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Deck 22 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘pedantic’?

A

Excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overly academic.

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2
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘pedantic’.

A

‘His pedantic approach to teaching turned off many students.’

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3
Q

List synonyms for ‘pedantic’.

A
  • Over-scholarly
  • Academic
  • Bookish
  • Precise
  • Nitpicking
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4
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘incredulous’?

A

Unwilling or unable to believe something.

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5
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘incredulous’.

A

‘She gave him an incredulous look when he revealed the secret.’

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6
Q

List synonyms for ‘incredulous’.

A
  • Skeptical
  • Disbelieving
  • Doubtful
  • Unconvinced
  • Cynical
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7
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘munificent’?

A

More generous than is usual or necessary.

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8
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘munificent’.

A

‘The munificent donation to the charity was greatly appreciated.’

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9
Q

List synonyms for ‘munificent’.

A
  • Generous
  • Bountiful
  • Liberal
  • Lavish
  • Benevolent
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10
Q

Define ‘virtue’.

A

Behavior showing high moral standards.

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11
Q

What is a secondary meaning of ‘virtue’?

A

A quality considered morally good or desirable in a person.

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12
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘virtue’.

A

‘Honesty is a virtue that he always adheres to.’

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13
Q

List synonyms for ‘virtue’.

A
  • Goodness
  • Morality
  • Integrity
  • Righteousness
  • Ethics
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14
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘croon’?

A

Hum or sing in a soft, low voice, especially in a sentimental manner.

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15
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘croon’.

A

‘He would croon a lullaby to his baby every night.’

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16
Q

List synonyms for ‘croon’.

A
  • Sing softly
  • Hum
  • Warble
  • Murmur
  • Serenade
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17
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘discredit’?

A

Harm the good reputation of (someone or something).

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18
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘discredit’.

A

‘The scandal served to discredit the politician entirely.’

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19
Q

List synonyms for ‘discredit’.

A
  • Disgrace
  • Defame
  • Dishonor
  • Tarnish
  • Belittle
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20
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘valedictory’?

A

Serving as a farewell.

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21
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘valedictory’.

A

‘His valedictory speech was both moving and memorable.’

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22
Q

List synonyms for ‘valedictory’.

A
  • Farewell
  • Parting
  • Leaving
  • Goodbye
  • Departing
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23
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘abjure’?

A

Solemnly renounce (a belief, cause, or claim).

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24
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘abjure’.

A

‘He abjured his former allegiance to the party.’

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25
Q

List synonyms for ‘abjure’.

A
  • Renounce
  • Relinquish
  • Reject
  • Forsake
  • Disavow
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26
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘vexation’?

A

The state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried.

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27
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘vexation’.

A

‘The constant noise was a source of great vexation to her.’

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28
Q

List synonyms for ‘vexation’.

A
  • Annoyance
  • Irritation
  • Anger
  • Exasperation
  • Aggravation
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29
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘imbroglio’?

A

An extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation.

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30
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘imbroglio’.

A

‘The political scandal turned into an imbroglio with international implications.’

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31
Q

List synonyms for ‘imbroglio’.

A
  • Complication
  • Entanglement
  • Quagmire
  • Predicament
  • Muddle
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32
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘torpid’?

A

Mentally or physically inactive; lethargic.

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33
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘torpid’.

A

‘After the long journey, he felt torpid and drained.’

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34
Q

List synonyms for ‘torpid’.

A
  • Lethargic
  • Sluggish
  • Inactive
  • Inert
  • Slow
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35
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘poignant’?

A

Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.

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36
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘poignant’.

A

‘The movie’s poignant ending brought tears to the audience’s eyes.’

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37
Q

List synonyms for ‘poignant’.

A
  • Touching
  • Moving
  • Sad
  • Heartrending
  • Emotional
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38
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘placate’?

A

Make (someone) less angry or hostile.

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39
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘placate’.

A

‘They attempted to placate the protesters with promises of reform.’

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40
Q

List synonyms for ‘placate’.

A
  • Appease
  • Pacify
  • Calm
  • Soothe
  • Conciliate
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41
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘aplomb’?

