Lesson 20 Flashcards
static (sta´ tik) adj.
without force or movement; stationary
The old truck remained static in the front yard because it was out of gasoline.
syn: immobile; inert ant: dynamic
insouciant (in sōō´ sē ənt) adj.
not concerned; free from care
Jenna’s insouciant attitude made her easy to befriend.
syn: nonchalant ant: worried
stipulate (sti´ pyə lāt) v.
to specify a required part of an agreement
The developer stipulated that before construction could begin, the homeowners must first provide a down payment.
syn: require”“
zeitgeist (zīt´ gīst) n.
the general spirit of the time
Some consider the zeitgeist of the 1960s to be one of moral decay, while others see it as a time of reform.
proliferate (prə li´ fə rāt) v.
to grow or reproduce rapidly
The plant food enabled Bob’s irises to proliferate throughout the flower bed.
syn: multiply ant: diminish
tenet (te´ nət) n.
a belief or principle held to be true
Belief in the Holy Trinity is one of the main tenets of Christianity.
syn: cornerstone; creed
ruminate (rōō´ mə nāt) v.
to think deeply or repeatedly
The great philosopher could often be found ruminating over the questions of humanity.
syn: ponder; reflect
vigilant (vi´ jə lent) adj.
alert at all times; watchful
The family’s watchdog remained vigilant during the day, but he fell into a deep sleep at night.
syn: alert ant: oblivious
dissident (di´ sə dənt) n
someone who disagrees
The dissidents of the proposed welfare bill staged a protest.
syn: renegade ant: supporter
petulant (pe´ chə lənt) adj.
rude in speech or behavior; peevish
Mike’s petulant remarks toward his boss earned him a demotion and a cut in pay.
syn: contemptuous ant: original
derivative (də ri´ və tiv) n.
not the original; coming from another source”“The modern English word “engine” is a derivative of the Latin word “ingenium.”
syn: offspring; branch
accolade (a´ kə lād) n.
an award or honor
The reporter received accolades for her newest article that uncovered a serious money-laundering scandal.
syn: kudos; recognition ant: opprobrium
demur (di mər´) v.
to disapprove or to take exception
Martin demurred when Sandy suggested that they spend Friday evening at the ballet.
syn: object; disagree ant: agree; acquiesce
limpid (lim´ pəd) adj.
transparent; clear
The warm, limpid waters of the Aegean Sea provide excellent snorkeling opportunities.
ant: murky
invidious (in vi´ dē əs) adj.
tending to cause discontent, harm, or resentment; offensively unfair
The invidious book caused a huge controversy over implications that a leading presidential candidate committed a crime.
syn: malicious ant: conciliatory”
