new words Flashcards
soporific
tending to induce drowsiness or sleep
paltry
very small or meagre
exiguous
very small in size or amount
temperance
- abstinence from alcoholic drink
- the quality of moderation or self-restraint
idiosyncratic
peculiar or individual
arbitrary
- based on random choice or personal whim
- (of power or a ruling body) unrestrained, tyrannical or despotic
diatribe
a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.
Anacreontic adj.
(of a poem) written in the style of the Ancient Greek poet Anacreon, known for his celebration of love and wine
apocryphal adj.
(of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity although widely circulated as being true
precept n.
a general rule intended to regulate behaviour or thought
zoophite n.
an invertebrate animal
sanguine adj.
- optimistic especially in difficult situation
- florid - or ruddy complexion
- blood thirsty
dissipation n.
- overindulgence in sensual pleasures 2. the squandering of money, energy and resources
coquettish
behaving to suggest playful sexual attraction, flirtatious
panacea
a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
anodyne (noun)
a pain killing drug or medecine
anathema (noun)
- something or someone that one vehemently dislikes
- a formal curse by the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine
ineffable
too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words
valediction
an act or utterance of farewell
onomastics
the studying of names
inveigle (verb)
to persuade someone to do something be means of deception or flattery
perfidious (adjective)
deceitful and untrustworthy
approbation (noun)
approval or praise
architectonic (adj)
- relating to architecture or architects.
- (of an artistic composition) having a clearly defined structure, especially one that is artistically pleasing.
stymied
thwarted - to prevent something from happening or someone from achieving a purpose
illocality
Nowhere; unspecified position; indefinite location; lack of distinct place; [fig.] randomness; haphazardness; chance; accident; chaos
abstemious
the trait of avoiding excesses. restricted to bare necessities.
gloaming (noun)
twilight / dusk
proclivity
a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition towards a particular thing.
chiaroscuro
(in art) the use of strong contrasts between light and dark
a haruspex
in ancient Roman religion, a haruspex practised a form of divination called haruspicy, the inspection of the entrails of sacrificed animals
a perturbation
anxiety
a panegyric
a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something
expedient
adjective (of an action) convenient and practical although possibly improper or immoral.
Noun a means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but possibly improper or immoral
desideratum
noun. something that is needed or wanted
opprobrium
noun. harsh criticism or censure
cabal
noun. a secret political clique or faction
aggregate
noun a whole formed by combining several separate elements
perogative
a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class.
a faculty or property distinguishing a person or class.
partisan
a strong supporter of a party, cause, or person
septentrional
northern
meridional
southern
idem
latin - likewise
circumlocution
naming of one word by many
apparition
a ghost or ghostlike image of a person
to beatify
to bless, consecrate
a benediction
the utterance of a blessing, especially at the end of a religious service