A

Self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation.

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42
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘aplomb’.

A

‘She handled the interview questions with aplomb.’

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43
Q

List synonyms for ‘aplomb’.

A
  • Poise
  • Assurance
  • Composure
  • Confidence
  • Self-possession
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44
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘noble’?

A

Belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status; aristocratic.

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45
Q

What is a secondary meaning of ‘noble’?

A

Having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles.

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46
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘noble’.

A

‘The noble family lived in a grand mansion.’

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47
Q

List synonyms for ‘noble’.

A
  • Aristocratic
  • High-born
  • Honorable
  • Virtuous
  • Dignified
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48
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘novelty’?

A

The quality of being new, original, or unusual.

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49
Q

What is a secondary meaning of ‘novelty’?

A

A small and inexpensive toy or item.

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50
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘novelty’.

A

‘The novelty of the idea made it extremely popular.’

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51
Q

List synonyms for ‘novelty’.

A
  • Originality
  • Newness
  • Uniqueness
  • Innovation
  • Gimmick
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52
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘mystification’?

A

The state of being utterly bewildered or perplexed.

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53
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘mystification’.

A

‘The complexity of the theory caused complete mystification among students.’

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54
Q

List synonyms for ‘mystification’.

A
  • Bewilderment
  • Confusion
  • Perplexity
  • Puzzlement
  • Bafflement
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55
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘countercultural’?

A

Of or relating to a subculture, especially one that is in opposition to the cultural norms of the time.

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56
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘countercultural’.

A

‘The 1960s were known for their countercultural movements.’

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57
Q

List synonyms for ‘countercultural’.

A
  • Nonconformist
  • Unconventional
  • Alternative
  • Bohemian
  • Rebel
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58
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘sever’?

A

Divide by cutting or slicing, especially suddenly and forcibly.

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59
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘sever’.

A

‘The accident caused him to sever his ties with the company.’

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60
Q

List synonyms for ‘sever’.

A
  • Cut off
  • Separate
  • Divide
  • Disconnect
  • Detach
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61
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘irrefutable’?

A

Impossible to deny or disprove.

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62
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘irrefutable’.

A

‘The evidence against the accused was irrefutable.’

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63
Q

List synonyms for ‘irrefutable’.

A
  • Indisputable
  • Incontestable
  • Undeniable
  • Conclusive
  • Unassailable
64
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘pivotal’?

A

Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.

65
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘pivotal’.

A

‘Her decision was pivotal in shaping the company’s future.’

66
Q

List synonyms for ‘pivotal’.

A
  • Crucial
  • Central
  • Key
  • Vital
  • Decisive
67
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘stingy’?

A

Unwilling to give or spend; ungenerous.

68
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘stingy’.

A

‘His stingy attitude towards donations was well-known.’

69
Q

List synonyms for ‘stingy’.

A
  • Miserly
  • Parsimonious
  • Mean
  • Tightfisted
  • Penurious
70
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘callous’?

A

Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.

71
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘callous’.

A

‘His callous comments about the disaster shocked everyone.’

72
Q

List synonyms for ‘callous’.

A
  • Heartless
  • Unfeeling
  • Insensitive
  • Cold
  • Pitiless
73
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘despotic’?

A

Of or typical of a despot; tyrannical.

74
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘despotic’.

A

‘The despotic ruler imposed harsh laws and punishments.’

75
Q

List synonyms for ‘despotic’.

A
  • Tyrannical
  • Dictatorial
  • Autocratic
  • Oppressive
  • Authoritarian
76
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘herald’?

A

An official messenger bringing news.

77
Q

What is a secondary meaning of ‘herald’?

A

A sign that something is about to happen.

78
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘herald’.

A

‘The herald brought news of the king’s victory.’

79
Q

List synonyms for ‘herald’.

A
  • Messenger
  • Harbinger
  • Forerunner
  • Announcer
  • Proclaimer
80
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘sift’?

A

Put (a fine or loose substance) through a sieve so as to remove lumps or large particles.

81
Q

What is a secondary meaning of ‘sift’?

A

Examine (something) thoroughly so as to isolate that which is most important or useful.

