Deck 24 Flashcards
What does it mean to castigate?
To reprimand or criticize severely; to punish verbally.
Synonyms include reprimand, criticize, condemn, chastise, and rebuke.
What is the primary meaning of rehabilitate?
To restore to good health or normal life through medical treatment or therapy.
Secondary meaning: to restore to a former or better condition.
Define assuage.
To make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense; to relieve or ease.
Secondary meaning: to satisfy (an appetite or desire).
What does audacity refer to?
The willingness to take bold risks; daring or impudence.
It can also refer to rude or disrespectful behavior.
What is an apologist?
A person who offers an argument or defense in favor of something controversial.
Secondary meaning: a person who defends or justifies a particular policy or action.
What does it mean to be scornful?
Expressing contempt or derision; disdainful.
Synonyms include contemptuous, disdainful, dismissive, mocking, and sneering.
Define lampoon.
To publicly criticize or ridicule (someone or something) using humor, irony, or sarcasm.
Secondary meaning: a piece of writing, cartoon, or performance that lampoons a person or thing.
What is a ploy?
A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one’s own advantage.
Synonyms include strategy, tactic, maneuver, scheme, and ruse.
What does unadorned mean?
Plain and simple; without decoration or embellishment.
Secondary meaning: lacking extra features or details.
What is meant by interchangeable?
Capable of being used in place of each other; mutually substitutable.
Examples include parts that can be used interchangeably.
Define reinterpret.
To interpret or explain in a different or new way.
Synonyms include rethink, reanalyze, reexamine, reevaluate, and reassess.
What does extant mean?
Still in existence; surviving.
Examples include ancient manuscripts that are still extant.
What is the primary meaning of intransigent?
Unwilling or refusing to change one’s views or to agree about something; stubbornly resistant.
Secondary meaning: stubborn or uncompromising.
What does skullduggery refer to?
Dishonest or deceitful behavior, often involving trickery or deception.
Examples include unscrupulous practices in politics.
What does irksome mean?
Annoying, irritating, or tedious; causing annoyance.
Synonyms include tiresome, boring, and vexing.
What does it mean to skirt something?
To go around or avoid dealing directly with something; to bypass.
Can also refer to a piece of clothing worn by women and girls.
Define crescendo.
A gradual increase in loudness or intensity, especially in a piece of music.
Secondary meaning: a steady increase in force or intensity.
What does scathe mean?
To harm or injure, especially with words; to criticize harshly.
Synonyms include harm, injure, damage, and insult.
What does it mean to abstain?
To restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something, typically alcohol or indulgence in food.
Can also refer to refraining from voting or participating in a decision.
Define dichotomy.
A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
Secondary meaning: a dualism or split.
What does yield mean?
To produce or provide (a result, profit, or gain).
Can also mean to give way or surrender under pressure.
Define engage.
To occupy, attract, or involve someone’s interest or attention.
Can also mean to participate or become involved in an activity.
What does acerbic mean?
Sharp and forthright; often used to describe a tone or comment that is harsh and critical.
Secondary meaning: bitter or sour in taste.
What does uncontroversial mean?
Not causing disagreement or dispute; not controversial.
Secondary meaning: lacking controversy; accepted without dispute.
Define diminutive.
Extremely small in size; tiny.
Can also refer to a word or name that is a diminutive form of a larger or longer one.
What does elate mean?
To make (someone) ecstatically happy; to fill with great joy or pride.
Synonyms include thrill, delight, exhilarate, and excite.
What does upbraid mean?
To reprimand or criticize severely; to scold or rebuke.
Synonyms include scold, reprimand, chastise, and criticize.
Define exploit.
To make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource).
Can also mean to use (a situation or person) in an unfair or selfish way.
What does banter refer to?
Playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks; light-hearted teasing or joking.
Can also mean to engage in banter.
What is a mask?
A covering for all or part of the face, typically worn for disguise, protection, or as part of a costume.
Secondary meaning: to conceal or hide one’s emotions, feelings, or true self.
What does it mean to restrain?
To hold back; to prevent someone from doing something.
Can refer to physical restraint or emotional control.
