English Vocab 9 & 8 Flashcards
What does ‘extol’ mean?
To praise highly; to laud.
The speaker extolled the doctor for his great contributions to mankind.
What does ‘innate’ mean?
That which seems to be with someone from birth; existing naturally rather than acquired.
His good taste and courtesy are not the result of training but rather are innate.
What does ‘enigma’ mean?
A perplexing or seemingly unexplainable matter or person.
The many aspects of his changing personality make Tom an enigma to me.
What does ‘rancor’ mean?
A continuing and bitter hate or ill will; deep spite and malice.
Unfortunately, the debate between them was marked by personal rancor rather than honest discussion of the issues.
What does ‘invective’ mean?
A violent verbal attack; strong criticism, insult curses, etc.
It is possible to wage a hard-hitting political campaign without resorting to the use of invectives.
What does ‘acumen’ mean?
Keenness and quickness in understanding and dealing with a situation; shrewdness.
In the 19th century, many fortunes were made by men with great business acumen.
What does ‘obdurate’ mean?
Not easily moved to pity or sympathy; hard-hearted, stubborn or obstinate.
In spite of all our efforts to persuade him, he remained obdurate.
What does ‘pragmatic’ mean?
Practical; concerned with actual, everyday things rather than with theory or speculation.
Rather than listening to the politicians explain the theories of poverty, he had the pragmatic problem of getting food on the table.
What does ‘audacious’ mean?
Fearlessly daring; bold; arrogantly insolent.
In this time of crisis, we need imaginative, bold and even audacious leadership.
What does ‘banal’ mean?
Common, unoriginal, drearily predictable.
The lecturer’s banal comments bored the audience to tears.
culpable
Responsible for doing something wrong; deserving blame; guilty.
Anyone who took any part in the conspiracy was considered equally culpable.
ignominious
Deserving disgrace or shame; dishonorable; despicable.
The traitor spent the last years of his life in ignominious exile.
ostentatious
Showing off boastfully; boastful.
The man displayed his expensive new suit in a very ostentatious manner.
vicissitudes
Changes in fortune; ups and downs in circumstances.
You must learn to face the many vicissitudes of life.
alacrity
Cheerful willingness or eagerness.
Since Bob needed a job to pay for his college expenses, he accepted with alacrity the offer.
decadent
In a state of decline or decay; deteriorating.
When people lose interest in literature, it’s a sign that the society is becoming decadent.
garrulous
Talkative.
The garrulous cab driver kept up a steady stream of chatter.
temerity
Reckless, boldness; foolish disregard for danger.
In 1941, Japanese militarists had the temerity to risk the future of their country on the wild gamble of a knockout blow on Pearl Harbor.
eclectic
Composed of materials gained from many sources, systems, etc.
The statesman did not believe in only one political philosophy, but rather took a more eclectic view of world affairs.
anathema
A thing or person accursed or damned; a thing or person greatly detested; a formal curse.
After almost 200 years, the name of Benedict Arnold is still anathema to Americans.
