J Flashcards
jaded
adj. tired by excess or overuse; slightly cynical
A life in police work left Bill jaded.
jargon
n. nonsensical talk; specialized language
Jargon makes it easier for specialists in a field to talk to one another.
jaundiced
adj. having a yellowish discoloration of the skin; affected by envy, resentment, or hostility
He is a talented writer, but his jaundiced view of life becomes tiresome after a while.
jejune
adj. not interesting; childish
The art critic called Ellen’s painting, “Jejune, at best.”
jettison
v. to cast off, throw cargo overboard
Alice moved from New York to San Francisco, completely jettisoning her old life.
jihad
n. A Muslim holy war; a crusade
Jihad can often refer to an internal struggle to correct one’s own mistakes.
jingoism
n. extreme support of one’s country
The war film was widely criticized as an exercise in jingoism.
jingoist
n. person who supports his or her country in an extreme way
The director of the controversial war film was accused of being a jingoist.
jocose
adj. given to joking; merry
Fortunately most people at the holiday party were jocose.
jocular
adj. jovial, playful, humorous
The class laughed at the teacher’s jocular comment.
joie de vivre
n. joy of living
Sally describes herself as, “87 years young and still full of joie de vivre.”
jubilee
n. special anniversary
The church had its jubilee last year.
judicious
adj. having sound judgment
The president made a judicious decision in selecting the highly experienced general to lead the army.
juggernauut
n. huge force destroying everything in its path
The 2004 USC football team was a juggernaut, going undefeated and winning the national championship.
juncture
n. point where two things are joined; turning point
At this juncture in the country’s history, we must carefully consider our course.
