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Advanced English Sat Vocabulary > P.1-30 > Flashcards

P.1-30 Flashcards

1
Q

What does ‘abstract’ mean?

A

Existing as an idea but not as a tangible experience.

Example: For over a thousand years, mathematicians regarded subtracting a large number from a small one as impossible because the concept of negative numbers was too abstract.

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2
Q

What is the root family of ‘abstract’?

A
  • retraction
  • protract
  • tractor
  • detract
  • tractable
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3
Q

Define ‘anthropology’.

A

The study and comparison of human cultures.

Example: The Amazon basin has long been a focus of anthropological research because of its many isolated indigenous tribes.

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4
Q

What are synonyms for ‘comprehensive’?

A
  • exhaustive
  • encyclopedic
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5
Q

What does ‘construe’ mean?

A

To interpret in a particular way.

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6
Q

What is the synonym of ‘discerning’?

A
  • discriminating
  • judicious
  • astute
  • percipient
  • perspicacious
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7
Q

Fill in the blank: A _______ is inclined to show off one’s learning or knowledge.

A

pedantic

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8
Q

What does ‘disseminate’ mean?

A

To cast something widely, as seed is scattered.

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9
Q

What is the meaning of ‘erudite’?

A

Having or showing great learning or knowledge.

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10
Q

What does ‘indoctrinate’ mean?

A

To teach someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.

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11
Q

What does ‘insular’ mean?

A

Isolated from cultural and intellectual influences outside one’s own experience.

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12
Q

What is the opposite of ‘orthodox’?

A

Unorthodox

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13
Q

What does ‘provincial’ mean?

A

Unsophisticated or narrow-minded; particular to the narrow views of an isolated community.

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14
Q

Define ‘revelation’.

A

A fact revealed in a surprising way.

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15
Q

What does ‘advocate’ mean?

A

To provide public support for a person, cause, or policy.

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16
Q

What is the synonym for ‘apologist’?

A

Polemicist

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17
Q

What does ‘appease’ mean?

A

To yield to demands in order to conciliate.

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18
Q

What is the meaning of ‘bolster’?

A

To strengthen or support.

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19
Q

What does ‘buttress’ mean?

A

A projecting support for a building; also to provide support or justification.

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20
Q

Fill in the blank: To persuade through flattery or coaxing is to _______.

A

cajole

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21
Q

What does ‘circumlocutory’ mean?

A

Inclined to speak evasively.

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22
Q

What does ‘circumscribe’ mean?

A

To define the limits of something.

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23
Q

What is the definition of circumlocution?

A

Evasive speech

Synonym: periphrastic

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24
Q

What does the term cohesive mean?

A

Forming a united whole

Synonym: coherent

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25
Q

What is the meaning of conjecture?

A

A guess based on incomplete information

Synonyms: speculation, postulation

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26
Q

What does consensus refer to?

A

General agreement

Synonyms: concord, unanimity

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27
Q

Define contentious.

A

Causing or likely to provoke an argument

Synonyms: belligerent, pugnacious

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28
Q

What is a credulous person?

A

Willing to believe

Synonyms: gullible, ingenuous

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29
Q

What are criteria?

A

Principles or standards by which something is judged

Criterion is the singular form.

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30
Q

What does cursory mean?

A

Hasty and superficial

Synonyms: perfunctory, desultory

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31
Q

What does it mean to debunk?

A

To expose the falseness of a belief

Synonyms: refute, invalidate

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32
Q

What is the definition of delineate?

A

To describe or portray precisely

Form: delineation = the process of describing something precisely

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33
Q

What does it mean to dispel?

A

To drive away; to eliminate a rumor or misconception

Synonyms: banish, allay

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34
Q

What does disputatious mean?

A

Fond of having heated arguments

Can describe a person or situation likely to cause argument.

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35
Q

What does elucidate mean?

A

To make clear; to shed light on

Synonym: explicate

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36
Q

Fill in the blank: An _______ is something that attracts or tempts.

A

[enticement]

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37
Q

What does it mean to enumerate?

A

To list one by one

Form: enumeration = the process of listing one by one

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38
Q

What does equivocate mean?

A

To speak ambiguously to avoid commitment

Synonyms: dither, waver

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39
Q

What is an exhortation?

A

A strong plea, usually through an urgent speech

Form: exhort = to encourage vehemently

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40
Q

What does exonerate mean?

A

To absolve someone of blame or fault

Synonyms: absolve, acquit

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41
Q

What does fallacious mean?

A

Based on a mistaken belief or unsound reasoning

Synonyms: specious, spurious

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42
Q

What is a harangue?

A

A lengthy and bombastic speech

Synonyms: tirade, rant

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43
Q

Define incongruous.

