Deck 12 Flashcards
What does ‘gullible’ mean?
Easily fooled or deceived; naive.
Contextual usage: ‘He was gullible enough to believe the scammer’s promises of easy wealth.’
What are synonyms for ‘gullible’?
- Trusting
- Credulous
- Innocent
- Unsuspecting
- Naive
What does ‘indignant’ mean?
Feeling anger and resentment as a result of being treated unfairly or with disrespect.
Contextual usage: ‘She was indignant at the way she was treated by her supervisor during the meeting.’
What are synonyms for ‘indignant’?
- Angry
- Furious
- Irritated
- Incensed
- Outraged
What does ‘boorish’ mean?
Rude, ill-mannered, and lacking in social graces.
Contextual usage: ‘His boorish behavior at the party offended many of the guests.’
What are synonyms for ‘boorish’?
- Uncouth
- Crude
- Vulgar
- Uncivilized
- Unrefined
What does ‘lament’ mean?
To express grief, sorrow, or regret over something.
Contextual usage: ‘They gathered to lament the loss of their beloved friend.’
What are synonyms for ‘lament’?
- Mourn
- Grieve
- Weep
- Sorrow
- Wail
What does ‘providential’ mean?
Occurring at a favorable or opportune time; seemingly arranged by divine intervention.
Contextual usage: ‘The timely arrival of the ambulance was providential and saved her life.’
What are synonyms for ‘providential’?
- Fortunate
- Serendipitous
- Lucky
- Timely
- Blessing
What does ‘droll’ mean?
Amusing in an odd or whimsical way; humorous with an offbeat charm.
Contextual usage: ‘His droll sense of humor always brought smiles to our faces.’
What are synonyms for ‘droll’?
- Witty
- Comical
- Eccentric
- Quirky
- Whimsical
What does ‘chicanery’ mean?
The use of trickery or deception to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose.
Contextual usage: ‘The politician was accused of engaging in chicanery to manipulate the election results.’
What are synonyms for ‘chicanery’?
- Deception
- Fraud
- Trickery
- Manipulation
- Subterfuge
What does ‘contingent’ mean?
Dependent on something else; conditional; a group of people united by a common characteristic or circumstance.
Contextual usage: ‘The success of the project was contingent on securing sufficient funding.’
What are synonyms for ‘contingent’?
- Dependent
- Conditional
- Subject to
- Contingency
- Group
What does ‘disenchant’ mean?
To free from illusion or false belief; to reveal the true nature of something, often causing disappointment.
Contextual usage: ‘The harsh reality of the situation disenchanting her romantic notions about the place.’
What are synonyms for ‘disenchant’?
- Disillusion
- Disabuse
- Disappoint
- Enlighten
- Clarify
What does ‘austerity’ mean?
Sternness or severity of manner or attitude; extreme simplicity, often associated with a frugal lifestyle.
Contextual usage: ‘The austerity of his leadership style earned him respect but also fear among his subordinates.’
What are synonyms for ‘austerity’?
- Severity
- Strictness
- Rigor
- Simplicity
- Frugality
What does ‘euphemism’ mean?
The use of a mild or less direct word or phrase to replace a harsh or unpleasant one.
Contextual usage: ‘In the hospital, ‘passed away’ is often used as a euphemism for ‘died.’
What are synonyms for ‘euphemism’?
- Substitution
- Polite expression
- Softening
- Minimization
- Indirectness
What does ‘omniscient’ mean?
Having complete or unlimited knowledge; knowing everything.
Contextual usage: ‘In the story, the narrator is portrayed as an omniscient observer who knows the thoughts of all the characters.’
What are synonyms for ‘omniscient’?
- All-knowing
- All-wise
- Infinite knowledge
- All-seeing
- Wise
What does ‘polarize’ mean?
To divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or opinions.
Contextual usage: ‘The controversial issue had the power to polarize the entire community, leading to heated debates.’
What are synonyms for ‘polarize’?
- Divide
- Split
- Separate
- Segregate
- Factionalize
What does ‘monotonous’ mean?
