Chapter 10: The Toughest Words I Flashcards
LAMBASTE
Denounce; strongly criticize
QUIESCENT
Marked by inactivity; in a state of quiet repose
PROVISIONAL
Tentative; temporary; for the time being (like a PROVISIONAL
driver’s license)
LURID
Sensational; shocking; ghastly
TRUCULENT, PUGNACIOUS, BELLIGERENT
Defiantly aggressive; eager to fight
PROPITIATE
To appease; to conciliate; to regain the favor or goodwill of
ÉLAN
A vigorous spirit; great enthusiasm
PERFUNCTORY
Something performed in a spiritless, mechanical, and routine manner
APLOMB
Self-assurance; confident composure; admirable poise under pressure
OPAQUE
Hard to understand; impenetrably dense and obscure
CRAVEN
Cowardly; CONTEMPTIBLY faint-hearted
VENAL
Corrupt; dishonest; open to bribery
LICENTIOUS
Immoral; DISSOLUTE; debauched
NOXIOUS
Harmful; injurious to physical, mental, or moral health
SUPERFLUOUS, EXTRANEOUS
Unnecessary; extra
DUPLICITOUS
Deliberately deceptive in behavior or speech
PROFLIGATE
Wasteful; SQUANDERING time and money by living for the moment
EPIPHANY
A sudden realization; an insightful moment
INSIDIOUS
Causing harm in a subtle or stealthy manner; devious
VACUOUS, INANE
Empty; lacking serious purpose; VAPID
HARBINGER, PORTENT, PRESAGE
Indications or omens that something important
or calamitous is about to occur
BELEAGUER
To beset; to surround with problems
BURGEON
To grow rapidly; to expand
IMPERIOUS
Domineering and arrogant; haughty
PETULANT
Peevish, irritable
COMPLAISANT
Agreeable; marked by a pleasing personality; AFFABLE;
AMIABLE