English Vocabulary Flashcards
Dilettante
(n)
origin Italiano
A person having a superficial interest in an art or a branch of knowledge.
Sublime
1: to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form
2a (1) : to elevate or exalt especially in dignity or honor (2) : to render finer (as in purity or excellence)
2b : to convert (something inferior) into something of higher worth
purvey
to supply (as provisions) usually as a matter of business
Autonomous
Origin Greek
Aut nomos
having the right or power of self-government
Auto (self or within) nomos (Torah or custom)
Redact
Origin Latin redactus, past participle of redigere
To put in writing
Titillation
Origin Latin titillatus, past participle of titillare
1: to excite pleasurably : arouse by stimulation
2: to tickle
Paramount
Superior to all others: supreme
boondoggle
1: a braided cord worn by Boy Scouts as a neckerchief slide, hatband, or ornament
2: a wasteful or impractical project or activity often involving graft
Epochal
uniquely or highly significant : momentous
avocation
1 archaic : diversion, distraction
2: customary employment : vocation
3: a subordinate occupation pursued in addition to one’s vocation especially for enjoyment : hobby
Amateur
Italian amore “to love”
1: devotee, admirer
2: one who engages in a pursuit, study, science, or sport as a pastime rather than as a profession
3: one lacking in experience and competence in an art or science
inculcates
to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
pernicious
Origin Latin perniciosus, from pernicies destruction, from per- + nec-, nex violent death
1: highly injurious or destructive : deadly
2: archaic : wicked
affront
An action or remark that causes outrage or offense
unsullied
- not soiled, untarnished: an unsullied public persona.
2. virginal; pure: He wears a purity ring signifying that he will remain unsullied until marriage.
