Leonardo da Vinci: The heights of the mind Flashcards
Emissary
a person sent on a special mission, usually as a diplomatic representative.
Profundity
deep insight; great depth of knowledge or thought. "the simplicity and profundity of the message" Similar: wisdom (deep) insight intelligence sagacity acuity depth profoundness perceptiveness penetration perception percipience perspicuity discernment thoughtfulness sapience great depth or intensity of a state, quality, or emotion. "the profundity of her misery" Similar: intensity depth extremity severity keenness profoundness strength a statement or idea that shows great knowledge or insight. plural noun: profundities "such well-articulated profundities as “You're some kinda woman.”"
Grapple
engage in a close fight or struggle without weapons; wrestle.
“passersby grappled with the man after the knife attack”
Hagiographic
A hagiography is a biography of a saint or an ecclesiastical leader, as well as, by extension, an adulatory and idealized biography of a founder, saint, monk, nun or icon in any of the world’s religions.
Expunge
erase or remove completely (something unwanted or unpleasant).
Reckon
establish by counting or calculation; calculate. "his debts were reckoned at $300,000" Similar: calculate compute work out put a figure on figure number quantify count (up) add up total tally tot up 2. consider or regard in a specified way. "the event was reckoned a failure"
Vantage
a place or position affording a good view of something
Venal
showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery.
Hitherto
adverb
until now or until the point in time under discussion.
“there is a need to replace what has hitherto been a haphazard method of payment”
Outlandish
adjective 1. looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar. "outlandish, brightly colored clothes" 2. ARCHAIC foreign or alien.
Disruption
disturbance or problems which interrupt an event, activity, or process. "the schedule was planned to minimize disruption" Similar: disturbance disordering disarrangement disarranging interference upset upsetting unsettling confusion confusing disorderliness disorganization turmoil disarray interruption suspension discontinuation stoppage obstruction impeding hampering spoiling ruining wrecking undermining holding up delaying delay retardation 2. radical change to an existing industry or market due to technological innovation. "no industry is immune to digital disruption"
Palpable
1. (of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to seem almost tangible. "a palpable sense of loss" Similar: perceptible perceivable visible noticeable appreciable discernible detectable observable tangible recognizable notable unmistakable transparent indisputable self-evident incontrovertible incontestable undeniable obvious clear plain plain to see evident apparent manifest patent marked conspicuous pronounced striking distinct as plain as a pikestaff standing/sticking out a mile right under one's nose staring one in the face writ large beyond doubt beyond question written all over someone as clear as day blinding inescapable overt open undisguised unconcealed glaring blatant flagrant barefaced gross stark Opposite: intangible imperceptible 2. able to be touched or felt.
Vertigo
noun
a sensation of whirling and loss of balance, associated particularly with looking down from a great height, or caused by disease affecting the inner ear or the vestibular nerve; giddiness.
Prolific
present in large numbers or quantities; plentiful.
Montage
the process or technique of selecting, editing, and piecing together separate sections of film to form a continuous whole.
Codex
an ancient manuscript text in book form.
Sumptuous
splendid and expensive-looking.
Dismantle
take (a machine or structure) to pieces.
Snip
cut (something) with scissors or shears, typically with small quick strokes. "she inspected the embroidery, snipping at loose threads" Similar: cut clip cut into slit nick gash notch incise snick cut off snip off trim (off) prune hack off chop off saw off lop (off) dock crop sever separate detach remove take off noun 1. an act of cutting something with small quick strokes. "he took a snip at a dandelion on the grass" Similar: cut clip trim slit nick gash notch incision snick 2. a surprisingly cheap item; a bargain. "the wine is a snip at £2.65"
Assemblage
a collection or gathering of things or people.
Expropriate
(especially of the state) take away (property) from its owner.
Vellum
fine parchment made originally from the skin of a calf.
2.
smooth writing paper imitating vellum.
Duffel
a coarse woolen cloth with a thick nap.
