List 10 Flashcards
Adulterate (v.)
to make impure; to contaminate
The fumes from the automobiles adulterate the air.
Syn: taint, corrupt
Ant: refine; refined
Emanate (v.)
to come forth; to send forth
She tried to control her anger, but harsh words began to emanate from her lips.
Syn: rise, emerge
Garish (adj.)
tastelessly gaudy
The gypsy costumes were to garish for my taste.
Syn: showy, glaring, flashy
Ant: sedate; conservative
Immutable (adj.)
unchangeable; fixed
The laws of nature are immutable.
Syn: enduring
Ant: flexible; changeable
Diadem (n.)
a crown
Peter referred to his wife’s blonde hair as her golden diadem.
Bucolic (adj.)
pertaining to the countryside; rural; rustic
The bucolic setting of the old inn made it a popular retreat from the city.
Syn: pastoral
Ant: urban
Redolent (adj.)
having a pleasant odor; suggestive or evocative
The new fabric softener is advertised as being redolent of a spring day.
Syn: aromatic
Ant: acrid
Impecunious (adj.)
without money; penniless
Though impecunious, the man’s pride prevented him from asking for help.
Syn: destitute, indigent
Ant: affluent; prosperous
Sedition (n.)
rebellion or resistance against the government
The rebels were charged with sedition when the protests the new dictator.
Syn: treachery, disloyalty
Defile (v.)
to pollute; to corrupt
The oil spill defiled the entire bay.
Gratuitous (adj.)
unnecessary or uncalled for
He always gave gratuitous advice whether someone wanted it or not.
Onus (n.)
a burden; a responsibility
When father died, Jake had the onus of running the farm.
Syn: obligation
Impious (adj.)
disrespectful toward God
Some consider laughing in church to be impious behavior.
Syn: irreligious, profaneant
Ant: devout; pious
Caveat (n.)
a warning
John had so much confidence in his ability that he did not heed the old caveat about swimming alone.
Syn: admonition, caution
Idolatry (n.)
excessive or blind adoration; worship of an object
The priest accused them idolatry for worshipping a statue.
