Lesson 2 Flashcards
avowed
that has been asserted, admitted, or stated publicly.
“an avowed atheist”
nullify
make legally null and void; invalidate.
“it is at the discretion of the court to nullify the decision”
forfeit
lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing.
“those unable to meet their taxes were liable to forfeit their estates”
sentence
declare the punishment decided for (an offender).
“ten army officers were sentenced to life imprisonment”
kingpin
- a main or large bolt in a central position.
- a person or thing that is essential to the success of an organization or operation.
“the kingpins of the television industry”
ulterior
existing beyond what is obvious or admitted; intentionally hidden.
“could there be an ulterior motive behind his request?”
recidivist
a convicted criminal who reoffends, especially repeatedly.
decrepitude
the state of being decrepit.
“he had passed directly from middle age into decrepitude”
belligerence
aggressive or warlike behaviour.
“Mortimer was eyeing Guy with belligerence”
hedonism
the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.
aggrandize
increase the power, status, or wealth of.
“an action intended to aggrandize the Frankish dynasty”
enhance the reputation of (someone) beyond what is justified by the facts.
“he hoped to aggrandize himself by dying a hero’s death”
bluster
- talk in a loud, aggressive, or indignant way with little effect.
“you threaten and bluster, but won’t carry it through”
- (of a storm, wind, or rain) blow or beat fiercely and noisily.
“a winter gale blustered against the sides of the house”
overweening
showing excessive confidence or pride.
“overweening ambition”
exalt
think or speak very highly of (someone or something).
“the party will continue to exalt their hero”
timid
showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened.
“I was too timid to ask for what I wanted”
demeanour
outward behaviour or bearing.
“his happy demeanour”
pretension
- a claim or assertion of a claim to something.
“his pretensions to the imperial inheritance”
- the use of affectation to impress; pretentiousness.
“he spoke simply, without pretension”
swagger
walk or behave in a very confident and arrogant or self-important way.
“he swaggered along the corridor”
indulge
- allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of.
“we indulged in a cream tea”
- allow (someone) to enjoy something desired.
“a luxury service used to indulge the chief executive”
proclivity
a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition towards a particular thing.
“a proclivity for hard work”