Common III Flashcards
avaricious
avaricious
adjective: excessively greedy
Since avaricious desire is similar to gluttony or lust–sins of excess–it was listed as one of the seven deadly sins by the Catholic church.
eminent
eminent
adjective: standing above others in quality or position
Shakespeare is an eminent author in the English language, but I find his writing uninteresting and melodramatic.
subsume
subsume
verb: contain or include
The rogue wave quickly subsumed the pier and boardwalk, destroying everything in its path.
verb: consider (an instance of something) as part of a general rule or principle
Don Quixote of La Mancha subsumes all other modern novels, demonstrating modern literary devices and predating even the idea of a postmodern, metanarrative.
tantamount
tantamount
adjective: being essentially equal to something
In many situations, remaining silent is tantamount to admitting guilt, so speak to prove your innocence.
haughty
haughty
adjective: having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
The haughty manager didn’t believe that any of his subordinates could ever have an insight as brilliant as his own.
staunch
staunch
adjective: firm and dependable especially in loyalty
No longer a staunch supporter of the movement, Todd now will openly question whether its goals are worthwhile.
jubilant
jubilant
adjective: full of high-spirited delight because of triumph or success
My hardwork paid off, and I was jubilant to receive a perfect score on the GRE.
delineate
delineate
verb: describe in detail
After a brief summary of proper swimming technique, the coach delineated the specifics of each stroke, spending 30 minutes alone on the backstroke.
languid
languid
adjective: not inclined towards physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed
As the sun beat down and the temperature climbed higher, we spent a languid week lying around the house.
juxtapose
juxtapose
verb: place side by side for contrast
The appeal of her paintings comes from a classical style which is juxtaposed with modern themes.
precocious
precocious
adjective: characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude)
Though only seven years old, she was a precocious chess prodigy, able to beat players twice her age.
itinerant
itinerant
adjective: traveling from place to place to work
Doctors used to be itinerant, traveling between patients’ homes.
belligerent
belligerent
adjective: characteristic of one eager to fight
Tom said that he was arguing the matter purely for philosophical reasons, but his belligerent tone indicated an underlying anger about the issue.
apathy
apathy
noun: an absence of emotion or enthusiasm
Widespread apathy among voters led to a very small turnout on election day.
abstain
abstain
verb: choose not to consume or take part in (particularly something enjoyable)
Considered a health nut, Jessica abstained from anything containing sugar–even chocolate.
supplant
supplant
verb: take the place or move into the position of
For many, a cell phone has supplanted a traditional phone; in fact, most 20-somethings don’t even have a traditional phone anymore.
denote
denote
verb: be a sign or indication of; have as a meaning
Even if the text is not visible, the red octagon denotes “stop” to all motorists in America.
rudimentary
rudimentary
adjective: being in the earliest stages of development; being or involving basic facts or principles
I would love to be able to present a fully polished proposal to the board, but right now, our plans for the product are still in the most rudimentary stages.
negligable
negligible
adjective: so small as to be meaningless; insignificant
The GRE tests cumulative knowledge, so if you cram the night before it is, at best, likely to only have a negligible impact on your score.
incongruous
incongruous
adjective: lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness
The vast economic inequality of modern society is incongruous with America’s ideals.