What does it mean to mask one’s emotions?
To hide one’s emotions, feelings, or true self.
Contextual Usage: ‘She tried to mask her disappointment with a smile.’
What is a synonym for the term ‘mask’?
- Disguise
- Costume
- Face covering
- Veil
- Visor
Synonyms for secondary context: Conceal, Hide, Disguise, Camouflage, Pretend.
What is the primary meaning of ‘manacle’?
A metal band, chain, or shackle used to fasten someone’s hands or ankles; handcuffs or restraints.
Contextual Usage: ‘The criminal was placed in manacles and led away by the police.’
What is a synonym for ‘manacle’?
- Handcuffs
- Shackles
- Chains
- Restraints
- Cuffs
Synonyms for secondary context: Restrain, Confine, Restrict, Shackle, Impede.
Define ‘complacent’.
Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements; overly content.
Contextual Usage: ‘His complacent attitude prevented him from striving for greater success.’
What is a synonym for ‘complacent’?
- Self-satisfied
- Smug
- Content
- Conceited
- Pleased
Synonyms for secondary context: Self-congratulatory, Contented, Self-content, Self-assured, Self-admiring.
What does ‘forsake’ mean?
To abandon or leave behind; to renounce or give up.
Contextual Usage: ‘He vowed never to forsake his family in their time of need.’
What is a synonym for ‘forsake’?
- Abandon
- Desert
- Leave
- Renounce
- Relinquish
Synonyms for secondary context: Abjure, Repudiate, Reject, Denounce.
What does ‘nullify’ mean?
To make legally null and void; to invalidate or cancel out.
Contextual Usage: ‘The court’s decision nullified the contract due to a breach of terms.’
What is a synonym for ‘nullify’?
- Invalidate
- Cancel
- Void
- Annul
- Revoke
Synonyms for secondary context: Negate, Neutralize, Counteract, Invalidate, Counter.
What does it mean to ‘cow’ someone?
To intimidate or frighten with threats or violence; to subdue or cower.
Contextual Usage: ‘The gang tried to cow him into joining their illegal activities through threats.’
What is a synonym for ‘cow’?
- Intimidate
- Frighten
- Bully
- Overawe
- Terrify
Synonyms for secondary context: Bully, Harass, Intimidate, Domineer, Overbear.
Define ‘steadfast’.
Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering; loyal and faithful.
Contextual Usage: ‘She remained steadfast in her support for the cause despite the challenges.’
What is a synonym for ‘steadfast’?
- Unwavering
- Loyal
- Faithful
- Devoted
- Dedicated
Synonyms for secondary context: Fixed, Unchanging, Constant, Stable, Unfluctuating.
What does ‘ardent’ mean?
Enthusiastic or passionate; showing intense feelings or fervor.
Contextual Usage: ‘Her ardent support for the team was evident in her cheering.’
What is a synonym for ‘ardent’?
- Enthusiastic
- Passionate
- Fervent
- Zealous
- Eager
Synonyms for secondary context: Fiery, Glowing, Red-hot, Heated, Radiant.
What does ‘verbose’ mean?
Using more words than necessary; wordy or long-winded.
Contextual Usage: ‘His verbose explanation made it difficult to understand the main point.’
What is a synonym for ‘verbose’?
- Wordy
- Long-winded
- Prolix
- Loquacious
- Garrulous
Synonyms for secondary context: Windy, Prolix, Talkative, Repetitive, Rambling.
What is the primary meaning of ‘anachronism’?
A thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than the one in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned.
Contextual Usage: ‘The antique typewriter on her desk was an anachronism in the digital age.’
What is a synonym for ‘anachronism’?
- Relic
- Fossil
- Antique
- Dinosaur
- Relict
Synonyms for secondary context: Chronological error, Misplacement, Misdating, Out-of-date, Outmoded.
What does ‘surrogate’ mean?
A substitute or replacement, especially a person appointed to act in the place of another.
Contextual Usage: ‘She served as a surrogate for her sister and carried the baby to term.’
What is a synonym for ‘surrogate’?
