I Flashcards
iconoclast
(noun) someone who attacks traditional beliefs or institutions.
Comedian Stephen Colbert enjoys his reputation as an iconoclast, though people in power often resent his satirical jabs.
iconoclasm (noun)
iconoclastic (adjective)
idiosyncratic
(adjective) peculiar to an individual; eccentric.
Cyndi Lauper sings pop music in an idiosyncratic style, mingling high-pitched whoops and squeals with throaty gurgles.
idiosyncrasy (noun)
idolatry
(noun) the worship of a person, thing, or institution as a god.
In Communist China, Chairman Mao was the subject of idolatry; his picture was displayed everywhere, and millions of Chinese memorized his sayings.
idolatrous (adjective)
impartial
(adjective) fair, equal, unbiased.
If a judge is not impartial, then all of her rulings are questionable.
impartiality (noun)
impeccable
(adjective) flawless.
The crooks printed impeccable copies of the Super Bowl tickets, making it impossible to distinguish them from the real ones.
impetuous
(adjective) acting hastily or impulsively.
Stuart’s resignation was an impetuous act; he did it without thinking, and he soon regretted it.
impetuosity (noun)
impinge
(verb) to encroach upon, touch, or affect.
You have a right to do whatever you want, so long as your actions don’t impinge on the rights of others.
implicit
(adjective) understood without being openly expressed; implied.
Although most clubs had no rules excluding minorities, many had an implicit understanding that no member of a minority group would be allowed to join.
impute
(verb) to credit or give responsibility to; to attribute.
Although Helena’s comments embarrassed me, I don’t impute any ill will to her; I think she didn’t realize what she was saying.
imputation (noun)
inarticulate
(adjective) unable to speak or express oneself clearly and understandably.
A skilled athlete may be an inarticulate public speaker, as demonstrated by many post-game interviews.
incisive
(adjective) clear and direct expression.
Franklin settled the debate with a few incisive remarks that summed up the issue perfectly.
incompatible
(adjective) unable to exist together; conflicting.
Many people hold seemingly incompatible beliefs: for example, supporting the death penalty while believing in the sacredness of human life.
incompatibility (noun)
inconsequential
(adjective) of little importance.
When the flat screen TV was delivered, it was a different shade of gray than I expected, but the difference was inconsequential.
incontrovertible
(adjective) impossible to question.
The fact that Alexandra’s fingerprints were the only ones on the murder weapon made her guilt seem incontrovertible.
incorrigible
(adjective) impossible to manage or reform.
Lou is an incorrigible trickster, constantly playing practical jokes no matter how much his friends complain.
incremental
(adjective) increasing gradually by small amounts.
Although the initial cost of the Medicare program was small, the incremental expenses have grown to be very large.
increment (noun)
incriminate
(verb) to give evidence of guilt.
The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution says that no one is required to reveal information that would incriminate him or her in a crime.
incriminating (adjective)
incumbent
(noun) someone who occupies an office or position.
It is often difficult for a challenger to win a seat in Congress from the incumbent.
incumbency (noun)
incumbent (adjective)
indeterminate
(adjective) not definitely known.
The college plans to enroll an indeterminate number of students; the size of the class will depend on the number of applicants and how many accept offers of admission.
determine (verb)
indifferent
(adjective) unconcerned, apathetic.
The mayor’s small proposed budget for education suggests that he is indifferent to the needs of our schools.
indifference (noun)
