List 8, 9, 10 Flashcards
ad hoc
formed/done for a particular purpose only
aberration
a departure from the right, norm, or usual; often unwelcome
bane
causing death or harm
bathos
a ludicrous descent from the exalted or lofty to the commonplace; anticlimax.
insincere pathos; sentimentality; mawkishness.
triteness or triviality in style.
cantankerous
disagreeable to deal with; contentious; peevish
casuistry
specious, deceptive, or oversubtle reasoning, especially in questions of morality; fallacious or dishonest application of general principles; sophistry.
the application of general ethical principles to particular cases of conscience or conduct.
de facto
in fact; in reality
actually existing, especially when without lawful authority
depredation
the act of preying upon or plundering; robbery; ravage.
empathy
the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.
the imaginative ascribing to an object, as a natural object or work of art, feelings or attitudes present in oneself
harbinger
a person who goes ahead and makes known the approach of another
hedonism
the doctrine that pleasure or happiness is the highest good
lackluster
lacking brilliance or radiance; dull
lacking liveliness, vitality, spirit, or enthusiasm
malcontent
not satisfied or content with currently prevailing conditions or circumstances.
dissatisfied with the existing institution, etc.
a malcontent person, esp. one who is chronically discontented or dissatisfied.
mellifluous
sweetly or smoothly flowing; sweet-sounding: a mellifluous voice.
flowing with honey; sweetened with or as if with honey.
nepotism
patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship, as in business and politics
pander
a person who furnishes clients for a prostitute or supplies persons for illicit sexual intercourse; procurer; pimp.
a person who caters to or profits from the weaknesses or vices of others.
a go-between in amorous intrigues.
peccadillo
a very minor or slight sin or offense; a trifling fault.
piece de resistance
the principal dish of a meal.
the most noteworthy or prized feature, aspect, event, article, etc., of a series or group; special item or attraction.
remand
to send back, remit, or consign again.
syndrome
a group of related or coincident things, events, actions, etc.
avatar
an embodiment or personification, as of a principle, attitude, or view of life.
beatitude
supreme blessedness; exalted happiness.
bête noire
a person or thing especially disliked or dreaded; bane; bugbear.
bode
to portend; to endure, bear