- Substitute
- Replacement
- Stand-in
- Proxy
- Deputy
Synonyms for secondary context: Gestational, Reproductive, Substituted, Alternative, Replacement.
Define ‘befuddled’.
To confuse or make someone unable to think clearly; to bewilder.
Contextual Usage: ‘The complex instructions left him completely befuddled.’
What is a synonym for ‘befuddled’?
- Confuse
- Bewilder
- Perplex
- Puzzle
- Mystify
Synonyms for secondary context: Confused, Disoriented, Dazed, Muddled, Addled.
What does ‘intrepid’ mean?
Fearless and adventurous; brave and determined.
Contextual Usage: ‘The intrepid explorer ventured into the uncharted jungle.’
What is a synonym for ‘intrepid’?
- Fearless
- Brave
- Bold
- Courageous
- Adventurous
Synonyms for secondary context: Courageous, Valiant, Resolute, Undaunted, Heroic.
What does it mean to conspire?
To secretly plan with others to do something unlawful or harmful; to plot.
Contextual Usage: ‘The criminals conspired to rob the bank under the cover of darkness.’
What is a synonym for ‘conspire’?
- Plot
- Scheme
- Machinate
- Collude
- Connive
Synonyms for secondary context: Collaborate, Work together, Combine, Cooperate, Join forces.
Define ‘tantalizing’.
Arousing desire or interest but keeping it out of reach; tempting.
Contextual Usage: ‘The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread filled the room.’
What is a synonym for ‘tantalizing’?
- Tempting
- Alluring
- Seductive
- Enticing
- Attractive
Synonyms for secondary context: Tormenting, Teasing, Provocative, Beguiling, Provoking.
What does ‘hackneyed’ mean?
(Of a phrase or idea) Lacking originality or freshness; overused and clichéd.
Contextual Usage: ‘The writer’s use of hackneyed expressions made the story less engaging.’
What is a synonym for ‘hackneyed’?
- Clichéd
- Trite
- Stereotyped
- Banal
- Overused
Synonyms for secondary context: Worn out, Commonplace, Stale, Unoriginal, Platitudinous.
What is the primary meaning of ‘mercenary’?
A person primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics or principles; a hired soldier.
Contextual Usage: ‘The mercenary was willing to take any job for the right price, regardless of morality.’
What is a synonym for ‘mercenary’?
- Money-grubber
- Hireling
- Soldier of fortune
- Profiteer
- Contractor
Synonyms for secondary context: Greedy, Self-interested, Avaricious, Materialistic, Opportunistic.
Define ‘condescending’.
Having an attitude of superiority; patronizing or looking down on others.
Contextual Usage: ‘Her condescending tone made it clear that she thought she was better than everyone else.’
What is a synonym for ‘condescending’?
- Patronizing
- Superior
- Haughty
- Snobbish
- Contemptuous
Synonyms for secondary context: Patronizing, Dismissive, Superior, Arrogant, Contemptuous.
What does ‘raillery’ mean?
Good-humored teasing or ridicule; playful and light-hearted banter.
Contextual Usage: ‘The friends engaged in raillery, poking fun at each other’s quirks.’
What is a synonym for ‘raillery’?
- Teasing
- Ridicule
- Mockery
- Banter
- Jest
Synonyms for secondary context: Mockery, Teasing, Ridicule, Banter, Jest.
What does ‘lambaste’ mean?
To criticize or reprimand harshly; to scold or berate severely.
Contextual Usage: ‘He lambasted the government’s handling of the crisis during the press conference.’
What is a synonym for ‘lambaste’?
- Criticize
- Reprimand
- Berate
- Scold
- Rebuke
Synonyms for secondary context: Beat, Whip, Thrash, Flog, Pummel.
What does ‘escalate’ mean?
To increase in intensity, scope, or severity; to become more serious or severe.
Contextual Usage: ‘The conflict between the two nations continued to escalate, leading to a full-scale war.’
What is a synonym for ‘escalate’?
- Intensify
- Increase
- Heighten
- Aggravate
- Worsen
Synonyms for secondary context: Provoke, Aggravate, Heighten, Increase, Intensify.
