Chapter 3 - VII Flashcards
terse
sparing in the use of words: abrupt.
precision
the quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate.
elaboration
the process of developing or presenting a theory, policy, or system in further detail.
distend
swell or cause to swell by pressure from inside.
expatiate
speak or write at length or in detail.
repertory
the performance of various plays, operas, or ballets by a company at regular short intervals.
cosmopolitan
including or containing people from many different countries.
bucolic
relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life.
liberal
open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values.
tendentious
expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of view, especially a controversial one.
opulent
ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish.
oppositional
characterized by resistance or dissent.
protean
tending or able to change frequently or easily.
martial
of or appropriate to war; warlike.
quixotic
exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.
pragmatic
dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
unorthodox
contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted.
parochial
relating to a church parish.
arcadian
an idealized country dweller.
squalid
extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect.
asylum
the protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee.
utopia
an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.
hinterland
the often uncharted areas beyond a coastal district or a river’s banks.
tony
fashionable among wealthy or stylish people.
spartan
showing the indifference to comfort or luxury traditionally associated with ancient Sparta.
rational
based on or in accordance with reason or logic.
dissent
the expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially held.
propriety
the state or quality of conforming to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals.
debauchery
excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures.
licentious
promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters.
moralizing
the action of commenting on issues of right and wrong, typically with an unfounded air of superiority.
perspicacious
having a ready insight into and understanding of things.
regressive
becoming less advanced; returning to a former or less developed estate.
rustic
relating to the countryside; rural
prudish
having or revealing a tendency to be easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity; excessively concerned with sexual propriety.
incendiary
designed to cause fires.
auxiliary
providing supplementary or additional help and support.
hierarchical
arranged in order of rank.
insipid
lacking flavor.
deft
neatly skillful and quick in one’s movements.
effete
affected, overrefined, and ineffectual.
whet
sharpen the blade of a tool or weapon.
accrue
be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time.
tout
attempt to sell something, typically by pestering people in an aggressive or bold manner.
ample
enough or more than enough; plentiful.
acerbic
sharp and forthright.
anachronistic
belonging to a period other than that being portrayed.
abstruse
difficult to understand; obscure.
astounding
surprisingly impressive or notable.
beneficial
favorable or advantageous; resulting in good.
mystical
inspiring a sense of spiritual mystery, awe, and fascination.
orthodox
conforming to what is generally or traditionally accepted as right or true; established and approved.
benign
gentle; kindly.
halcyon
denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful.
myopic
nearsighted
anemic
lacking in color, spirit, or vitality.
botched
carried out badly or carelessly.
booming
having a period of great prosperity or rapid economic growth.
educated
resulting from a good education.
