PCAT Vocab Flashcards

1
Q

Arrant

A
Notoriously Bad
Adjective
Complete, utter: "what arrant nonsense!".
Synonyms
notorious
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Ascetic

A

Given to severe self-denial and practicing excessive abstinence and devotion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Ascribe

A

To assign as a quality or attribute

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Asperity

A

Harshness or roughness of temper

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Assiduous

A

Unceasing. Persistent

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Alcove

A

A covered recess connected with or at the side of a larger room

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Alleviate

A

To make less burdensome, or less hard to bear

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Aloof

A

Not in sympathy with or desiring to associate with others

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Amalgamate

A

To mix or blend together in a homogeneous body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Ambidextrous

A

Having the ability of using both hands with equal skill or ease.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Assuage

A

Make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense: “the letter assuaged the fears of most members”.
Satisfy (an appetite or desire): “an opportunity occurred to assuage her desire for knowledge”.

Synonyms
soothe - appease - allay - pacify - mitigate - calm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Astringent

A
as·trin·gent  
/əˈstrinjənt/
Adjective
Causing the contraction of body tissues, typically of the cells of the skin: "an astringent skin lotion".
Noun
A substance that causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.
Harsh in disposition or character
Synonyms
severe
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Astute

A

Keen in discernment
as·tute
/əˈst(y)o͞ot/
Adjective
Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one’s advantage: “an astute businessman”.
Synonyms
shrewd - sly - wily - crafty - canny - artful - sharp

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Atonement

A

Amends, reparation, or expiation made from wrong or injury
a·tone·ment
/əˈtōnmənt/
Noun

Reparation for a wrong or injury: "she wanted to make atonement for her behavior".
Reparation or expiation for sin.

Synonyms
expiation - amends - reparation - redemption - penance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Audacious

A

Fearless
au·da·cious
/ôˈdāSHəs/
Adjective

Showing a willingness to take bold risks: "an audacious takeover".
Showing an impudent lack of respect: "an audacious remark".

Synonyms
bold - daring - hardy - impudent - brave - venturesome

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Antediluvian

A

an·te·di·lu·vi·an
/ˌantēdəˈlo͞ovēən/
Adjective

Of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood.
Ridiculously old-fashioned.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Antidote

A

an·ti·dote
/ˈantiˌdōt/
Noun

A medicine taken or given to counteract a particular poison.
Something that counteracts or neutralizes an unpleasant feeling or situation.

Synonyms
antitoxin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Aplomb

A
a·plomb  
/əˈpläm/
Noun
Self-confidence or assurance, esp. when in a demanding situation.
Confidence, coolness
Synonyms
self-confidence - self-assurance
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Apocryphal

A

a·poc·ry·phal
/əˈpäkrəfəl/
Adjective

(of a story or statement) Of doubtful authenticity, or authority although widely circulated as being true.
Of or belonging to the Apocrypha.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Apogee

A

The climax

ap·o·gee
/ˈapəjē/
Noun

The point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is furthest from the earth.
The highest point in the development of something; the climax or culmination of something.

Synonyms
zenith - climax - height - pinnacle - acme - culmination

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Avarice

A

av·a·rice
/ˈavəris/
Noun
Extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
Synonyms
greed - cupidity - greediness - avidity - miserliness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Aver

A

a·ver
/əˈvər/
Verb

State or assert to be the case: "he averred that he was innocent of the allegations".
Allege as a fact in support of a plea. To avouch, justify or prove

Synonyms
affirm - assert - allege - avouch - claim - declare

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Aversion

A

a·ver·sion
/əˈvərZHən/
Noun

A strong dislike or disinclination: "an aversion to exercise".
Someone or something that arouses such feelings.

Synonyms
repugnance - distaste - dislike - antipathy - disgust

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Avow

A

To declare openly
a·vow
/əˈvou/
Verb
Assert or confess openly: “he avowed that he had voted Republican in every election”; “an avowed Marxist”.
Synonyms
admit - confess - acknowledge - recognize - own - grant