Dull, tedious, and repetitively uniform or unchanging; lacking in variety.
Contextual usage: ‘The monotonous sound of the ticking clock made it difficult for her to concentrate.’
What are synonyms for ‘monotonous’?
- Tedious
- Boring
- Repetitive
- Dull
- Unvarying
What does ‘odious’ mean?
Extremely unpleasant, offensive, or repulsive.
Contextual usage: ‘His odious behavior towards his colleagues resulted in his isolation from the team.’
What are synonyms for ‘odious’?
- Hateful
- Abhorrent
- Repugnant
- Disgusting
- Loathsome
What does ‘clearheaded’ mean?
Having a mind that is alert, rational, and able to think clearly, especially in challenging situations.
Contextual usage: ‘Even in the midst of the crisis, she remained clearheaded and made wise decisions.’
What are synonyms for ‘clearheaded’?
- Rational
- Sober
- Alert
- Sane
- Composed
What does ‘futile’ mean?
Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless or ineffective.
Contextual usage: ‘Despite their efforts, the attempt to repair the old, dilapidated house seemed futile.’
What are synonyms for ‘futile’?
- Ineffective
- Useless
- Pointless
- Unsuccessful
- Fruitless
What does ‘counterfeit’ mean?
Made in imitation of something genuine with the intent to deceive; a fake or imitation.
Contextual usage: ‘The police seized a large quantity of counterfeit money from the counterfeiters’ hideout.’
What are synonyms for ‘counterfeit’?
- Fake
- Forged
- Imitation
- Sham
- Bogus
What does ‘disperse’ mean?
To scatter or distribute over a wide area; to cause a group of people to scatter.
Contextual usage: ‘The wind helped disperse the leaves all over the yard.’
What are synonyms for ‘disperse’?
- Scatter
- Spread
- Distribute
- Disseminate
- Disband
What does ‘debunk’ mean?
To expose the falseness or hollowness of a myth, belief, or idea.
Contextual usage: ‘The scientist worked tirelessly to debunk the widely held misconception about the theory.’
What are synonyms for ‘debunk’?
- Disprove
- Expose
- Refute
- Demystify
- Invalidate
What does ‘propriety’ mean?
Conformity to accepted standards of behavior or morals; appropriateness.
Contextual usage: ‘Her sense of propriety prevented her from making rude comments during the formal event.’
What are synonyms for ‘propriety’?
- Decorum
- Correctness
- Appropriateness
- Respectability
- Decency
What does ‘trenchant’ mean?
Vigorous or incisive in expression or style; cutting or sharp.
Contextual usage: ‘The author’s trenchant critique of social injustice resonated with many readers.’
What are synonyms for ‘trenchant’?
- Incisive
- Sharp
- Cutting
- Piercing
- Penetrating
What does ‘tranquil’ mean?
Calm, peaceful, and free from disturbance or turmoil.
Contextual usage: ‘The tranquil lake provided a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection.’
What are synonyms for ‘tranquil’?
- Serene
- Peaceful
- Quiet
- Calm
- Undisturbed
What does ‘unaffected’ mean?
Not influenced or changed by something; not pretentious or artificial.
Contextual usage: ‘She remained unaffected by the gossip and continued to be her authentic self.’
What are synonyms for ‘unaffected’?
- Unchanged
- Unaltered
- Genuine
- Sincere
- Natural
What does ‘apposite’ mean?
Appropriate or suitable in the circumstances; fitting.
Contextual usage: ‘His apposite remarks during the meeting added clarity to the discussion.’
What are synonyms for ‘apposite’?
- Apt
- Relevant
- Suitable
- Fitting
- Pertinent
What does ‘dilatory’ mean?
Tending to delay or procrastinate; slow to act.
Contextual usage: ‘His dilatory response to the urgent request caused frustration among the team.’
What are synonyms for ‘dilatory’?
- Procrastinating
- Tardy
- Slow
- Delaying
- Languid
What does ‘venal’ mean?
Capable of being bribed or corrupted; motivated by personal gain or greed.
