Kaplan Top 200 Words: 1 - 25 Flashcards
ANALOGOUS
similar or alike in some way; equivalent to
In the Newtonian construct for explaining the existence of God, the universe is ANALOGOUS to a mechanical timepiece, the creation of divinely intelligent “clockmaker.”
ABATE
to reduce in amount, degree, or severity
As the hurricane’s force ABATED, the winds dropped and the sea became calm.
AUSTERE
severe or stern in appearance; undecorated
The lack of decoration makes military barracks seem AUSTERE to the civilian eye.
CHICANERY
deception by means of craft or guile
Dishonest used car sales people often use CHICANERY to sell their beat-up old cars.
DESULTORY
jumping from one thing to another; disconnected
Diane had a DESULTORY academic record; she had changed majors 12 times in three years.
DOGMA
a firmly held opinion, often religious belief
Linus’s central DOGMA was the children who believed in the Great Pumpkin would be rewarded.
ENUMERATE
to count, list, or itemize
Moses returned from the mountain with tablets on which the commandments were ENUMERATED.
EXPLICIT
clearly stated or shown; forthright in expression
The owners of the house left a list of EXPLICIT instructions detailing their house-sitter’s duties, including a schedule for watering the house plants.
ICONOCLAST
one who opposes established beliefs, customs, and institutions
His lack of regard for traditional beliefs soon established him as an ICONOCLAST.
IRASCIBLE
easily made angry
Attila the Hun’s IRASCIBLE and violent nature made all who dealt with him fear for their lives.
METICULOUS
extremely careful about details
To find all the clues at the crime scene, the investigators METICULOUSLY examined every inch of the area.
OPAQUE
impossible to see through; preventing the passage of light
The heavy buildup of dirt and grime on the windows almost made them OPAQUE.
PLETHORA
excess
Assuming that more was better, the defendant offered the judge a PLETHORA of excuses.
QUIESCENT
motionless
Many animals are QUIESCENT over the winter months, minimizing activity in order to conserve energy.
TACITURN
silent, not talkative
The clerk’s TACITURN nature earned him the nickname “Silent Bob.”
