Group 2 Flashcards
abate (v)
to become less strong
The storm/ wind/ rain has started to abate.
The fighting in the area shows no sign of abating.
accolade (n)
praise and approval
He’s been granted the ultimate accolade - his face on a postage stamp.
Her approval was the highest accolade he could receive.
adulation (n)
very great admiration or praise for someone, especially when it is more than is deserved
Minelli is a born performer - she loves the excitement and she loves the adulation.
aesthetic (adj)
relating to the enjoyment or study of beauty:
The new building has little aesthetic value/ appeal.
describes an object or a work of art that shows great beauty:
furniture that is both aesthetic and functional
avarice (n)
an extremely strong wish to get or keep money or possessions
Her business empire brought her wealth beyond the dreams of avarice (= an extremely large amount of money).
axiom (n)
a statement or principle that is generally accepted to be true, but need not be so
It is a widely held axiom that governments should not negotiate with terrorists.
burgeon (v)
to develop or grow quickly
Love burgeoned between them.
bucolic (adj)
relating to the countryside
The painting shows a typically bucolic scene with peasants.
cacophony (n)
an unpleasant mixture of loud sounds
What a cacophony!
As we entered the farmyard we were met with a cacophony of animal sounds.
canon (n)
an establishes set of principles or code of laws, often religious in nature (adj. form: canonical)
ameliorate (v)
to make a bad or unpleasant situation better
Foreign aid is badly needed to ameliorate the effects of the drought.
ascetic (n)
avoiding physical pleasures and living a simple life, often for religious reasons
They live a very ascetic life.
