Group 29 Flashcards
Abscond
Leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid capture
mnemonic: abscond sounds like esconderse
Apogee
The peak or higest point of something
Aspersion
A criitical or damaging remark or criticism
a criticism, suggestion, or remark that damages another person’s reputation
Bawdy
Humurously dealing with sexual subjects; risqué in a comedic way
Chagrin
A feeling of frustration, annoyance, or anger
mnemonic: when you call your friend and he doesn’t answer, then he tells you he was charging his phone, which sounds like an excuse, then you feel frustated and annoyed
Collude
Secretly cooperate for deceitful or fraudulent purposes
Commiserate
Express sympathy or sorrow with someone who has experienced misfortune
mnemonic: co+miserate, share someone’s misery by feeling empathy for them
Conflagration
A large, destructuve fire
Contretemps
A small disagreement or mishap
Conviction
A strong belief or principle held with confidence
Croon
Sing softly, typically in a sentimental manner
Depose
Forcibly remove someone from office or power
Mnemonic: de(remove) pose(position)
Detente
A period of improved relations between countries, especially when tensions have been high
Dowdy
Lacking style or elegance; out of fashion
Echelon
A level or tier within a system or organization
Ennui
A feeling of boredom and dissatisfaction due to a lack of excitement or interest
Expatiate
Talk or write in great detail about a topic
Fraught
Filled with tensions, stress, or negative emotions
mnemonic: he felt distressed when his fraud was caught
Fulcrum
The main factor or element that plays a pivotal role in a situation
Mnemonic: Imagine a lever made of Full Chrome. To work, this lever needs a specific point to pivot on. That point is the fulcrum.
Imbroglio
A complex and confusing situation, often of a messy or controversial nature
Jocund
Merry and in high spirits; exhibiting happiness
Languish
- Become weak or feeble, often from neglect or lack of attention
- Experiience prolonged suffering or distress
Nadir
The absolute lowest point or worst moment
Nimble
Quick and agile in movement or thinking
nimble fingers
Ominous
Indicating that something unfavorable is likely to happen
mnemonic: o(ohh) minous (minus)
Outlandish
Strange, unusual, oor bizarre in appearance or style
mnemonic: out+land, the one who is from other land is very bizarre
Propitious
Favorable; advantageous
mnemonic: sounds like profitious, something that produces money is favorable
Prurient
Displaying or prompting and undue interest in sexual matters
Mnemonic: pure I aint (i’m not pure)
Sadistic
Taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
Zenith
The point at which something attains its maximum strength or power