82
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘sift’.

A

‘She sifted the flour before adding it to the mixture.’

83
Q

List synonyms for ‘sift’.

A
  • Filter
  • Strain
  • Screen
  • Sort
  • Separate
84
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘prosaic’?

A

Having the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty.

85
Q

What is a secondary meaning of ‘prosaic’?

A

Commonplace; unromantic.

86
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘prosaic’.

A

‘His writing was criticized for being dull and prosaic.’

87
Q

List synonyms for ‘prosaic’.

A
  • Ordinary
  • Commonplace
  • Unimaginative
  • Uninspired
  • Mundane
88
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘betray’?

A

Expose (one’s country, a group, or a person) to danger by treacherously giving information to an enemy.

89
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘betray’.

A

‘He was accused of betraying his country during the war.’

90
Q

List synonyms for ‘betray’.

A
  • Deceive
  • Double-cross
  • Backstab
  • Reveal
  • Uncover
91
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘mutiny’?

A

An open rebellion against the proper authorities, especially by soldiers or sailors against their officers.

92
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘mutiny’.

A

‘The sailors led a mutiny against the harsh conditions on the ship.’

93
Q

List synonyms for ‘mutiny’.

A
  • Rebellion
  • Revolt
  • Insurrection
  • Uprising
  • Revolt
94
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘tout’?

A

Attempt to sell (something), typically by pestering people in an aggressive or bold manner.

95
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘tout’.

A

‘He was touting his products at the busy market.’

96
Q

List synonyms for ‘tout’.

A
  • Promote
  • Advertise
  • Puff
  • Publicize
  • Hype
97
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘bucolic’?

A

Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life.

98
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘bucolic’.

A

‘They enjoyed a bucolic lifestyle in the rural village.’

99
Q

List synonyms for ‘bucolic’.

A
  • Rural
  • Rustic
  • Pastoral
  • Country
  • Idyllic
100
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘culprit’?

A

A person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed.

101
Q

What is a secondary meaning of ‘culprit’?

A

The cause of a problem or defect.

102
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘culprit’.

A

‘The police quickly identified the culprit behind the theft.’

103
Q

List synonyms for ‘culprit’.

A
  • Offender
  • Criminal
  • Wrongdoer
  • Malefactor
  • Perpetrator
104
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘panache’?

A

Flamboyant confidence of style or manner.

105
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘panache’.

A

‘He played the role with great panache.’

106
Q

List synonyms for ‘panache’.

A
  • Flair
  • Style
  • Elan
  • Elegance
  • Verve
107
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘ineluctable’?

A

Unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable.

108
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘ineluctable’.

A

‘The ineluctable conclusion was that she was guilty.’

109
Q

List synonyms for ‘ineluctable’.

A
  • Inevitable
  • Unavoidable
  • Inescapable
  • Unpreventable
  • Certain
110
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘enlarge’?

A

Make or become larger or more extensive.

111
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘enlarge’.

A

‘They decided to enlarge the house to accommodate their growing family.’

112
Q

List synonyms for ‘enlarge’.

A
  • Expand
  • Increase
  • Magnify
  • Amplify
  • Extend
113
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘robust’?

A

Strong and healthy; vigorous.

114
Q

What is a secondary meaning of ‘robust’?

A

(Of an object or system) Sturdy in construction.

115
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘robust’.

A

‘The athlete had a robust physique.’

116
Q

List synonyms for ‘robust’.

A
  • Strong
  • Sturdy
  • Hardy
  • Durable
  • Tough
117
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘oblivious’?

A

Not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one.

118
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘oblivious’.

A

‘He was completely oblivious to the danger he was in.’

119
Q

List synonyms for ‘oblivious’.

A
  • Unaware
  • Unconscious
  • Heedless
  • Ignorant
  • Insensible
120
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘palliate’?

A

Make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause.

121
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘palliate’.

A

‘Medication was used to palliate the symptoms.’

122
Q

List synonyms for ‘palliate’.

A
  • Alleviate
  • Mitigate
  • Ease
  • Relieve
  • Diminish
123
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘unexceptional’?

