English 10X Semester 2 Vocab List 3

Question 1

Paradox

Answer 1

1. statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
2. a self-contradictory and false proposition.

Question 2

Parody

Answer 2

a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing

Question 3

Partisan

Answer 3

an adherent or supporter of a person, group, party, or cause, especially a person who shows a biased, emotional allegiance

Question 4

Peccadillo

Answer 4

a very minor or slight sin or offense; a trifling fault

Question 5

Pecuniary

Answer 5

1. of or pertaining to money
2. consisting of or given or exacted in money or monetary payments
3. (of a crime, violation, etc.) involving a money penalty or fine

Question 6

Pensive

Answer 6

1. dreamily or wistfully thoughtful

2. expressing or revealing thoughtfulness, usually marked by some sadness

Question 7

Peremptory

Answer 7

1. leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal; imperative
2. imperious or dictatorial
3. positive or assertive in speech, tone, manner, etc

Question 8

Pertinacious

Answer 8

1. holding tenaciously to a purpose, course of action, or opinion; resolute
2. stubborn or obstinate
3. extremely or objectionably persistent

Question 9

Peruse

Answer 9

To read through with thoroughness or care

Question 10

Perverse

Answer 10

willfully determined or disposed to go counter to what is expected or desired; contrary

Question 11

Placate

Answer 11

to appease or pacify, especially by concessions or conciliatory gestures

Question 12

Plagiarism

Answer 12

an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization and the representation of that author’s work as one’s own, as by not crediting the original author

Question 13

Platitude

Answer 13

a flat, dull, or trite remark, especially one uttered as if it were fresh or profound

Question 14

Plebeian

Answer 14

belonging or pertaining to the common people

Question 15

Poignant

Answer 15

keenly distressing to the feelings

Question 16

Precipitous

Answer 16

extremely or impassably steep

Question 17

Predilection

Answer 17

a tendency to think favorably of something in particular; partiality; preference

Question 18

Prelude

Answer 18

1. a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance
2. any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else

Question 19

Prerogative

Answer 19

1. an exclusive right, privilege, etc., exercised by virtue of rank, office, or the like
2. a right, privilege, etc., limited to a specific person or to persons of a particular category

Question 20

Pretentious

Answer 20

1. characterized by assumption of dignity or importance, especially when exaggerated or undeserved
2. making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.

Question 21

Pacifist

Answer 21

a person who believes in pacifism or is opposed to war or to violence of any kind