EC1 Flashcards
lodestar
1 (archaic) - a star that leads or guides (north star)
2 - one that serves as an inspiration, model, or guide
Young boys often adopt other males as lodestars, and when such guiding figures are not found within the family, they turn to internet personalities, who frequently prove to be less than ideal role models.
dovetail
to fit together neatly or correspond closely, as in the way two things align or agree
The accounts of the recent presidential assassination from news outlets on both sides of the political spectrum do not dovetail, highlighting the importance of consulting diverse sources for a fuller perspective.
futility
uselessness or ineffectiveness
The quintessential example of the futility of war is trench warfare, which led to no significant territorial gains but caused millions of casualties.
expound
to explain something in detail
In his book, Humor and Relevance, Francisco Yus expounds on various forms of humorous discourse, offering a detailed analysis through cognitive pragmatics and relevance theory.
hedonist
someone who seeks pleasure as the highest good, often to the exclusion of ethical considerations
Roman emperors like Nero are infamous for reveling in wealth and overindulging in food and drink, much to the dismay of ordinary citizens who could not afford such a hedonistic lifestyle focused on pleasure and excess.
imperious
arrogant, domineering
urgent
The professor’s imperious demeanor made students feel as though their contributions were unwelcome, as he often interrupted with dismissive comments.
nihilism
the total rejection of religious or moral beliefs
With declining faith in an omnipresent deity, many have adopted a more nihilistic approach to life, believing that existence lacks inherent meaning.
obfuscate
to confuse, bewilder
A press conference was held regarding the mystery of a $30 million deficit in the party’s finances, but the VP’s obfuscatory responses left reporters confused, with key questions still unanswered.
paramount
chief in importance, above all others
Former Boeing employees and whistleblowers Joshua Dean and John Barnett faced sudden deaths after raising safety concerns about Boeing aircrafts, alarming many flyers who now question whether their safety is truly of paramount importance to the corporation.
tawdry
showy, flashy but lacking in good taste
The middle class often tries to mimic the lifestyle of those born into wealth by purchasing tawdry clothing and home décor that is of visibly low quality, ironically making them appear less affluent.
complacent
self-satisfied, smug
Complacency has no place in business; even large companies like Hostess, famous for Twinkies, can face bankruptcy if they fail to adapt to market and demographic changes.
corroborate
to support with evidence
The present study corroborates the findings of many earlier studies, further strengthening the argument that extensive reading in L2 learning environments enhances students’ overall language competency, particularly in vocabulary acquisition.
dominion
Control; rule; area of influence
In light of recent hurricanes Milton and Helene, many have revisited the growing conspiracy theory surrounding chemtrails, believed by some to be the government’s attempt to establish dominion over nature’s deadly forces.
dubious
Doubtful; of unlikely authenticity
Dietary supplements that contain proprietary blends are of dubious quality, as consumers lack access to the detailed list of ingredients and their proportions.
foment
to stir up; to incite
The former president of the United States was accused of fomenting political unrest after claiming the election was rigged, leading to the Capitol storming on January 6.