“a duffel hat”
Potency
noun 1. the power of something to influence or make an impression. "a myth of enormous potency" Similar: power powerfulness vigor strength might mightiness force forcefulness influence dominance energy potential puissance effectiveness persuasiveness cogency impressiveness authoritativeness authority headiness efficacy efficaciousness kick 2. a male's ability to achieve an erection or to reach orgasm. "medications that diminish sexual potency"
Spumy
adjective emitting or filled with bubbles as from carbonation or fermentation
Jostling
gerund or present participle: jostling push, elbow, or bump against (someone) roughly, typically in a crowd. "people jostled against us" Similar: bump into/against knock into/against bang into collide with cannon into plow into jolt push shove elbow hustle mob barrel into thrust barge force squeeze shoulder bulldoze struggle vie jockey scramble crowd one another scrum struggle or compete forcefully for. "a jumble of images jostled for attention"
Agglomeration
a mass or collection of things; an assemblage
Squiggle
a short line that curls and loops in an irregular way.
Viticulture
the cultivation of grapevines.
Scrabal
: of, relating to, or due to a scribe
Tic
a habitual spasmodic contraction of the muscles, most often in the face.
Similar:
twitch
spasm
jerk
convulsion
contraction
tremor
tremble
an idiosyncratic and habitual feature of a person’s behavior.
“I began with the kind of generalization that was one of my primary tics as a writer”
Ephemera
things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time.
“there were papers, letters, old boxes—all sorts of ephemera”
items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones, that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity.
“Mickey Mouse ephemera”
Precocious
adjective (of a child) having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual. "he was a precocious, solitary boy" Similar: advanced old beyond one's years forward ahead of one's peers mature prematurely developed ahead gifted talented clever intelligent quick smart rathe-ripe Opposite: backward slow (of behavior or ability) indicative of early development. "a precocious talent for computing" (of a plant) flowering or fruiting earlier than usual.
Trope
a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression.
Flannel
noun
1.
a kind of soft-woven fabric, typically made of wool or cotton and slightly milled and raised.
“my longest, thickest flannel nightgown”
2. BRITISH a small piece of toweling used for washing oneself. Similar: facecloth cloth washcloth washrag washer verbINFORMAL•BRITISH use bland fluent talk to avoid addressing a difficult subject or situation directly. "he apologised for the situation and then flanneled on about ramping up production"
Conjecture
noun an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information. "conjectures about the newcomer were many and varied" Similar: guess speculation surmise fancy notion belief suspicion presumption assumption theory hypothesis postulation supposition inference extrapolation projection approximation estimate rough calculation rough idea guesswork guessing surmising imagining theorizing guesstimate shot in the dark ballpark figure Opposite: fact verb form an opinion or supposition about (something) on the basis of incomplete information. "many conjectured that the jury could not agree"
Emblem
a heraldic device or symbolic object as a distinctive badge of a nation, organization, or family. "America's national emblem, the bald eagle" Similar: symbol representation token image figure mark sign crest badge device insignia stamp seal design heraldic device coat of arms shield logo trademark a thing serving as a symbolic representation of a particular quality or concept. "our child would be a dazzling emblem of our love"
ubiquitous
adjective
present, appearing, or found everywhere.
“his ubiquitous influence was felt by all the family”
Orthodoxy
noun plural noun: orthodoxies 1. authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice. "monetarist orthodoxy" Similar: doctrine belief conviction creed dogma credo theory view idea tenet teaching practice received wisdom article of faith 2. the whole community of Orthodox Jews or Orthodox Christians. "she was brought up in orthodoxy"
Assertion
a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief. "his assertion that his father had deserted the family" Similar: declaration contention statement claim submission postulation averment opinion proclamation announcement pronouncement assurance attestation affirmation protestation profession swearing insistence avowal maintenance asseveration the action of stating something or exercising authority confidently and forcefully. "the assertion of his legal rights"
Caveat
noun a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations. "there are a number of caveats which concern the validity of the assessment results" Similar: warning caution admonition monition red flag alarm bells proviso condition stipulation provision clause rider qualification restriction reservation limitation strings LAW a notice, especially in a probate, that certain actions may not be taken without informing the person who gave the notice.
Stratification
noun
the arrangement or classification of something into different groups.
“wealth is the main symbol of social stratification”
the formation of strata in rock.
“rock seams without any distinct stratification”
the placing of seeds close together in layers in moist sand or peat to preserve them or to help them germinate.