Contextual usage: ‘The venal official accepted bribes in exchange for favors.’
What are synonyms for ‘venal’?
- Corruptible
- Bribeable
- Greedy
- Dishonest
- Mercenary
What does ‘liberate’ mean?
To set free from a situation or restraint; to release from bondage or captivity.
Contextual usage: ‘The soldiers fought to liberate the oppressed people from the tyrannical regime.’
What are synonyms for ‘liberate’?
- Free
- Release
- Rescue
- Emancipate
- Unshackle
What does ‘manipulate’ mean?
To handle or control skillfully or deviously, often for personal gain or to influence others.
Contextual usage: ‘She felt manipulated by his persuasive words and promises.’
What are synonyms for ‘manipulate’?
- Control
- Influence
- Manage
- Exploit
- Maneuver
What does ‘pugnacious’ mean?
Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight; combative.
Contextual usage: ‘His pugnacious attitude often led to heated arguments with his colleagues.’
What are synonyms for ‘pugnacious’?
- Combative
- Aggressive
- Quarrelsome
- Belligerent
- Hostile
What does ‘patronize’ mean?
To treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority; to condescend or look down upon.
Contextual usage: ‘She felt offended when he tried to patronize her with unsolicited advice.’
What are synonyms for ‘patronize’?
- Condescend
- Look down on
- Belittle
- Talk down to
- Underestimate
What does ‘reiterate’ mean?
To say or do something again, often for emphasis or clarity; to repeat.
Contextual usage: ‘He had to reiterate his point several times to ensure everyone understood the instructions.’
What are synonyms for ‘reiterate’?
- Repeat
- Echo
- Restate
- Recapitulate
- Duplicate
What does ‘evasive’ mean?
Tending to avoid giving direct answers or responses; elusive.
Contextual usage: ‘His evasive responses raised suspicion about his involvement in the matter.’
What are synonyms for ‘evasive’?
- Avoidant
- Elusive
- Dodging
- Vague
- Ambiguous
What does ‘goosebumps’ mean?
Small, raised bumps on the skin caused by cold, fear, excitement, or a sudden sensation.
Contextual usage: ‘The chilling horror movie gave her goosebumps from the suspense.’
What are synonyms for ‘goosebumps’?
- Gooseflesh
- Piloerection
- Shivers
- Tingling
- Chills
What does ‘versatile’ mean?
Capable of adapting to different tasks, situations, or functions; having a wide range of abilities or uses.
Contextual usage: ‘The versatile actor could play a variety of roles, from comedy to drama.’
What are synonyms for ‘versatile’?
- Adaptable
- Multifunctional
- Flexible
- All-around
- Handy
What does ‘emulate’ mean?
To imitate or strive to equal or surpass someone or something, often as a model or example.
Contextual usage: ‘She tried to emulate her role model’s success in her own career.’
What are synonyms for ‘emulate’?
- Imitate
- Mimic
- Copy
- Model after
- Follow
What does ‘intermediary’ mean?
A person or entity that acts as a link or go-between in a situation, often to facilitate communication or negotiation.
Contextual usage: ‘The lawyer served as an intermediary in the contract negotiations between the two parties.’
What are synonyms for ‘intermediary’?
- Mediator
- Facilitator
- Go-between
- Middleman
- Negotiator
What does ‘lucrative’ mean?
Producing a large amount of profit or financial gain; profitable.
Contextual usage: ‘Investing in the booming tech industry can be highly lucrative if done wisely.’
What are synonyms for ‘lucrative’?
- Profitable
- Money-making
- Gainful
- Rewarding
- Remunerative
What does ‘sacrosanct’ mean?
Regarded as sacred or inviolable; too important or valuable to be interfered with.
Contextual usage: ‘The family considered their traditions to be sacrosanct and followed them for generations.’
What are synonyms for ‘sacrosanct’?
- Sacred
- Holy
- Inviolable
- Revered
- Untouchable
What does ‘reproach’ mean?
To express disapproval, disappointment, or criticism toward someone; to blame or scold.
Contextual usage: ‘She couldn’t help but reproach her friend for betraying her trust.’
