chapter 1 and 2 Flashcards
expound
add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing
recondite
difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge
paradox
(logic) a statement that contradicts itself
fecundity
the intellectual productivity of a creative imagination
nil
a quantity of no importance
pensive
deeply or seriously thoughtful
infirmity
the state of being weak in health or body (especially from old age)
can also relate to any weakness or failing
intermittently
in an intermittent manner; starting and stopping at irregular intervals
spasmodic
occurring in spells, often abruptly
accession
a process of increasing by addition (as to a collection or group)
introspective
characterized by or given to the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes..
transitory
lasting a very short time
inkling
a slight suggestion or vague understanding
anachronism
something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred
extravagant
exceeding the bounds of reason, as actions, demands, opinions, or passions.
sleight-of-hand
skill in feats requiring quick and clever movements of the hands, esp. for entertainment or deception, as jugglery, card or coin magic, etc.
explicit
precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication
adroit
expert or nimble in the use of the hands or body
askew
turned or twisted to one side
retort
a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
interminable
tiresomely long; seemingly without end
earnest
full seriousness, as of intention or purpose
threshold
the point at which a stimulus is of sufficient intensity to begin to produce an effect
plausible
having an appearance of truth or reason; seemingly worthy of approval or acceptance; credible; believable
incredulous
not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
lucid
(of language) transparently clear; easily understandable
frankness
honesty; plainness of speech; candor; openness
deportment
the way a person behaves toward other people
utter
complete; total; absolute
speculation
the contemplation or consideration of something; conjectural consideration of a matter; guessing
exposition
writing or speech primarily intended to convey information or to explain; a detailed statement or explanation
plight
a condition, state, or situation, esp. an unfavorable or unfortunate one
haggard
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
falter
to speak hesitatingly
articulation
the aspect of pronunciation that shapes the sounds of speech
mutton
meat from a mature domestic sheep
eminent
standing above others in quality or position
wont
an established custom
cadge
to beg or obtain by begging
follow suit
to follow the example of another
fervent
characterized by intense emotion
incredulous
not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
irreverent
showing lack of due respect or veneration
verbatim
using exactly the same words
anecdote
a short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature, often biographical
animated
full of life, action, or spirit; lively; vigorous
