Good vocab Flashcards
Ubiquitous
Definition: found everywhere: widely encountered
Example: Smartphones are ubiquitous in modern society.
Ineffable
Definition: Too great or extreme to be expressed in words.
Example: The feeling of joy she experienced was ineffable.
Quintessential/quintessance
Definition: Most perfect or typical example
Example: He was the quintessence of humility.
Ephemeral
Definition: Lasting for a very short time
Example: The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, changing within moments as the son dipped below the horizon.
Garrulous
Definition: Excessively talkative, especially on matters of little importance.
Example: We all have that one garullous neighbour who we can’t seem to get rid of.
Pernicious
Definition: Having a harmful effect, especially in a subtle way.
Example: The pernicious lack of confidence could be what is holding you back.
Laconic
Definition: Using very few words
Example: His laconic response implied a lack of interest.
Ambivalence
Definition: Mixed feelings toward something or someone
Example: She felt a sense of ambivalence about leaving her hometown; excitement mingled with sadness.
Ostentatious
Definition: Designed to attract attention and impress in vulgar/pretentious ways
Example: His ostentatious behavior at the plaza was intended to draw attention to his wealth.
Magnanimous
Definition: Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person.
Example: Despite losing the race, she was magnanimous in congratulating the winner.
Taciturn
Definition: Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.
Example: Although taciturn by nature, he spoke eloquently when the situation demanded.
Vindicate
Definition: To clear someone of blame or suspicion.
Example: The new evidence served to vindicate the wrongly accused man.
Ameliorate
Definition: To make something bad or unsatisfactory better.
Example: Policies were introduced to ameliorate living conditions in the slums.
Intransigent
- Definition: Unwilling to change one’s views or to agree about something.
Example: Despite the evidence, he remained intransigent in his beliefs.
Sycophantic
Definition: Behaving or done in an obsequious way to gain advantage.
Example: His sycophantic attitude towards his boss annoyed his colleagues.
