Deck 3

Question 1

contend

Answer 1

argue earnestly; struggle in rivalry

Question 2

contentious

Answer 2

involving argument

Question 3

contract

Answer 3

(1) reduce in size

2) become affected by (a disease

Question 4

converge

Answer 4

tend to meet or come together

Question 5

conviction

Answer 5

(1) verdict that someone is guilty of a crime

(2) strongly held belief

Question 6

cordial

Answer 6

warmly friendly; sincerely felt

Question 7

corroborate

Answer 7

support with evidence

Question 8

credulity

Answer 8

tendency to believe too easily

Question 9

criterion

Answer 9

decisive factor

Question 10

cryptic

Answer 10

having a secret meaning

Question 11

culpable

Answer 11

deserving blame

Question 12

cursory

Answer 12

hastily done

Question 13

debilitate

Answer 13

sap the strength of

Question 14

debunk

Answer 14

expose as false or exaggerated

Question 15

decorum

Answer 15

appropriateness in behavior; orderliness and good taste in manners

Question 16

decry

Answer 16

express strong disapproval of

Question 17

deference

Answer 17

courteous regard for another’s wish; respect owed to a superior

Question 18

definitive

Answer 18

most complete; providing a final answer

Question 19

degradation

Answer 19

lowering in rank or dignity

Question 20

deleterious

Answer 20

injurious to health

Question 21

delineate

Answer 21

set forth in detail

Question 22

denounce

Answer 22

proclaim as evil

Question 23

depict

Answer 23

represent using words or a picture

Question 24

deplore

Answer 24

regret strongly; express grief over

Question 25

depravity

Answer 25

extreme corruption

Question 26

deprecate

Answer 26

express strong disapproval of; protest against; belittle

Question 27

deride

Answer 27

laugh at scornfully

Question 28

derivative

Answer 28

lacking in originality

Question 29

despondent

Answer 29

showing extreme gloom or depression

Question 30

detachment

Answer 30

emotional remoteness

Question 31

deterrent

Answer 31

something that discourages

Question 32

detrimental

Answer 32

causing injury or damage

Question 33

devious

Answer 33

not straightforward; departing from accepted conduct

Question 34

devise

Answer 34

form in one’s mind (a plan, method, or invention)

Question 35

didactic

Answer 35

intended to teach or convey information

Question 36

diffidence

Answer 36

lack of confidence

Question 37

diffuse

Answer 37

spread out; both wordy and poorly organized

Question 38

digression

Answer 38

departure from the main subject

Question 39

dilemma

Answer 39

choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives

Question 40

diligence

Answer 40

steadiness of effort; persistent hard work

Question 41

diminution

Answer 41

reduction in size

Question 42

discerning

Answer 42

mentally quick and observant

Question 43

disclose

Answer 43

make known; case to be seen

Question 44

discordant

Answer 44

disagreeable to the ear; not in harmony

Question 45

discount

Answer 45

minimize the significance of

Question 46

discourse

Answer 46

formally discuss a subject at some length; hold a conversation

Question 47

discredit

Answer 47

destroy confidence in; hurt the reputation of

Question 48

discrepancy

Answer 48

inconsistency; disagreement between facts or claims; difference

Question 49

discriminating

Answer 49

able to see subtle differences (secondary meaning)

Question 50

disdain

Answer 50

view with scorn or contempt