A

Not out of the ordinary; usual.

124
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘unexceptional’.

A

‘The performance was competent but unexceptional.’

125
Q

List synonyms for ‘unexceptional’.

A
  • Ordinary
  • Average
  • Standard
  • Normal
  • Commonplace
126
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘qualm’?

A

An uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one’s own conduct.

127
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘qualm’.

A

‘She had qualms about the morality of her decision.’

128
Q

List synonyms for ‘qualm’.

A
  • Misgiving
  • Doubt
  • Unease
  • Apprehension
  • Scruple
129
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘chivalrous’?

A

Courteous and gallant, especially towards women.

130
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘chivalrous’.

A

‘His chivalrous actions included opening doors for her.’

131
Q

List synonyms for ‘chivalrous’.

A
  • Gallant
  • Courteous
  • Noble
  • Gentlemanly
  • Honorable
132
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘impartial’?

A

Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just.

133
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘impartial’.

A

‘The judge was known for his impartial judgment.’

134
Q

List synonyms for ‘impartial’.

A
  • Unbiased
  • Fair
  • Just
  • Neutral
  • Objective
135
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘acumen’?

A

The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain.

136
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘acumen’.

A

‘Her business acumen was evident in her rapid success.’

137
Q

List synonyms for ‘acumen’.

A
  • Sharpness
  • Shrewdness
  • Astuteness
  • Intelligence
  • Insight
138
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘convivial’?

A

(Of an atmosphere or event) Friendly, lively, and enjoyable.

139
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘convivial’.

A

‘The atmosphere at the party was convivial.’

140
Q

List synonyms for ‘convivial’.

A
  • Friendly
  • Sociable
  • Lively
  • Enjoyable
  • Festive
141
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘impartial’?

A

Unbiased, Fair, Just, Neutral, Objective

The judge was known for his impartial judgment.

142
Q

Define ‘Acumen’.

A

The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain.

Her business acumen was evident in her rapid success.

143
Q

What are synonyms for ‘Acumen’?

A
  • Sharpness
  • Shrewdness
  • Astuteness
  • Intelligence
  • Insight

The term is often used in business contexts.

144
Q

What does ‘Convivial’ mean?

A

(Of an atmosphere or event) Friendly, lively, and enjoyable.

The party was a convivial gathering of friends.

145
Q

List synonyms for ‘Convivial’.

A
  • Sociable
  • Jovial
  • Cheerful
  • Festive
  • Amiable

Used to describe social events.

146
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘Gawky’?

A

Awkwardly tall and clumsily built.

The teenager had a gawky charm to him.

147
Q

Provide synonyms for ‘Gawky’.

A
  • Clumsy
  • Ungainly
  • Awkward
  • Lanky
  • Gangling

Describes physical appearance and demeanor.

148
Q

Define ‘Craft’ in the context of skill.

A

An activity involving skill in making things by hand.

She admired the beautiful craft of the handmade pottery.

149
Q

What is a secondary meaning of ‘Craft’?

A

Skill in deceiving people; cunning.

He used craft to outwit his opponents.

150
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘Implacable’?

A

Unable to be placated; relentless; unstoppable.

Her implacable determination led her to overcome every obstacle.

151
Q

List synonyms for ‘Implacable’.

A
  • Unyielding
  • Inexorable
  • Unrelenting
  • Unforgiving
  • Unappeasable

Often used to describe strong will or determination.

152
Q

What does ‘Self-Evident’ mean?

A

Not needing to be demonstrated or explained; obvious.

The truth of her statement was self-evident.

153
Q

Provide synonyms for ‘Self-Evident’.

A
  • Obvious
  • Evident
  • Manifest
  • Clear
  • Apparent

Used in contexts where clarity is assumed.

154
Q

Define ‘Umbrage’.

A

Offense or annoyance.

She took umbrage at his rude comments.

155
Q

List synonyms for ‘Umbrage’.

A
  • Offense
  • Annoyance
  • Resentment
  • Indignation
  • Irritation

Often associated with feelings of hurt or anger.

Gre Vocabulary (33 decks)

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