Fancy new words

Question 1

Telos

Answer 1

An ultimate objective or aim, Greek for ‘end’.

Question 2

Inculcate

Answer 2

To instil an idea or attitude through persistent instruction

Question 3

Milieu

Answer 3

A person’s social environment

Question 4

Circumscribe

Answer 4

Restrict something within limits

Question 5

Materialism

Answer 5

The tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort more important than spiritual values

Question 6

Burlesque

Answer 6

A parody; an absurd or comically exaggerated imitation of something

Question 7

Eminence

Answer 7

Fame or acknowledged superiority within a particular sphere/an important or distinguished person.

Question 8

Lachrymose

Answer 8

Tearful or given to weeping/tear-inducing

Question 9

Sanctimonious

Answer 9

Making a show of being morally superior to others.

Question 10

Assuage

Answer 10

To make an unpleasant feeling less intense/satisfy a desire

Question 11

Forswear

Answer 11

To agree to give up or do without

Question 12

Detractor

Answer 12

A person who disparages someone or something

Question 13

Clandestine

Answer 13

Kept secret or done secretively

Question 14

Upbraid

Answer 14

Scold/ find fault with

Question 15

Invective

Answer 15

Insulting, abusive, or highly critical language

Question 16

Paragon

Answer 16

A person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality

Question 17

Enervate

Answer 17

The quality of lacking in/to drain someone of energy or vitality

Question 18

Parvenu

Answer 18

A person of humble origin who has gained wealth, influence or celebrity.

Question 19

Acerbic

Answer 19

Sharp and forthright

Question 20

Sententious

Answer 20

Given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner

Question 21

Imbroglio

Answer 21

An extremely confused, complicated or embarrassing situation

Question 22

Diatribe

Answer 22

A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something

Question 23

Expedient

Answer 23

Convenient, practical and appropriate, although perhaps immoral

Question 24

Extemporize

Answer 24

Improvise (compose/perform/produce without preparation)

Question 25

Typology

Answer 25

The study and interpretation of types and symbols (particularly Biblical)