A

Not consistent with expectations or surroundings

Synonyms: dissonant, jarring

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44
Q

What does induce mean?

A

To bring about or persuade

Synonyms: instigate, coax

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45
Q

What does inexorable mean?

A

Unpreventable or impossible to persuade

Synonym: relentless

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46
Q

Fill in the blank: To _______ is to conclude from evidence.

A

[infer]

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47
Q

What does insinuate mean?

A

To suggest or hint at something morally dubious

Form: insinuation = a sly hint

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48
Q

What does intransigent mean?

A

Stubbornly unwilling to compromise

Form: intransigence = reluctance to compromise

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49
Q

What is the definition of insinuation?

A

A sly hint

Don’t confuse with: insticate (to initiate an event or action)

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50
Q

What does intransigent mean?

A

Stubbornly unwilling to compromise or agree

Synonyms: obdurate, staunch, obstinate, recalcitrant

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51
Q

What is the meaning of irresolute?

A

Hesitant; showing a lack of certainty or determination

Synonyms: wavering, equivocating, dithering

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52
Q

What is litigious behavior?

A

Unreasonably prone to suing as a means of settling disputes

Forms: litigousness, litigate

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53
Q

Define obstinate.

A

Stubbornly refusing to change one’s position

Forms: obstinacy

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54
Q

What does partisan mean?

A

Prejudiced in favor of a particular party, typically a political one

Forms: nonpartisan, bipartisan

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55
Q

What does it mean to placate someone?

A

To pacify with conciliatory gestures

Synonyms: propitiate, conciliate, appease, mollify

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56
Q

What is a precedent?

A

A previous occurrence that is used as an example, particularly in a legal context

Forms: precedence, unprecedented

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57
Q

Define prevalent.

A

Abundant and widespread in a particular area

Synonyms: prolific, profuse, copious

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58
Q

What does propensity refer to?

A

A natural inclination to behave a certain way

Synonyms: tendency, predisposition

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59
Q

What does provocative mean?

A

Intended to cause a strong negative emotional response

Synonyms: vexing, galling, incendiary

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60
Q

What is the meaning of pugnacious?

A

Quarrelsome; prone to fighting

Synonyms: belligerent, bellicose, contentious

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61
Q

Fill in the blank: To ______ a statement means to make it less extreme.

A

qualify

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62
Q

What does rebut mean?

A

To respond to an accusation by asserting or proving it false

Synonyms: repudiate, discredit

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63
Q

Define recalcitrant.

A

Stubbornly uncooperative

Synonyms: obdurate, staunch, obstinate

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64
Q

What does refute mean?

A

To prove something false

Forms: refutation, irrefutable

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65
Q

What is the definition of resolute?

A

Unwaveringly purposeful and dutiful

Synonym: steadfast

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66
Q

What is rhetoric?

A

The art of persuasion through language

Forms: rhetorical, rhetorician

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67
Q

What does specious mean?

A

Seemingly plausible, but actually incorrect

Synonyms: spurious, fallacious

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68
Q

What is speculation?

A

Guess based on meager evidence

Forms: speculate, speculative

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69
Q

Define steadfast.

A

Dutifully firm and unwavering

Synonym: resolute

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70
Q

What does strident mean?

A

Annoyingly loud and harsh, particularly when presenting a point of view

Synonyms: vociferous

71
Q

What is the meaning of subjective?

A

Based on personal feelings or opinions

Opposite of objective

72
Q

What does substantiate mean?

A

Provide evidence for

Synonyms: vindicate, corroborate, authenticate

73
Q

What does tenuous refer to?

A

Flimsy; very weak or slight

Often pertains to a link, argument, or relationship

74
Q

What does the term ‘corroborate’ mean?

A

To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding.

75
Q

Define ‘tenuous’.

A

Flimsy; very weak or slight.

76
Q

What is the root meaning of ‘tenuare’?

A

To make thin, to stretch.

77
Q

What does ‘tirade’ refer to?

A

A long, angry, and critical speech.

78
Q

List synonyms for ‘tirade’.

A
  • Harangue
  • Rant
  • Diatribe
79
Q

What does ‘viable’ mean?

A

Capable of working successfully.

80
Q

What is the root family of ‘viable’?

A

(viv, vita): * Convivial
* Revive
* Vivid
* Bon vivant
* Vivacious

81
Q

Define ‘vindicate’.

A

To clear of blame or suspicion.

82
Q

What is the process of clearing someone of blame called?

A

Vindication.

83
Q

What does ‘zealot’ mean?

A

One who is uncompromising and vehement in pursuing ideals.

84
Q

What does ‘circumspect’ mean?

A

Wary; cautious.

85
Q

What is the root meaning of ‘circumspect’?

A

To look around.

86
Q

Define ‘clamor’.

