a conscience, is lacking in a moral sense. Unscrupulous.
uniform
The same, without variation.
ubiquitous
Omnipresent or pervasive; in other words, found everywhere.
adamant
Inflexible or unyielding. Someone who is determined and will not move from their position or change their opinion is adamant.
compliant
Willing to comply. Submissive and yielding.
intransigent
Stubborn and unwilling to compromise. It’s similar to “adamant,” but has the additional sense that the person is perhaps being inflexible just to be stubborn or contrary, and not for any firmly-held belief.
amenable
Open to persuasion. It doesn’t necessarily mean you change your opinion about something, but that you’re willing to go along with the other person to avoid conflict, reach a conclusion, or in some other way keep things moving forward.
equitable
Fair, just, and impartial.
comprise
To be made of, to contain, or to include.
circumscribe
Limit or restrict. Its literal meaning is “to draw a line around” – that is, to create a boundary containing one thing inside and keeping others out.
contiguous
Connected, touching, or adjacent, without any break.
proliferate
To spread rapidly, or to increase.
latent
Is hidden. It exists, but is concealed. Present but hidden, ready to come out of hiding if the circumstances are right.
auspicious
Of good omen. Conducive to success, fortunate.
propitious
Propel, as in “moving forward.” It also refers to a favorable or advantageous situation.
prestigious
Having a good reputation” and “held in high esteem.” The word also has the meaning of something that has influence because of its high position, and that the influence and esteem will spread to those who are connected to it.
virtuoso
Often used to refer to artists and musicians, but there are virtuoso computer programmers and chefs as well. Having mastered a skill beyond mere capability and into the realm of brilliance. You’re a whiz, a genius, a wizard, a superstar.
zenith
The highest point
utilitarian
practical and functional, not just for show.
