Deck 13 Flashcards
What does it mean to stun someone?
To shock or surprise someone so that they cannot react immediately.
Secondary meaning includes making someone unconscious for a short time.
What is a precarious situation?
Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.
Secondary meaning involves being dependent on chance; uncertain.
Define unformed.
Not having a definite or fixed shape; not yet developed or organized.
What does tenuous mean?
Very weak or slight.
Secondary meaning refers to being indirect or thin.
What is mendacity?
Untruthfulness; tendency to lie.
Secondary meaning refers to a lie or false statement.
What does predicament mean?
A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
What does it mean to cajole someone?
Persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery.
Define archetype.
A very typical example of a certain person or thing; a model.
What does tentative mean?
Not certain or fixed; provisional.
Secondary meaning involves being hesitant or uncertain.
What is the meaning of dowdy?
(of a person or their clothes) unfashionable and without style in appearance.
What does entail mean?
Involve (something) as a necessary or inevitable part or consequence.
Fill in the blank: His theory ______ that the universe has no boundaries.
[presupposes]
What does commensurate mean?
Corresponding in size or degree; in proportion.
Define propensity.
An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way.
What is calumny?
The making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation; slander.
What does acquisitive mean?
Excessively interested in acquiring money or material things.
What does relent mean?
Abandon or mitigate a harsh intention or cruel treatment.
What is the primary meaning of utilitarian?
Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive.
What does precipitous mean?
Dangerously high or steep.
Secondary meaning refers to being done suddenly and without careful consideration.
Define proliferate.
Increase rapidly in number; multiply.
What does sinister mean?
Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen.
What is affluence?
The state of having a great deal of money; wealth.
Fill in the blank: Her makeup was applied to ______ her features and highlight her eyes.
[accentuate]
What does accord mean?
Give or grant someone (power, status, or recognition).
Define crafty.
Clever at achieving one’s aims by indirect or deceitful methods; cunning.
What does dispassionate mean?
Not influenced by strong emotion; calm and rational.
What is gravity in terms of physics?
The force that attracts two bodies toward each other, having a magnitude proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
What is the secondary meaning of gravity?
Extreme or alarming importance; seriousness.
What does sinecure mean?
A position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit.
Define ephemeral.
Lasting for a very short time; short-lived.
What does naive mean?
(of a person) Innocent and unsuspecting, lacking experience or sophistication.
What does censure mean?
Express severe disapproval of (someone or something), typically in a formal statement.
What does erode mean?
Gradually destroy or be gradually destroyed by natural forces (such as water, wind, or ice).
What is cognizance?
Knowledge or awareness of something.
What does quarantine mean?
A state, period, or place of isolation in which people or animals that have arrived from elsewhere or been exposed to infectious or contagious disease are placed.
What does modest mean?
Unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one’s abilities or achievements.
Define peculiar.
Strange or odd; unusual.
What does disaffection mean?
A state or feeling of being dissatisfied or disillusioned with something or someone.
What does elucidate mean?
Make (something) clear; explain.
Define pastiche.
An artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period.
What does slavishly mean?
In a servile or submissive manner; with excessive obedience or devotion.
What does allusive mean?
Suggestive; containing or characterized by indirect references or hints.
What does inconsequential mean?
Not important or significant; lacking impact or relevance.
What does noxious mean?
Harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.
What does indifferent mean?
Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.
What does expedient mean?
Convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral.
What does intermittent mean?
Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
What does pensive mean?
Engaged in deep or reflective thought.
What does ‘expedient’ mean?
Convenient, pragmatic, advantageous, practical, opportunistic
Contextual usage: ‘He saw it as expedient to lie in order to avoid getting into trouble.’
What is the primary meaning of ‘intermittent’?
Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady
Contextual usage: ‘The intermittent rain showers made it difficult to plan outdoor activities.’
List synonyms for ‘intermittent’.
- Irregular
- Sporadic
- Occasional
- Periodic
- Intervening
What does ‘pensive’ mean?
Engaged in deep or reflective thought
Contextual usage: ‘She sat by the window, looking pensive as she contemplated the meaning of life.’
List synonyms for ‘pensive’.
- Thoughtful
- Reflective
- Contemplative
- Meditative
- Dreamy
What is the primary meaning of ‘cogent’?
(of an argument or case) Clear, logical, and convincing
Contextual usage: ‘His cogent presentation swayed the audience’s opinion on the matter.’
List synonyms for ‘cogent’.
- Convincing
- Persuasive
- Compelling
- Logical
- Forceful
What does ‘prevaricate’ mean?
Speak or act in an evasive way; avoid telling the truth
Contextual usage: ‘He tended to prevaricate when asked about his whereabouts, making it hard to trust his words.’
List synonyms for ‘prevaricate’.
- Evade
- Dodge
- Avoid
- Hedge
- Mislead
What does ‘champion’ mean?
Support, promote, or defend a cause or person
Contextual usage: ‘She was determined to champion the rights of the marginalized communities.’
List synonyms for ‘champion’.
- Advocate
- Support
- Promote
- Defend
- Uphold