“following cold stratification, seeds were germinated in greenhouses”
Smudge
verb cause (something) to become messily smeared by rubbing it. "she dabbed her eyes, careful not to smudge her makeup" Similar: streak mark dirty spot soil muddy fleck speck blotch blacken smear stripe dot blot blob daub bedaub stain splotch splodge besmirch blur mess up noun a blurred or smeared mark on the surface of something. "a smudge of blood on the floor"
Inscription
words inscribed, as on a monument or in a book.
Tantalize
torment or tease (someone) with the sight or promise of something that is unobtainable.
“such ambitious questions have long tantalized the world’s best thinkers”
excite the senses or desires of (someone).
“she still tantalized him”
Suffuse
gradually spread through or over.
Druid
: one of an ancient Celtic priesthood appearing in Irish and Welsh sagas and Christian legends as magicians and wizards
Moot
adjective 1. subject to debate, dispute, or uncertainty. "whether they had been successful or not was a moot point" Similar: debatable open to debate open to discussion arguable questionable at issue open to question open doubtful open to doubt disputable contestable controvertible problematic problematical controversial contentious vexed disputed unresolved unsettled up in the air undecided yet to be decided undetermined unconcluded 2. having little or no practical relevance, typically because the subject is too uncertain to allow a decision. "the whole matter is becoming increasingly moot" verb raise (a question or topic) for discussion; suggest (an idea or possibility). "Sylvia needed a vacation, and a trip to Ireland had been mooted" Similar: raise bring up broach mention put forward introduce advance present propose suggest submit propound air ventilate noun 1. HISTORICAL an assembly held for debate, especially in Anglo-Saxon and medieval times. 2. LAW a mock trial set up to examine a hypothetical case as an academic exercise. "the object of a moot is to provide practice in developing an argument"
Nuance
a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.
Dandy
a man unduly devoted to style, neatness, and fashion in dress and appearance. "his floppy handkerchiefs and antique cufflinks gave him the look of a dandy" Similar: fop beau man about town bright young thing glamour boy rake boulevardier petit-maître swell toff dude sharp dresser snappy dresser natty dresser trendy pretty boy blade blood buck coxcomb masher peacock popinjay dapperling 2. DATED•INFORMAL an excellent thing of its kind. "this umbrella is a dandy"
Reminiscence
a story told about a past event remembered by the narrator.
“his reminiscences of his early days in Washington”
Similar:
memories
recollections
reflections
remembrances
anecdotes
memoirs
the enjoyable recollection of past events.
“his story made me smile in reminiscence”
a collection in literary form of incidents and experiences that someone remembers.
Posthumous
occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator.
“he was awarded a posthumous Military Cross”
(of a child) born after the death of its father.
“Newton was the posthumous son of an illiterate yeoman”
Depiction
the action or result of depicting something, especially in art.
Venerable
accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.
Magus
a member of a priestly caste of ancient Persia.
a sorcerer.
Scruffy
shabby and untidy or dirty. "a teenager in scruffy jeans and a baggy T-shirt" Similar: shabby worn down at heel shoddy ragged tattered mangy sorry run down disreputable untidy unkempt bedraggled messy disheveled ungroomed ill-groomed sleazy seedy slatternly slovenly dirty squalid filthy tatty the worse for wear scuzzy grungy yucky grotty raggedy Opposite: smart tidy clean 2. (of a man's face) having short, bristly hairs as a result of not having been shaved for a while. "his employer has gotten used to seeing his face becoming scruffier each spring"
Saddle
1.
a seat fastened on the back of a horse or other animal for riding, typically made of leather and raised at the front and rear.
2.
a low part of a ridge between two higher points or peaks.
“follow the road which goes across the saddle between two tors”
verb
put a saddle on (a horse).
“he was in the stable saddling up his horse”
Parish
typically having its own church and a priest or pastor. "a parish church" Similar: parishioners churchgoers church congregation flock fold community US (in Louisiana) a territorial division corresponding to a county in other states.
Dilapidated
(of a building or object) in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect.
“old, dilapidated buildings”
Crest
a comb or tuft of feathers, fur, or skin on the head of a bird or other animal. "a large game bird with a conspicuous erect red crest" Similar: comb plume tuft topknot mane aigrette panache tassel caruncle 2. the top of a mountain or hill. "she reached the crest of the hill" Similar: summit peak highest point top mountaintop tip pinnacle brow crown head cap brink apex vertex apogee zenith ridge tor aiguille serac Opposite: bottom
verb
1.
reach the top of (something such as a hill or wave).
