Chapter 3 - II Flashcards
vicissitude
a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.
irony
the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
circle
move all the way around (someone or something), especially more than once.
serendipity
the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
comedy
professional entertainment consisting of jokes and satirical sketches, intended to make an audience laugh.
akimbo
with hands on the hips and elbows turned outward.
abreast
side by side and facing the same way.
obtuse
- annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand.
- (of an angle) more than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.
- not sharp-pointed or sharp-edged; blunt.
subservient
prepared to obey others unquestioningly.
askance
with an attitude or look of suspicion or disapproval.
apologist
a person who suffers an argument in defense of something controversial.
critic
- a person who expresses an unfavorable opinion of something.
- a person who judges the merits of literary, or musical works, especially one who does so professionally.
proponent
a person who advocates a theory, proposal, or project.
catalyst
a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.
mercenary
(of a person or their behavior) primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics.
lackey
a servant, especially a liveried footman or manservant.
demarcate
set the boundaries or limits of.
whitewash
- Deliberately attempt to conceal unpleasant facts about (a person or organization).
- defeat (an opponent), keeping them from scoring.
trumpet
- make a loud, penetrating sound
2. proclaim widely or loudly.
improvident
not having or showing foresight; spendthrift or thoughtless.
taciturn
(of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.
dissolute
lax in morals; licentious.
innovative
(of a product, idea, etc.) featuring new methods; advanced and original.
acerbic
- (especially of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright.
- tasting sour or bitter.
inimical
tending to obstruct or harm.
pallid
(of a person’s face) pale, typically because of poor health.
aghast
filled with horror and shock.
impecunious
having little or no money.
enigmatic
difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.
break away
(of a person) escape from someone’s hold.
emblematic
serving as a symbol of a particular quality or concept; symbolic.
pragmatic
dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
quixotic
exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.
grandiloquent
pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, especially in a way that is intended to impress.
posit
- assume as a fact; put forward as a basis of argument.
2. put in position; place
deny
- state that one refuses to admit the truth or existence of.
- refuse to give or grant (something requested or denied) to (someone).
cajole
persuade (someone) to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery.
warily
cautiously; carefully.
mendacious
not telling the truth; lying.
roundly
- in a vehement or emphatic manner.
2. so as to form a circular or roughly circular shape.
lauded
highly praised or admired.
pan
- criticize (someone or something) severely.
2. wash gravel in a pan to separate out (gold).
venerate
regard with great respect; revere.
insouciance
casual lack of concern; indifference.
utility
- the state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial.
2. an organization supplying the community with electricity, gas, water, or sewerage.
price
- the amount of money expected, required, or given in payment for something.
- an unwelcome experience, event, or action involved as a condition of achieving a desired end.
aesthetics
a set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art.
profundity
deep insight; great depth of knowledge or thought.
attentively
while paying close attention.
insensible
- without one’s mental faculties, typically a result of violence or intoxication; unconscious.
- unaware of or indifferent to.
- too small or gradual to be perceived; inappropriate.
listless
(of a person or their manner) lacking energy or enthusiasm.
actively
- in a deliberate and positive way.
2. in an energetic or vigorous way.
consciously
in a deliberate and intentional way.
prologue
a separate introductory section of a literary or musical work.
catharsis
- the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.
- purgation.
coda
the concluding passage of a piece or movement, typically forming an addition the the basic structure.
homily
a religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction; a sermon.
rampage
(especially of a large group people) rush around in a violent and uncontrollable manner.
