New words from everyday life 10 Flashcards
scoundrel
a dishonest or unscrupulous person; a rogue.
“that scoundrel sets a bad example for the other young men”
acute
- having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight; shrewd.
“an acute awareness of changing fashions” - sharp or severe in effect; intense: acute sorrow;. an acute pain
heinous
(of a person or wrongful act, especially a crime) utterly odious or wicked.
“a battery of heinous crimes”
innate
inborn; natural.
“her innate capacity for organization”
enveloped
- wrap up, cover, or surround completely.
“a figure enveloped in a black cloak”
vigorously
in a way that involves physical strength, effort, or energy; strenuously.
“she shook her head vigorously”
daunt
make (someone) feel intimidated or apprehensive.
“some people are daunted by technology”
ominous
giving the worrying impression that something bad is going to happen; threateningly inauspicious.
“there were ominous dark clouds gathering overhead”
pothible
(FORMAL) safe to drink; drinkable.
“there is no supply of potable water available”
apparition
- a supernatural appearance of a person or thing
- a remarkable or unexpected appearance of someone or something.
“an apparition of the Virgin Mary”
personnel
people employed in an organization or engaged in an organized undertaking such as military service.
“many of the personnel involved require training”
predicament
a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
“the club’s financial predicament
pretentious
attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
“pretentious art films”
recoil
suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust.
“he recoiled in horror”
impart
make (information) known.
“the teachers imparted a great deal of knowledge to their pupils”
faux pas
mistake/ an embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation.
“‘I was suddenly sick in the back of their car’—it was years before he could confess his faux pas to them”
action in a social situation that is a mistake and causes embarrassment
panache
flamboyant confidence of style or manner.
“he entertained London society with great panache”
lethargic
affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic.
“I felt tired and a little lethargic”
profuse/profusion
- (especially of something offered or discharged) very plentiful; abundant.
“I offered my profuse apologies” - an abundance or large quantity of something.
“a rich profusion of flowers”
strenous
requiring or using great effort or exertion.
“the government made strenuous efforts to upgrade the quality of the teaching profession”
impromptu
- done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed.
“an impromptu press conference” - not prepared ahead of time : made or done without preparation. Two of my friends came by unexpectedly, and we had an impromptu little party in my kitchen.
cajole
to persuade with flattery
precocious
(of a child) having developed certain abilities or inclinations at an earlier age than is usual or expected.
“a precocious, solitary boy”
scrutinize
examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
“customers were warned to scrutinize the small print”