“she crested a hill and saw the valley spread out before her”
2.
(of a wave) form a curling foamy top.
“the swell begins to curl and crest”
Notary
a person authorized to perform certain legal formalities, especially to draw up or certify contracts, deeds, and other documents for use in other jurisdictions.
Piquant
having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor. "a piquant tartare sauce" Similar: spicy tangy spiced peppery hot tasty flavorsome flavorful appetizing highly seasoned savory pungent sharp tart zesty strong salty sapid flavorous pleasantly stimulating or exciting to the mind.
Vesper
evening prayer. "vesper service" ARCHAIC evening. LITERARY Venus as the evening star.
Sequester
verb 1. isolate or hide away. "Tiberius was sequestered on an island" Similar: isolate oneself hide oneself away shut oneself away seclude oneself cut/shut oneself off set oneself apart segregate oneself closet oneself withdraw oneself remove oneself retire 2. take legal possession of (assets) until a debt has been paid or other claims have been met. "the power of courts to sequester the assets of unions" nounUS a general cut in government spending. "if the budget deal hadn't gone through, there would have been a sequester of at least $100 billion"
Vermilion
a brilliant red pigment made from mercury sulfide (cinnabar).
a brilliant red color.
Elusive
difficult to find, catch, or achieve. "success will become ever more elusive" Similar: difficult to catch/find difficult to track down evasive slippery shifty always on the move cagey difficult to remember or recall. "the elusive thought he had had moments before"
Octogenarian
a person who is from 80 to 89 years old.
“the octogenarian is making his TV writing debut”
Perennial
lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring.
“his perennial distrust of the media”
Enviable
arousing or likely to arouse envy.
“an enviable reputation for academic achievement”
Signorial
historical
Of or relating to the power of a feudal lord.
Assiduous
showing great care and perseverance.
Mercantile
adjective relating to trade or commerce; commercial. "the shift of wealth to the mercantile classes" Similar: commercial trade trading business merchant sales profit-oriented money-oriented profit-making for-profit mercenary capitalistic worldly greedy materialistic Opposite: idealistic unworldly nounDATED a general store. "we walked to the local mercantile"
Attest
provide or serve as clear evidence of.
“his status is attested by his recent promotion”
declare that something exists or is the case.
“I can attest to his tremendous energy”
be a witness to; certify formally.
“the witnesses must attest and sign the will in the testator’s presence”
Guild
a medieval association of craftsmen or merchants, often having considerable power. an association of people for mutual aid or the pursuit of a common goal. Similar: association society union league alliance coalition federation consortium syndicate combine trust organization company cooperative partnership fellowship club order lodge sisterhood sorority brotherhood fraternity consociation sodality ECOLOGY a group of species that have similar requirements and play a similar role within a community.
Investiture
the action of formally investing a person with honors or rank.
“the investiture of bishops”
Envoy
noun 1. a messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission. "the UN special envoy to Yugoslavia" Similar: representative delegate deputy agent intermediary mediator negotiator proxy surrogate liaison broker accredited messenger courier spokesperson spokesman spokeswoman mouthpiece stand-in go-between factor 2. a minister plenipotentiary, ranking below ambassador and above chargé d'affaires.
Paramilitary
(of an unofficial force) organized similarly to a military force.
“soldiers and police have been killed in conflicts with the drug cartels and their paramilitary allies”
Staunch
loyal and committed in attitude. "a staunch supporter of the antinuclear lobby" Similar: stalwart loyal faithful trusty committed devoted dedicated dependable reliable steady constant hard-working vigorous stable firm steadfast redoubtable resolute unswerving unwavering unhesitating unfaltering Opposite: disloyal unfaithful unreliable 2. (of a wall) of strong or firm construction. "these staunch walls could withstand attack by cannon"
Ruthless
having or showing no pity or compassion for others.
“a ruthless manipulator”
Mercenary
(of a person or their behavior) primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics. "she's nothing but a mercenary little gold digger" Similar: money-oriented grasping greedy acquisitive avaricious covetous rapacious bribable venal materialistic money-grubbing Opposite: altruistic philanthropic noun a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army. "he had planned to seize power with the aid of a group of mercenaries"
Ambit
the scope, extent, or bounds of something.
