Level 4C Flashcards
ACQUIESCE
(AK-wee-ES)
Verb
If you acquiesce in something, you agree to do what someone wants without protest.
Examples: agreeing to do your chores without arguing with your parents; agreeing to take a pay cut at work without complaint; agreeing to shave your face at school without offering up any resistance
Sentence: When her mother suggested that she stay home, Alice acquiesced because she wanted to avoid another fight.
PONTIFICATE
(pahn-TIF-i-kayt)
Verb
If someone pontificates about something, they state their opinions as if they are the only correct ones and nobody could possibly oppose them
.
Examples: a teacher who offers his personal opinions as if he is the sole authority on every topic; a cocky kid on the debate team who arrogantly presents his point of view without considering the ideas of others; a boss who thinks he knows everything and who constantly lectures his workers on the proper way to do their jobs
Sentence: Politicians often like to pontificate about the problems of the nation, as if they alone have the solutions to all of society’s woes.
DELETERIOUS
(DEL-i-TEER-ee-us)
Adjective
Something that has a deleterious effect on something else means that it has a harmful effect on it.
Examples: disruptive students have a harmful effect on their classes; rude comments can have a harmful effect on a person’s self-esteem; getting caught cheating can have a harmful effect on your grade
Sentence: The deleterious effects of alcoholism include risk of liver disease, damaged relationships, and a greater risk of going to jail.
AMBIVALENT
(am-BIV-uh-lint)
Adjective
If you say that someone is ambivalent about something, they seem to be uncertain whether they really want it, or whether they really approve of it.
Examples: a woman who is not sure if she still loves her husband is ambivalent about her marriage; members of the dance team who aren’t sure about the direction that the new coach is taking them
Sentence: Even though he trusted his friend’s matchmaking skills, John was ambivalent about the blind date because he wasn’t sure if they would have anything in common.
PENSIVE
(PEN-siv)
Adjective
If you are pensive, then you are thinking deeply about something, especially something that worries you slightly.
Example: wondering if you failed a quiz that you just took
Sentence: The pensive girl could often be observed staring off into space with a nearly painful look on her face.
IMPROMPTU
(im-PRAHMP-t(y)oo)
Adjective
An impromptu action is one that you do without planning or organizing it in advance.
Example: people asking you to make an impromptu speech after you win an unexpected reward
Sentence: The mayor of Boston held an impromptu press conference after the bombings.
CONJECTURE
(kun-JEK-chur)
Noun (Conjecture may also function as a verb.)
**A conjecture is a conclusion that is based on information that is not certain or complete. **
Example: opinions that people form after hearing early rumors about something
Sentence: The politician’s tendency to take attractive young women to dinner led his wife to the conjecture that he was having an affair.
SURREPTITIOUS
(SUR-up-TISH-us)
Adjective
A surreptitious action is done secretly.
Example: sneaking into a friend’s house to pull a prank
Sentence: The general decided to launch a surreptitious attack under cover of darkness.
EXEMPLARY
(ig-ZEM-pluh-ree)
Adjective
If you describe someone or something as exemplary, then you think that person or think is extremely good.
Example: a heavy weight champion is an exemplary boxer; the valedictorian is an exemplary student
Sentence: The employee’s exemplary record led to his promotion.
IMPECCABLE
(im-PEK-uh-buul)
Adjective
If you describe something such as someone’s behavior or appearance as impeccable, then you are emphasizing that it is perfect and has no faults.
Example: a student’s perfect attendance
Sentence: The suave gentleman was charming, considerate, and had impeccable manners.
What word matches the definition?
If you _____ in something, you agree to do what someone wants without protest.
ACQUIESCE
(AK-wee-ES)
What word matches the definition?
If someone _____ about something, they state their opinions as if they are the only correct ones and nobody could possibly oppose them
PONTIFICATE
(pahn-TIF-i-kayt)
What word matches the definition?
Something that has a _____ effect on something else means that it has a harmful effect on it.
DELETERIOUS
(DEL-i-TEER-ee-us)
What word matches the definition?
If you say that someone is _____ about something, they seem to be uncertain whether they really want it, or whether they really approve of it.
AMBIVALENT
(am-BIV-uh-lint)
What word matches the definition?
If you are_____, then you are thinking deeply about something, especially something that worries you slightly.
PENSIVE
(PEN-siv)
