May 30 - Common Words II (part a)

Question 1

Mawkish

Answer 1

Overly Sentimental to the point that it is disgusting

Question 2

Prescience

Answer 2

The power to foresee the future

Question 3

Rustic

Answer 3

Characteristic of rural life; awkwardly simple and provincial

Question 4

Bucolic

Answer 4

Relating to the pleasant aspects of the country

Question 5

Frivolous

Answer 5

not serious in content or attitude or behavior

Question 6

Glut

Answer 6

An excessive supply; Supply with an excess of

Question 7

Preclude

Answer 7

Keep from happening or arising; make impossible

Question 8

Culminate

Answer 8

Reach the highest or most decisive point

Question 9

Cryptic

Answer 9

Mysterious or vague, usually intentionally

Question 10

Platitude

Answer 10

A trite or obvious remark

Question 11

Dictatorial

Answer 11

Expecting unquestioning obedience; characteristic of an absolute ruler

Question 12

Decorous

Answer 12

Characterized by good taste in manners and conduct

Question 13

Deferential

Answer 13

Showing respect

Question 14

Aesthete

Answer 14

One who professes great sensitivity to the beauty of art and nature

Question 15

Perfidy

Answer 15

An act of deliberate betrayal; a breach of trust

Question 16

Germane

Answer 16

Relevant and appropriate

Question 17

Superfluous

Answer 17

Serving no useful purpose

More than is needed, desired, or required

Question 18

Engender

Answer 18

Give rise to

Question 19

Gainsay

Answer 19

Deny or contradict; speak against or oppose

Question 20

Banal

Answer 20

Repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse

Question 21

Volubility

Answer 21

The quality of talking or writing easily and continuously

Question 22

Culpability

Answer 22

A state of guilt

Question 23

Lambast

Answer 23

Criticize severely or angrily

Question 24

Incisive

Answer 24

Having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

Question 25

Reticent

Answer 25

Disinclined to talk, not revealing one’s thoughts