Stylized
depicted or treated in a mannered and nonrealistic style.
“gracefully shaped vases decorated with stylized but recognizable white lilies”
Quirk
noun 1. a peculiar behavioral habit. "his distaste for travel is an endearing quirk" Similar: idiosyncrasy peculiarity oddity eccentricity foible whim whimsy notion conceit vagary caprice fancy kink crotchet mannerism habit characteristic trait feature obsession fad idée fixe hang-up thing singularity 2. ARCHITECTURE an acute hollow between convex or other moldings. verb (with reference to a person's mouth or eyebrow) move or twist suddenly, especially to express surprise or amusement. "his lips quirked disbelievingly"
Pastoral
adjective 1. (especially of land or a farm) used for or related to the keeping or grazing of sheep or cattle. "scattered pastoral farms" 2. (in the Christian Church) concerning or appropriate to the giving of spiritual guidance. "pastoral and doctrinal issues" Similar: priestly clerical ecclesiastical ministerial hieratic sacerdotal vicarial parsonical rectorial churchly prelatic apostolic noun a work of literature portraying an idealized version of country life. "the story, though a pastoral, has an actual connection with the life of agricultural labor"
Mappable
Able to be represented by a map.
Satellite imagery has made many inaccessible areas much more mappable.
Able to be associated with something else by means of a mapping.
Computers on the Internet are mappable to IP addresses.
Milieu
a person’s social environment
Lustrous
having luster; shining.
Impart
verb make (information) known; communicate. "teachers had a duty to impart strong morals to their students" Similar: communicate pass on convey transmit relay relate recount set forth present tell make known make public go public with report announce proclaim spread disseminate circulate promulgate broadcast disclose reveal divulge bring into the open let on about tell all about blab spill discover unbosom Opposite: keep to oneself bestow (a quality). "its main use has been to impart a high surface gloss to finished articles"
Antiquity
noun 1. the ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages. "the great civilizations of antiquity" Similar: ancient times the ancient past classical times former times the distant past times gone by the olden days days of yore yesteryear the eld 2. great age. "a church of great antiquity"
Betrothed 
the person to whom one is engaged.
“how long have you known your betrothed?”
Entailment
the person to whom one is engaged.
“how long have you known your betrothed?”
Impeccable
adjective (of behavior, performance, or appearance) in accordance with the highest standards of propriety; faultless. "a man of impeccable character" Similar: flawless faultless unblemished spotless stainless untarnished perfect exemplary ideal model virtuous pure moral sinless upright irreproachable unimpeachable blameless guiltless above suspicion beyond reproach beyond criticism incorrupt uncorrupted squeaky clean whiter than white lily white as pure as the driven snow Opposite: imperfect sinful RARE•THEOLOGY not liable to sin.
Conceivable
it is conceivable or imaginable that.
“it may conceivably cause liver disease”
Conceivable
adjective
capable of being imagined or grasped mentally.
Conceivable
capable of being imagined or grasped mentally.
“a mass uprising was entirely conceivable”
Conceivable
capable of being imagined or grasped mentally.
“a mass uprising was entirely conceivable”
Interpolation
1.
the insertion of something of a different nature into something else.
“the interpolation of songs into the piece”
2.
a remark interjected in a conversation.
“as the evening progressed their interpolations became more ridiculous”
Counterpoise
a factor, force, or influence that balances or neutralizes another.
“they see the power of Brussels as a counterpoise to that of London”
verb
have an opposing and balancing effect on.
“excess on one hand is counterpoised by fundamental lack on the other”
Slur
verb 1. speak (words or speech) indistinctly so that the sounds run into one another. "he was slurring his words like a drunk" Similar: mumble speak unclearly garble stumble over stammer misarticulate Opposite: enunciate 2. MUSIC perform (a group of two or more notes) legato. "I can play it if I don't slur the notes" noun 1. an insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them or damage their reputation. "the comments were a slur on the staff" Similar: insult slight slander slanderous statement libel libelous statement misrepresentation defamation aspersion calumny smear allegation imputation insinuation innuendo 2. an act of speaking indistinctly so that sounds or words run into one another or a tendency to speak in such a way. "there was a mean slur in his voice"
Illegitimacy
the state of not being in accordance with accepted standards or rules; lack of authorization by the law.
