June 3 - Common Words III (part a) Flashcards
belligerent
- characteristic of one eager to fight
Tom said that he was arguing the matter purely for philosophical reasons, but his belligerent tone indicated an underlying anger about the issue.
spurious
- plausible but false
When listening to a politician speak, it is hard to distinguish the spurious claims from the authentic ones.
negligible
- so small as to be meaningless; insignificant
The GRE tests cumulative knowledge, so if you cram the night before it is, at best, likely to only have a negligible impact on your score.
refractory
- stubbornly resistant to authority or control
Used to studious high school students, Martha was unprepared for the refractory Kindergarteners who neither sat still nor listened to a single word she said.
frustrate
- hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
I thought I would finish writing the paper by lunchtime, but a number of urgent interruptions served to frustrate my plan.
delineate
- describe in detail
After a brief summary of proper swimming technique, the coach delineated the specifics of each stroke, spending 30 minutes alone on the backstroke.
tantamount
- being essentially equal to something
In many situations, remaining silent is tantamount to admitting guilt, so speak to prove your innocence.
elucidate
- make clearer and easier to understand
Youtube is great place to learn just about anything–an expert elucidates finer points so that even a complete novice can learn.
eclectic
- comprised of a variety of styles
Joey was known for his eclectic tastes in music, one moment dancing to disco the next “air conducting” along to Beethoven’s 9th symphony.
insidious
- working in a subtle but destructive way
Plaque is insidious: we cannot see it, but each day it eats away at our enamel, causing cavities and other dental problems.
unequivocal
- admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding; having only one meaning or interpretation and leading to only one conclusion
The President’s first statement on the subject was vague and open to competing interpretations, so when he spoke to Congress about the same subject later, he was careful to make his position completely unequivocal.
staunch
- firm and dependable especially in loyalty
No longer a staunch supporter of the movement, Todd now will openly question whether its goals are worthwhile.
immutable
- not able to be changed
Taxes are one of the immutable laws of the land, so there is no use arguing about paying them.
languid
- not inclined towards physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed
As the sun beat down and the temperature climbed higher, we spent a languid week lying around the house.
derive
- come from; be connected by a relationship of blood, for example
Many words in the English language are derived from Latin, including the word “derive.”
- reason by deduction; establish by deduction
From the multiple set of footprints in the living room, the investigator derived an important clue: Sheila was not alone in the room at the time of the murder.
mollify
- to make someone angry less angry; placate
In the morning, Janine was unable to mollify Harry, if he happened to become angry, unless he’d had his cup of coffee.
precocious
- characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude)
Though only seven years old, she was a precocious chess prodigy, able to beat players twice her age.
apathy
- an absence of emotion or enthusiasm
Widespread apathy among voters led to a very small turnout on election day.
eminent
- standing above others in quality or position
Shakespeare is an eminent author in the English language, but I find his writing uninteresting and melodramatic.
jubilant
- full of high-spirited delight because of triumph or success
My hardwork paid off, and I was jubilant to receive a perfect score on the GRE.
rudimentary
- being in the earliest stages of development; being or involving basic facts or principles
I would love to be able to present a fully polished proposal to the board, but right now, our plans for the product are still in the most rudimentary stages.
avaricious
- excessively greedy
Since avaricious desire is similar to gluttony or lust–sins of excess–it was listed as one of the seven deadly sins by the Catholic church.
incongruous
- lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness
The vast economic inequality of modern society is incongruous with America’s ideals.
haughty
-having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
The haughty manager didn’t believe that any of his subordinates could ever have an insight as brilliant as his own.
magnanimous
- noble and generous in spirit, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful
He was a great sportsman: in defeat he was complimentary and in victory he was magnanimous.
