Deck 19

Question 1

sophomoric (adj)

/ˌsɒfəˈmɒrɪk/

Answer 1

Relating to or characteristic of a sophomore

Pretentious or juvenile

Question 2

sophomore (n)

/ˈsɒfəmɔː/

Answer 2

A second-year university or high-school student

Denoting the second recording, film, etc. released or created by a particular musician, group, director, etc

Question 3

juvenile

/ˈdʒuːvənʌɪl/

Answer 3

1. (adj) For or relating to young people
Denoting a theatrical or film role representing a young person
Relating to young birds and animals
2. (adj) Childish; immature
3. (n) A young person
(Law) A person below the age at which ordinary criminal prosecution is possible (18 in most countries)
An actor playing a juvenile role
A young bird or animal

Question 4

cabal (n)

/kəˈbal/

Answer 4

A secret political clique or faction

A secret intrigue

Question 5

clique (n)

/kliːk/

Answer 5

A small close-knit group of people who do not readily allow others to join them

Question 6

intrigue

/ɪnˈtriːɡ/

Answer 6

1. (v) Arouse the curiosity or interest of; fascinate
2. (v) Make secret plans to do something illicit or detrimental to someone
3. (n) The secret planning of something illicit or detrimental
   A secret love affair
4. (n) A mysterious or fascinating quality

Question 7

literati (n)

/ˌlɪtəˈrɑːti/

Answer 7

Well-educated people who are interested in literature

Question 8

facile (adj)

/ˈfasʌɪl/ or /ˈfasɪl/

Answer 8

1. Ignoring the true complexities of an issue; superficial
   (Of a person) having a superficial or simplistic knowledge or approach
2. (Especially of success in sport) easily achieved; effortless

Question 9

dulcet (adj)

/ˈdʌlsɪt/

Answer 9

(Especially of sound) sweet and soothing (often used ironically)

Question 10

incendiary

/ɪnˈsɛndɪəri/

Answer 10

1. (adj) (Of a device or attack) designed to cause fires
2. (adj) Tending to stir up conflict
   Very exciting
3. (n) An incendiary bomb or device
4. (n) A person who starts fires
   A person who stirs up conflict

Question 11

base

/beɪs/

Answer 11

1. (n) The lowest part or edge of something, especially the part on which it rests or is supported
2. (n) A conceptual structure or entity on which something draws or depends
3. (n) A place used as a centre of operations by the armed forces or others; a headquarters
4. (n) A main or important element or ingredient to which other things are added
5. (v) (base something on) Use (something specified) as the foundation or starting point for something
6. (v) Situate at a specified place as the centre of operations
7. (adj) Without moral principles; ignoble
8. (adj) Denoting or befitting a person of low social class
9. (adj) (Of coins or other articles) not made of precious metal

Question 12

ignoble (adj)

/ɪɡˈnəʊb(ə)l/

Answer 12

1. Not honourable in character or purpose

2. Of humble origin or social status

Question 13

befitting (adj)

/bɪˈfɪtɪŋ/

Answer 13

Appropriate to the occasion

Question 14

humble

/ˈhʌmb(ə)l/

Answer 14

1. (adj) Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance
   (Of an action or thought) offered with or affected by a modest estimate of one’s importance
2. (adj) Of low social, administrative, or political rank
3. (adj) (Of a thing) of modest pretensions or dimensions
4. (v) Cause (someone) to feel less important or proud
   Decisively defeat (a sporting opponent previously thought to be superior)

Question 15

hoi polloi (plural n)
/ˌhɔɪ pɒˈlɔɪ/

Answer 15

(usually the hoi polloi) (derogatory)

The masses; the common people