“she talks with anger about the illegitimacy of the election”
2.
the state of being born to parents not lawfully married to each other.
“the citizens refuse to believe Buckingham’s stories about the princes’ illegitimacy”
Denote
be a sign of; indicate. "this mark denotes purity and quality" Similar: designate indicate be a sign of be a mark of signify signal symbolize represent stand for mean typify characterize distinguish mark identify bespeak betoken suggest point to be evidence of smack of conjure up bring to mind show reveal demonstrate intimate imply connote convey give away betray spell stand as a name or symbol for. "the level of output per firm, denoted by X"
Manure
noun animal dung used for fertilizing land. "plenty of fully rotted horse manure can be dug in this fall" Similar: dung muck droppings ordure guano cowpats cow chips horse apples vulgar slangshit crap verb apply manure to (land). "the ground should be well dug and manured"
Kiln
noun
a furnace or oven for burning, baking, or drying, especially one for calcining lime or firing pottery.
verb
burn, bake, or dry in a kiln.
Subsistence
noun 1. the action or fact of maintaining or supporting oneself at a minimum level. "the minimum income needed for subsistence" Similar: maintenance keep upkeep support livelihood living board room and board sustenance nourishment nutriment provisions supplies food food and drink fare bread vivers eats nosh chow grub scoff bread and butter comestibles provender meat vittles commons victuals viands aliment 2. LAW the state of remaining in force or effect. "rights of occupation normally only continue during the subsistence of the marriage"
Subsistence
noun 1. the action or fact of maintaining or supporting oneself at a minimum level. "the minimum income needed for subsistence" Similar: maintenance keep upkeep support livelihood living board room and board sustenance nourishment nutriment provisions supplies food food and drink fare bread vivers eats nosh chow grub scoff bread and butter comestibles provender meat vittles commons victuals viands aliment 2. LAW the state of remaining in force or effect. "rights of occupation normally only continue during the subsistence of the marriage"
Plausible
adjective (of an argument or statement) seeming reasonable or probable. "a plausible explanation" Similar: credible reasonable believable likely feasible probable tenable possible conceivable imaginable convincing persuasive cogent sound rational logical acceptable thinkable smooth-talking smooth-tongued smooth glib specious verisimilar colorable Opposite: unlikely improbable (of a person) skilled at producing persuasive arguments, especially ones intended to deceive. "a plausible liar
Rag
noun 1. a piece of old cloth, especially one torn from a larger piece, used typically for cleaning things. "he wiped his hands on an oily rag" Similar: piece of cloth bit/scrap/fragment of cloth cloth schmatte clout 2. INFORMAL a newspaper, typically one regarded as being of low quality. "the local rag"
Frisson
a sudden strong feeling of excitement or fear; a thrill.
“a frisson of excitement”
Lovelorn
unhappy because of unrequited love.
“a lovelorn teenager”
Christen
give (a baby) a Christian name at baptism as a sign of admission to a Christian Church. "their second daughter was christened Jeanette" Similar: baptize name give a name to give the name of call lustrate give to (someone or something) a name that reflects a notable quality or characteristic. "a person so creepy that his colleagues christened him “Millipede.”" Similar: call name dub style term designate label nickname refer to as give the name of denominate dedicate (a vessel, building, etc.) ceremonially. "their first garbage truck was christened with a bottle of champagne"
Dilapidated
(of a building or object) in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect.
“old, dilapidated buildings”
Vague
adjective comparative adjective: vaguer of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning. "many patients suffer vague symptoms" Similar: indistinct indefinite indeterminate unclear hazy cloudy fuzzy misty lacking definition blurred blurry out of focus murky foggy faint shadowy dim obscure nebulous shapeless formless unformed amorphous nebulose uncertain undecided yet to be decided unsure unsettled unknown unestablished unconfirmed unresolved unascertained pending outstanding in the balance up in the air speculative absent-mindedness forgetfulness disorganization dreaminess inattention abstraction woolgathering empty-headedness giddiness confusion befuddlement Opposite: clear precise firm sharpness thinking or communicating in an unfocused or imprecise way. "he had been very vague about his activities"
Inducement
noun a thing that persuades or influences someone to do something. "companies were prepared to build only in return for massive inducements" Similar: incentive attraction encouragement temptation incitement stimulation stimulus bait lure pull draw spur goad impetus motive motivation provocation bribe reward carrot come-on sweetener perk douceur Opposite: deterrent a bribe. "it is claimed that she was offered an inducement to plead guilty" LAW introductory statements in a pleading explaining the matter in dispute.