A

An uproar, usually from a crowd showing disapproval.

87
Q

What does ‘condescend’ mean?

A

To act superior to someone else.

88
Q

What is the form of ‘condescend’ that describes acting superior?

A

Condescending.

89
Q

What does ‘encroach’ mean?

A

To intrude on a territory or domain.

90
Q

What does ‘estranged’ refer to?

A

No longer emotionally close to someone; alienated.

91
Q

Define ‘evade’.

A

To escape or avoid, usually through clever means.

92
Q

What does ‘flout’ mean?

A

Openly disregard (a rule or convention).

93
Q

What is a ‘heresy’?

A

A belief or act that contradicts religious orthodoxy.

94
Q

What does ‘adversary’ mean?

A

A committed enemy or opponent.

95
Q

Define ‘antipathy’.

A

Deep-seated dislike.

96
Q

What does ‘audacious’ mean?

A

Willing to take bold risks.

97
Q

What does ‘averse’ mean?

A

Having a strong dislike.

98
Q

Define ‘belligerent’.

A

Hostile and aggressive.

99
Q

What does ‘berate’ mean?

A

To scold angrily.

100
Q

What does ‘cantankerous’ refer to?

A

Grouchy and argumentative.

101
Q

What is an ‘iconoclast’?

A

One who attacks cherished beliefs.

102
Q

Define ‘indignant’.

A

Angered by unjust treatment.

103
Q

What does ‘instigate’ mean?

A

To bring about or initiate an action or event.

104
Q

What is an ‘insurgent’?

A

A rebel.

105
Q

Define ‘malign’.

A

To speak harmful untruths about.

106
Q

What is a ‘maverick’?

A

A person who thinks independently.

107
Q

What does ‘misanthrope’ mean?

A

One who dislikes and avoids humans.

108
Q

What is a maverick?

A

A person who thinks independently

Example: Lowell Weicker was a maverick Republican senator who later ran as an independent and was elected governor of Connecticut.

109
Q

Define misanthrope.

A

One who dislikes and avoids humans

Example: Ebenezer Scrooge was a miserly and miserable misanthrope until he learned the value of friends and family.

110
Q

What is the synonym of misanthropic?

A

Cynic

111
Q

What does rancor mean?

A

Deep-seated resentment

112
Q

What is a synonym for rancorous?

A

Malice

113
Q

Define rebuke.

A

To express sharp and stern disapproval for someone’s actions

114
Q

Fill in the blank: To ______ is to scold harshly and sternly.

A

rebuke

115
Q

What does renounce mean?

A

To give up or put aside publicly

116
Q

What is the synonym of relinquish?

A

Renounce

117
Q

Define reprehensible.

A

Deserving of condemnation

118
Q

What does reprove mean?

A

To reprimand

119
Q

What is the meaning of revoke?

A

To take back a formal decree, decision, or permission

120
Q

What is the form of revoke that means unable to be taken back?

A

Irrevocable

121
Q

Define subvert.

A

To undermine the authority or power of another

122
Q

What is the meaning of supplant?

A

To replace in importance or relevance

123
Q

What does vilify mean?

A

To denounce someone bitterly

124
Q

What is the synonym of vindictive?

A

Vengeful

125
Q

Define acquiesce.

A

To accept an unpleasant situation or comply to a demand reluctantly

126
Q

What is the form of capitulate?

A

Capitulation

127
Q

What does coerce mean?

A

To force someone to do something by use of threats

128
Q

Fill in the blank: A ______ is something surrendered, as land or a right.

A

concession

129
Q

Define contrite.

A

Remorseful; full of regret

130
Q

What is the meaning of deference?

A

Respect for or submission to the authority or opinion of another

131
Q

What is a demagogue?

A

A leader who persuades followers through emotional populist appeal rather than rational argument

132
Q

Define despot.

A

A (usually cruel) ruler with absolute power

133
Q

What does dictatorial mean?

A

Characteristic of a ruler with total power; tyrannical

134
Q

What does ‘dictatorial’ mean?

A

Characteristic of a ruler with total power; tyrannical

Synonyms include autocratic, peremptory, overweening, overbearing, imperious.

135
Q

Define ‘diffident’.

A

Lacking in self-confidence; shy and modest

Form: diffidence = lack of self-confidence.

136
Q

What is the meaning of ‘domineering’?

A

Arrogantly overbearing

Synonyms include imperious, overbearing, dictatorial, despotic.

137
Q

What does ‘eminent’ refer to?

A

Famous and respected in a particular domain

Form: eminence = fame; recognized superiority.

138
Q

Fill in the blank: An _______ performance can captivate an audience.

A

enthralling

139
Q

What does ‘exploitative’ mean?

