P (set 3) Flashcards
polarize
to break up into opposing factions
polemic
a powerful argument often made to attack or refute a controversial issue
ponderous
large and clumsy
portent
an omen
postulate
something accepted as true without proof; axiom
pragmatic
practical; down-to-earth; based on experience
precendent
an earlier example or model of something
precept
a rule to live by; a maxim
percipitate
to cause to happen abruptly
precipitous
steep
preclude
to prevent something from ever happening
percursor
forerunner; something that goes before and paves the way
predilection
a natural preference for something
preeminent
better than anyone else; outstanding
preempt
to seize something by prior right
premise
an assumption; the basis for a conclusion
prepossess
to preoccupy; to prejudice or make a good impression beforehand
prerogative
a right or privilege connected exclusively with a position
prevail
to triumph; to overcome rivals; to persuade
pristine
original; unspoiled; pure
prodigal
wastefully extravagant
prodigious
extraordinary; enormous
profane
not having to do with religion; irreverent; blasphemous
profess
to declare; to pretend
proficient
thoroughly competent; skillful
