Language Of Ideas And Learning Flashcards
For over 1000 years, mathematicians regarded subtracting a large number from a small one as impossible because the concept of negative numbers was too ABSTRACT.
Abstract - Existing as an idea but not as a tangible experience.
Some opinion poles are unreliable because their biased phrasing encourages people to CONSTRUE issues to conform to the ideology of the pollster.
Construe - to interpret in a particular way
Elena has a very DISCERNING palate for olives and can even tell in what region of Italy they were grown.
Discerning - showing a keen ability to distinguish subtle elements
Our interior designer has a DISCRIMINATING eye for bold fabrics.
Discriminating - showing good taste or judgment
The rumor was DISSEMINATED almost instantaneously over the Internet.
Disseminate - to cast (something, usually information) widely, as a seed is scattered
Professor Jacoby could be engagingly ERUDITE without seeming pompous
Erudite - having or showing great learning or knowledge
The farming village was to INSULAR for Madeline, who wanted to experience the outside world.
Insular - isolated from cultural and intellectual influences outside one’s own experience.
Dr. Phillip is respectfully skeptical of treatments that have not been tested via ORTHODOX trials
Orthodox - conforming strictly to traditional teachings.
Jennifer‘s PEDANTIC displays in class earned her the scorn of her classmates
Pedantic - inclined to show off one’s learning or knowledge; acting like a know-it-all
Pitifully few of the congressmen PERUSED the bill before signing it.
Peruse - to read thoroughly and carefully
Copernicus POSTULATED that the simplest explanation for planetary motion was probably the best explanation.
Postulate - assume the existence or truth of some thing as a basis for reasoning. 
Glenn’s comments reflected his PROVINCIAL political views rather than an understanding of the national interest.
Provincial - unsophisticated or narrow-minded; particular to the narrow views of an isolated community.