A

Intended to take selfish advantage of a situation or person

Form: exploit (v) = to make full use of, often in a selfish way.

140
Q

Define ‘hierarchy’.

A

A power structure in which members are ranked by status

Synonym: pecking order.

141
Q

What does ‘imperious’ mean?

A

Bossy and domineering

Synonyms include peremptory, overweening, overbearing, dictatorial, tyrannical.

142
Q

What is the definition of ‘impervious’?

A

Not able to be influenced (by)

Synonym: insusceptible (to).

143
Q

Fill in the blank: The ink created an _______ stain on my tie.

A

indelible

144
Q

What does ‘insolent’ mean?

A

Rude and disrespectful

Form: insolence = rudeness and disrespectfulness.

145
Q

Define ‘insubordination’.

A

Act of defying authority; disobedience

Synonyms include mutiny, recalcitrance.

146
Q

What is a ‘mandate’?

A

An official order or commission to do something

Form: mandatory = required, usually by official order.

147
Q

Fill in the blank: To _______ is to quell the agitation of something.

A

pacify

148
Q

What does ‘pervasive’ mean?

A

Widespread

Form: pervade = to be present throughout a region or area.

149
Q

Define ‘potent’.

A

Particularly powerful, influential, or effective

Forms include impotent = weak and ineffective, potency = strength.

150
Q

What does ‘propagate’ mean?

A

To spread and promote

Synonyms include disseminate, promulgate.

151
Q

Fill in the blank: A _______ is a person who lives a solitary lifestyle.

A

recluse

152
Q

What does ‘relinquish’ mean?

A

To voluntarily give up

Synonym: renounce.

153
Q

Define ‘ruthless’.

A

Without mercy

Synonyms include callous, inhumane.

154
Q

What is the meaning of ‘sanction’?

A

Official approval or a penalty imposed by one government upon another

Form: sanction (v) = to give official approval to or to impose a penalty.

155
Q

What does ‘sequester’ mean?

A

To isolate from outside influences

Synonyms include cloister, seclude, segregate.

156
Q

Define ‘servile’.

A

Excessively willing to serve others

Synonyms include obsequious, sycophantic, deferential, fawning, ingratiating.

157
Q

What does the term ‘servile’ mean?

A

Excessively willing to serve others or pertaining to slave labor.

Synonyms include obsequious, sycophantic, deferential, and ingratiating.

158
Q

What is the noun form of ‘servile’?

A

Servility

The quality or habit of being servile.

159
Q

What is the meaning of ‘subjugate’?

A

To bring under one’s domination.

Synonyms include vanquish and subdue.

160
Q

What does ‘subjugation’ refer to?

A

The act or process of dominating.

Related to the verb ‘subjugate.’

161
Q

What is the definition of ‘tenacious’?

A

Holding fast to a position or claim; stubbornly persistent.

Synonyms include dogged, unflagging, and obstinate.

162
Q

What does ‘tenacity’ mean?

A

Stubborn persistence.

It is the noun form of ‘tenacious.’

163
Q

What is the meaning of ‘tractable’?

A

Easily managed or influenced.

The opposite is intractable, which means difficult to manage.

164
Q

Define ‘unremitting’.

A

Incessant; never decreasing in intensity.

Synonyms include relentless and inexorable.

165
Q

What does the term ‘usurper’ refer to?

A

One who forcibly takes a position of power.

Related to the act of usurping.

166
Q

What does ‘allude’ mean?

A

To hint at indirectly.

The noun form is ‘allusion,’ which refers to an indirect reference.

167
Q

What is an ‘analogy’?

A

A correspondence between two things based on structural similarity.

Used to explain complex concepts by relating them to simpler ones.

168
Q

Define ‘anecdote’.

A

A short amusing or informative story.

The adjective form is ‘anecdotal.’

169
Q

What does ‘anthology’ refer to?

A

A published collection of writings.

Synonym: chrestomathy.

170
Q

What does ‘bombastic’ mean?

A

Pompous and blustery, with little meaning.

Related to the noun ‘bombast.’

171
Q

What does ‘coherent’ mean?

A

Clear, rational, and consistent.

The noun form is ‘coherence,’ which describes the quality of being clear.

172
Q

What is the difference between ‘coherent’ and ‘cohesive’?

A

‘Coherent’ refers to clarity and rationality, while ‘cohesive’ refers to forming a united whole.

Both derive from similar roots but have different primary uses.

173
Q

Fill in the blank: The act of forcibly taking power is known as _______.

A

[usurpation]

174
Q

True or False: ‘Tenacity’ and ‘temerity’ are synonyms.

A

False

‘Tenacity’ refers to stubborn persistence, while ‘temerity’ refers to boldness.

Advanced English Sat Vocabulary (3 decks)

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