Chapter 19 Flashcards
momentous
of great importance, especially in its bearing on the future
monotonous
dull, tedious
monstrous
extremely and dauntingly large;
2. evil or owrong
morass
1 an area of muddy or boggy ground: in midwinter the track beneath this bridge became a muddy morass.
2 a complicated or confused situation: she would become lost in a morass of lies and explanations.
mores
the essential or characteristic customs and conventions of a community: an offense against social mores.
mote
a tiny piece of a substance: the tiniest mote of dust.
motif
- a decorative design or pattern
2. a distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition
motley
incongruously varied in appearance or character; disparate: a motley crew of discontents and zealots.
mottled
marked with spots of color
mounting
growing; rising
muddle
1 bring into a disordered or confusing state: I fear he may have muddled the message. • confuse (a person or their thoughts): Paul was hopelessly muddled by the rates of exchange. • [no object, with adverbial] busy oneself in an aimless or ineffective way: he was muddling about in the kitchen. 2 mix (a drink) or stir (an ingredient) into a drink: muddle the kiwi slices with the sugar.
multitude
a large number: a multitude of medical conditions are due to being overweight.
• (the multitudes) large numbers of people: the multitudes using the roads.
• (the multitude) a large gathering of people: Father Peter addressed the multitude.
munificent
very generous
muse
- verb: (muse on) gaze thoughtfully at: he sat on the edge of the bank, legs dangling, eyes musing on the water.
- noun: an instance or period of reflection.
muster
collect or assemble (a number or amount): the city council was unable to muster enough votes to pass the measure.
• summon up (a particular feeling, attitude, or response): he replied with as much dignity as he could muster | I finally mustered up the courage to call them | mustering his strength, he made it across the finish line.
musty
having a stale, moldy, or damp smell: a dark musty library filled with old books.
moldy
covered with a fungal growth that causes decay, due to age or damp conditions
namesake
a person or thing that has the same name as another: Hugh Capet paved the way for his son and namesake to be crowned king of France.
nefarious
(typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal
wicked
evil or morally wrong
nestle
settle or lie comfortably within or against something
nimble
agile; quick and light in movement or action
noisome
unpleasant
nominal
(of a role or status) existing in name only
nonentity
an unimportant person or thing
noxious
harmful
nuance
a subtle difference
nuisance
a person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance: I hope you’re not going to make a nuisance of yourself
obliging
willing to do a service or kindness; helpful: one of the most obliging stewards | it’s very obliging of him.
oblivion (adj. oblivious)
the state of being forgotten, especially by the public: his name will fade into oblivion.
• extinction: only our armed forces stood between us and oblivion.
obscene
offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency
obsolete
outdated
obtrude
become noticeable in an unwelcome or intrusive way: a sound from the reception hall obtruded into his thoughts.
• [with object] impose or force (something) on someone in an intrusive way: I felt unable to obtrude my private sorrow upon anyone.