What are synonyms for ‘reproach’?
- Blame
- Criticize
- Scold
- Rebuke
- Condemn
What does ‘instigate’ mean?
To provoke, incite, or initiate an action or event, often with the intent of causing trouble or conflict.
Contextual usage: ‘The rumors were deliberately spread to instigate discord among the members of the team.’
What are synonyms for ‘instigate’?
- Incite
- Provoke
- Stimulate
- Encourage
- Ignite
What does ‘neophyte’ mean?
A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief; a beginner or novice.
Contextual usage: ‘As a neophyte in the world of photography, she had much to learn about camera settings and composition.’
What are synonyms for ‘neophyte’?
- Novice
- Beginner
- Newcomer
- Rookie
- Greenhorn
What does ‘baffling’ mean?
Perplexing, confusing, or difficult to understand or explain.
Contextual usage: ‘The sudden disappearance of the valuable artifact remained a baffling mystery for years.’
What are synonyms for ‘baffling’?
- Perplexing
- Confounding
- Puzzling
- Mystifying
- Bewildering
What does ‘affectation’ mean?
Behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress.
Contextual usage: ‘Her constant affectation of wealth was evident in her extravagant lifestyle.’
What are synonyms for ‘affectation’?
- Pretense
- Pose
- Mannerism
- Pretentiousness
- Show
What does ‘rallying’ mean?
The action or process of gathering together or uniting.
Contextual usage: ‘The rallying of the troops before the battle was crucial for morale.’
What are synonyms for ‘rallying’?
- Gathering
- Assembling
- Mobilization
- Uniting
- Congregation
What does ‘frenetic’ mean?
Fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way.
Contextual usage: ‘The frenetic pace of the city was both exciting and exhausting.’
What are synonyms for ‘frenetic’?
- Frantic
- Hectic
- Chaotic
- Wild
- Manic
What does ‘nettles’ mean?
Irritate or annoy (someone).
Contextual usage: ‘Her constant criticism nettled him to the point of frustration.’
What are synonyms for ‘nettles’?
- Irritate
What is the primary meaning of ‘frenetic’?
Fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way.
Example: ‘The frenetic pace of the city was both exciting and exhausting.’
List some synonyms for ‘frenetic’.
- Frantic
- Hectic
- Chaotic
- Wild
- Manic
What is the primary meaning of ‘nettles’?
Irritate or annoy (someone).
Example: ‘Her constant criticism nettled him to the point of frustration.’
List some synonyms for ‘nettles’.
- Irritate
- Annoy
- Vex
- Rile
- Aggravate
What is the primary meaning of ‘dormant’?
Having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time.
Example: ‘The bear was dormant during the winter months, hibernating in its den.’
List some synonyms for ‘dormant’.
- Inactive
- Sluggish
- Quiescent
- Latent
- Sleeping
What is the primary meaning of ‘abstraction’?
The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘abstraction’?
A summary of the contents of a book, article, or speech.
What is the tertiary meaning of ‘abstraction’?
The process of considering something independently of its associations, attributes, or concrete accompaniments.
Provide an example of ‘abstraction’ in contextual usage for its primary meaning.
‘His mind often delved into abstraction, pondering complex philosophical concepts.’
Provide an example of ‘abstraction’ in contextual usage for its secondary meaning.
‘The abstract of the research paper provided a concise summary of the findings.’
Provide an example of ‘abstraction’ in contextual usage for its tertiary meaning.
‘The artist’s abstraction of the natural world led to unique and imaginative paintings.’
What is the primary meaning of ‘quash’?
Reject or void, especially by legal procedure.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘quash’?
Put an end to; suppress.
Give an example of ‘quash’ in contextual usage for its primary meaning.
‘The court decided to quash the charges against the defendant due to lack of evidence.’
Give an example of ‘quash’ in contextual usage for its secondary meaning.
‘The government sought to quash the rebellion by deploying troops.’
List some synonyms for ‘quash’.
- Annul
- Invalidate
- Nullify
- Overturn
- Revoke
