Language Of Argument, Reasoning, And Persuasion Flashcards
We were surprised to discover that a few of the history professors seemed to be APOLOGISTS for fascism.
Apologist - One who argues for a particular, often controversial, position.
We must not APPEASE belligerent dictators.
Appease - to yield to demands in order to conciliate
The case was BOLSTERED by the testimony of three eye witnesses. 
Bolstered - to strengthen or support
Each BUTTRESS on the cathedral was over 40 feet long. 
Buttress - A projecting support for a building, usually of stone or brick; any strong support
Theo cannot be CAJOLED into excepting the position.
Cajole - to persuade through flattery or coaxing.
We expected the candidate to give a CIRCUMLOCUTORY and politically correct answer to the question, but we’re surprised to hear her give a direct and candid response.
Circumlocutory - inclined speak evasively; speaking as if she avoid the subject.
Although the Riemann hypothesis has yet to be proven, many mathematicians believe that the problem is so well CIRCUMSCRIBED that it will soon be.
Circumscribe - to define the limits of something, often an issue or problem
Our controversial CONJECTURE on the nature of the newly discovered planet turned out to be correct.
Conjecture - A guess based on incomplete information
Carl’s accusation was as CONTENTIOUS as it was false. 
Contentious - causing or likely to provoke an argument
None of Dave’s friends were CREDULOUS when he said he was going to start his own business.
Credulous - willing to believe.
Market was only able to take a CURSORY glance of the report before making his presentation. 
Cursory - hasty and superficial
The committee DELINEATED the rules by which future officers would be chosen.
Delineate - to describe or portray precisely
[1] Ron was ostracized from the group because of his DISPUTATIOUS attitude.
[2] The meetings became more DISPUTATIOUS overtime, forcing the group to disband.
Disputatious
[1] (of a person) fond of having heated arguments
[2] (of a situation) likely to cause an argument
We calmly ENUMERATED our complaints to the committee
Enumerated - to list one by one
She will complain about her boyfriend‘s tendency to EQUIVOCATE when the conversation turned to marriage.
Equivocate - To speak ambiguously so as to avoid commitment
The mayors EXHORTATION that we conserve water seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
Exhortation - A strong plea, usually through an urgent speech
The testimony of the eyewitnesses EXONERATED the defendant.
Exonerated - to absolve someone of blame or fault. 
The argument presented by the defense is FALLACIOUS because it is founded on an invalid assumption. 
Fallacious - based on a mistaken belief or unsound reasoning.
The dictators HARANGUES were designed to inspire fear as much as patriotism.
Harangue - A lengthy and bombastic speech. 
An INCONGRUOUS football-shaped telephone sat amid the otherwise tasteful and expensive auction items.
Incongruous - not consistent with expectations or surroundings.
The doctor had to INDUCE vomiting after Helen accidentally swallowed drain cleaner.
Induce - to bring about. 
The joy on the children’s faces proved that the party was an UNQUALIFIED success.
- (of a person) not officially recognized as a practitioner of a particular profession or activity through having satisfied the relevant conditions or requirements.
- without reservation or limitation; total.