Posh
adjective comparative adjective: posher elegant or stylishly luxurious. "a posh hotel" Similar: smart stylish upmarket fancy high-class fashionable chic luxurious luxury deluxe exclusive select sumptuous opulent lavish grand rich elegant ornate ostentatious showy high-toned upscale classy swanky snazzy plush plushy ritzy flash la-di-da fancy-pants swish swank tony larney swagger swell sprauncy derogatorychi-chi BRITISH of a high social class. "she has a very posh and refined voice"
Posh
adjective comparative adjective: posher elegant or stylishly luxurious. "a posh hotel" Similar: smart stylish upmarket fancy high-class fashionable chic luxurious luxury deluxe exclusive select sumptuous opulent lavish grand rich elegant ornate ostentatious showy high-toned upscale classy swanky snazzy plush plushy ritzy flash la-di-da fancy-pants swish swank tony larney swagger swell sprauncy derogatorychi-chi BRITISH of a high social class. "she has a very posh and refined voice"
Abut
verb
gerund or present participle: abutting
(of an area of land or a building) be next to or have a common boundary with.
“gardens abutting Prescott Street”
touch or lean on.
“masonry may crumble where a roof abuts it”
Vignette
noun
1.
a brief evocative description, account, or episode.
“a classic vignette of embassy life”
2.
a small illustration or portrait photograph which fades into its background without a definite border.
verb
portray (someone) in the style of a vignette.
Pertinent
adjective
relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite.
“she asked me a lot of very pertinent questions”
Camber
the slightly convex or arched shape of a road or other horizontal surface.
“the deck beams are curved for the camber of the deck”
BRITISH
a tilt built into a road at a bend or curve, enabling vehicles to maintain speed.
the slight sideways inclination of the front wheels of a motor vehicle.
“suspension changes include a wider front and rear track with increased negative camber for better cornering grip”
Russet
reddish brown in color.
“gardens of russet and gold chrysanthemums”
2.
ARCHAIC
rustic; homely.
“that terse and epigrammatic style, with its russet Saxon”
noun
1.
a reddish-brown color.
“the woods in autumn are a riot of russet and gold”
2.
a dessert apple of a variety with a slightly rough greenish-brown skin.
verb
make or become russet in color.
Raptor
a bird of prey, e.g., an eagle, hawk, falcon, or owl.
INFORMAL
a dromaeosaurid dinosaur, especially velociraptor or utahraptor.
Excursus
a detailed discussion of a particular point in a book, usually in an appendix.
a digression in a written text.
Indelible
(of ink or a pen) making marks that cannot be removed. "an indelible marker pen" Similar: ineradicable inerasable ineffaceable unexpungeable indestructible permanent lasting persisting enduring stubborn ingrained unfading imperishable unforgettable haunting memorable not/never to be forgotten Opposite: erasable not able to be forgotten or removed. "his story made an indelible impression on me"
Percussion
1.
musical instruments played by striking with the hand or with a handheld or pedal-operated stick or beater, or by shaking, including drums, cymbals, xylophones, gongs, bells, and rattles.
“percussion instruments”
2.
the striking of one solid object with or against another with some degree of force.
“the clattering percussion of objects striking the walls and the shutters”
Advent
the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. "the advent of television" Similar: arrival appearance emergence materialization surfacing occurrence dawn origin birth rise development approach coming looming nearing advance Opposite: departure disappearance the first season of the Christian church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays. noun: Advent CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY the coming or second coming of Christ. noun: Advent
Extraneous
irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with. "one is obliged to wade through many pages of extraneous material" Similar: irrelevant immaterial beside the point not to the point neither here nor there nothing to do with it not pertinent not germane not to the purpose off the subject unrelated unconnected inapposite inappropriate inapplicable inconsequential incidental pointless out of place wide of the mark peripheral tangential Opposite: material of external origin. "when the transmitter pack is turned off, no extraneous noise is heard" Similar: external outside exterior extrinsic outward adventitious alien foreign Opposite: intrinsic separate from the object to which it is attached. "other insects attach extraneous objects or material to themselves"
Ascendancy
occupation of a position of dominant power or influence.
