P Flashcards
paradigm
(n) model or pattern; worldview, set of shared assumptions, values
paradox
(n) contradiction, or seeming contradiction that is actually true
pariah
(n) social outcast, untouchable
paucity
(n) scarcity, the state of being small in number
peccadillo
(n) small sin or fault
Pedestrian
(adj) ordinary, dull, commonplace
Penchant
(n) liking or inclination
Perfidious
(adj) disloyal, treacherous, violating one’s trust
Pervasive
(adj) tending to spread throughout
Pious
(adj) devout; religiously reverent and dutiful
pith
(n) core, essence; significance or weight
placate
(v) satisfy or calm down (angry person) by conciliatory gestures
placid
(adj) peaceful, calm, tranquil
plastic
(adj) easily influenced
polarized
(adj) divided into sharply opposed groups
ponderous
(adj) heavy; bulky and unwieldy; dull, labored
posthumous
(adj) happening or continuing after death
potentate
(n) ruler, person of great power
pragmatic
(adj) practical; dealing with actual facts and reality
preamble
(n) introductory statement, preface
precarious
(adj) unstable, insecure, dangerous
preempt
(v) prevent; take the place of, supplant; take before someone else can
presumptive
(adj) based on inference or assumption; providing reasonable grounds for belief
presumptuous
(adj) too bold or forward; going beyond that which is proper
