Chapter 11: The Toughest Words II Flashcards
IDIOSYNCRASY
A trait or mannerism that is peculiar to an individual
CENSORIOUS, CAPTIOUS
Highly critical; fault-finding
CONSTERNATION
A state of great dismay and confusion
DIDACTIC
Tending to give instruction or advice; inclined to teach or lecture others too
much; containing a political or moral lesson
ELUCIDATE
To make clear or plain, especially by explanation
EFFUSIVE
Expressing excessive emotion in an unrestrained manner; gushing
PROLIFIC
Very productive
FUROR
A general commotion; an uproar
PARANOIA
A tendency toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness; irrational fear;
delusions of persecution
MARGINAL, PERIPHERAL
Of secondary importance; NOT central; on the perimeter
OBFUSCATE
To deliberately confuse; to make something so confusing that it is hard
to understand
FLUMMOX
To confuse; to perplex
SPATE
A large number or amount
INEFFABLE
Too overwhelming to be put into words; indescribable; inexpressible
HISTRIONIC, OVERWROUGHT
Excessively dramatic or MELODRAMATIC;
theatrical; overacted
PLACATE
To soothe or calm; to appease
ESCHEW
To avoid; to shun; to stay clear of
STOPGAP
A temporary solution designed to meet an urgent need
FLOTSAM
The floating wreckage of a ship; debris
CHURLISH, SULLEN, SURLY
Ill-tempered; rude; lacking civility
RESTITUTION
The act of making good or compensating for a loss, damage, or injury
DISQUIETING
Disturbing; upsetting; vexing; causing unease; worrisome
ORNATE
Characterized by elaborate and expensive decorations; LAVISH
EXECRABLE, ODIOUS, REPUGNANT
Detestable; repulsive; extremely bad
PERSPICACIOUS, PRESCIENT, DISCERNING
Insightful, perceptive
ECLECTIC
Choosing or using a variety of sources
HIATUS
An interruption in time or continuity; a break