“the ascendancy of good over evil”
Bestiary
a descriptive or anecdotal treatise on various real or mythical kinds of animals, especially a medieval work with a moralizing tone.
Emblematic
serving as a symbol of a particular quality or concept; symbolic.
“this case is emblematic of a larger problem”
Miscellany
a group or collection of different items; a mixture. "Talkeetna was a random miscellany of log cabins" Similar: assortment mixture melange blend variety mixed bag mix medley diversity collection selection assemblage combination motley collection pot-pourri conglomeration jumble mess confusion mishmash hotchpotch hodgepodge ragbag pastiche patchwork farrago hash scissors-and-paste job gallimaufry omnium gatherum olio salmagundi macédoine a book containing a collection of pieces of writing by different authors.
Vignette
noun
1.
a brief evocative description, account, or episode.
“a classic vignette of embassy life”
2.
a small illustration or portrait photograph which fades into its background without a definite border.
verb
portray (someone) in the style of a vignette.
Bestiary
noun
a descriptive or anecdotal treatise on various real or mythical kinds of animals, especially a medieval work with a moralizing tone.
Quill
noun
1.
any of the main wing or tail feathers of a bird.
2.
the hollow sharp spines of a porcupine, hedgehog, or other spiny mammal.
verb
form (fabric) into small cylindrical folds.
Covert
adjective /ˈkōvərt,kōˈvərt/ not openly acknowledged or displayed. "covert operations against the dictatorship" Similar: secret furtive clandestine surreptitious stealthy cloak-and-dagger hole-and-corner hole-in-the-corner closet behind-the-scenes backstairs back-alley under-the-table hugger-mugger concealed hidden private sly sneaky underhand undercover underground black hush-hush Opposite: overt above board noun /ˈkəvər(t),ˈkōvərt/ 1. a thicket in which game can hide. 2. ORNITHOLOGY any of the feathers covering the bases of the main flight or tail feathers of a bird.
Torrent
a strong and fast-moving stream of water or other liquid. "rain poured down in torrents" Similar: flood deluge inundation spate cascade rush stream current gushing flow overflow tide fountain downpour rainstorm rain shower Opposite: trickle drop a sudden, violent, and copious outpouring of (something, typically words or feelings). "she was subjected to a torrent of abuse"
Render
verb 1. provide or give (a service, help, etc.). "money serves as a reward for services rendered" Similar: give provide supply furnish make available contribute offer extend proffer show display exhibit evince manifest 2. cause to be or become; make. "the rains rendered his escape impossible" Similar: make cause to be/become leave noun a first coat of plaster applied to a brick or stone surface.
Conjecture
noun an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information. "conjectures about the newcomer were many and varied" Similar: guess speculation surmise fancy notion belief suspicion presumption assumption theory hypothesis postulation supposition inference extrapolation projection approximation estimate rough calculation rough idea guesswork guessing surmising imagining theorizing guesstimate shot in the dark ballpark figure Opposite: fact verb form an opinion or supposition about (something) on the basis of incomplete information. "many conjectured that the jury could not agree"
Incestuous
adjective
1.
involving or guilty of incest.
“the child of an incestuous relationship”
2.
(of human relations generally) excessively close and resistant to outside influence.
“the incestuous nature of literary journalism”
Undertone
noun plural noun: undertones a subdued or muted tone of sound or color. "they were talking in undertones" Similar: low voice murmur whisper mutter low tones hushed tones Opposite: shout an underlying quality or feeling. "the sexual undertones of most advertising"
Discernible
adjective
able to be discerned; perceptible.
“the scandal had no discernible effect on his career”
Discern
verb
perceive or recognize (something).
“I can discern no difference between the two policies”
distinguish (someone or something) with difficulty by sight or with the other senses.
“she could faintly discern the shape of a skull”
Ambit
the scope, extent, or bounds of something.
“within the ambit of federal law”
