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.