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Augury
Omen au·gu·ry /ˈôgyərē/ Noun A sign of what will happen in the future; an omen: "they heard the sound as an augury of death". The work of an augur; the interpretation of omens. Synonyms omen - presage - prognostication - divination - sign
26
Auspicious
Favorable Omen aus·pi·cious /ôˈspiSHəs/ Adjective Conducive to success; favorable: "an auspicious moment to hold an election". Giving or being a sign of future success. Synonyms favourable - favorable - propitious - fortunate
27
Austere
aus·tere /ôˈsti(ə)r/ Adjective Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance: "an austere man with a puritanical outlook". (of living conditions or a way of life) Having no comforts or luxuries; harsh or ascetic. Synonyms severe - stern - strict - rigorous - stringent - rigid
28
Autocrat
au·to·crat /ˈôtəˌkrat/ Noun A ruler who has absolute power. Someone who insists on complete obedience from others; an imperious or domineering person. Synonyms despot - tyrant
29
Auxiliary
aux·il·ia·ry /ôgˈzilyərē/ Adjective Providing supplementary or additional help and support: "auxiliary airport staff". Noun A person or thing providing supplementary or additional help and support. Synonyms adjective. ancillary - subsidiary - accessory - assistant noun. helper - assistant - help - aid - subsidiary - adjunct
30
Aberrant
Markedly different from an accepted norm ab·er·rant /ˈabərənt/ Adjective Departing from an accepted standard. Diverging from the normal type. Synonyms abnormal - anomalous
31
Aberration
Deviation from a right, customary, or prescribed course ab·er·ra·tion /ˌabəˈrāSHən/ Noun A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome. A person whose beliefs or behavior are unusual or unacceptable. Synonyms deviation - deflection - aberrance - abnormality
32
Abet
To aid, promote, or encourage the commission of an offense a·bet /əˈbet/ Verb Encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime or other offense. Encourage or assist someone to commit (a crime). Synonyms instigate - incite - encourage - foment - provoke
33
Abeyance
A state of suspension or temporary inaction a·bey·ance /əˈbāəns/ Noun A state of temporary disuse or suspension. The position of being without, or waiting for, an owner or claimant. Synonyms suspension
34
Abjure
To recant, renounce, repudiate under oath ab·jure /abˈjo͝or/ Verb Solemnly renounce (a belief, cause, or claim). Synonyms renounce - repudiate - forswear - abnegate - recant
35
Ambiguous
Having a double meaning am·big·u·ous /amˈbigyo͞oəs/ Adjective (of language) Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning. Unclear or inexact because a choice between alternatives has not been made. Synonyms equivocal - vague - uncertain - doubtful - obscur
36
Ameliorate
To relieve, as from pain or hardship a·me·lio·rate /əˈmēlyəˌrāt/ Verb Make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better. Synonyms improve - meliorate - better - mend - amend - reform
37
Anathema
Anything forbidden, as by social usage a·nath·e·ma /əˈnaTHəmə/ Noun Something or someone that one vehemently dislikes. A formal curse by a pope or a council of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine. Synonyms curse - malediction - imprecation - malison - ban
38
Animadversion
The utterance of criticism or censure animadversions plural of an·i·mad·ver·sion (Noun) Noun Criticism or censure. A comment or remark, esp. a critical one.
39
Animosity
``` Hatred an·i·mos·i·ty /ˌanəˈmäsitē/ Noun Strong hostility. Synonyms hostility - enmity - animus - rancour - rancor ```
40
Aggrandize
To cause to appear greatly ag·gran·dize /əˈgranˌdīz/ Verb Increase the power, status, or wealth of. Enhance the reputation of (someone) beyond what is justified by the facts. Synonyms enlarge - magnify - increase - extend - amplify - augment
41
Aggravate
To make heavier, worse, or more burdensome ag·gra·vate /ˈagrəˌvāt/ Verb Make (a problem, injury, or offense) worse or more serious. Annoy or exasperate (someone), esp. persistently. Synonyms exasperate - exacerbate - irritate - nettle - worsen
42
Agile
Able to move or act quickly, physically, or mentally ag·ile /ˈajəl/ Adjective Able to move quickly and easily: "as agile as a monkey"; "an agile mind". Synonyms nimble - quick - spry - brisk - nippy - alert - lissom
43
Agog
``` Eager desire a·gog /əˈgäg/ Adjective Very eager or curious to hear or see something: "I'm all agog to see London". Synonyms eager - anxious ```
44
Alacrity
``` Cheerful willingness a·lac·ri·ty /əˈlakritē/ Noun Brisk and cheerful readiness. Synonyms readiness - willingness - eagerness ```
45
Apprise
``` To give notice to; to inform ap·prise /əˈprīz/ Verb Inform or tell (someone). Synonyms apprize - inform - notify - advise - acquaint - instruct ```
46
Approbation
Sanction ap·pro·ba·tion /ˌaprəˈbāSHən/ Noun Approval or praise: "the opera met with high approbation". Synonyms approval - sanction - endorsement - assent - indorsement
47
Arboreal
Of or pertaining to a tree or trees ar·bo·re·al /ärˈbôrēəl/ Adjective (chiefly of animals) Living in trees. Of or relating to trees. Synonyms arboreous
48
Ardor
``` Intensity of passion or affection ar·dor /ˈärdər/ Noun Enthusiasm or passion. Synonyms ardour - zeal - fervour - fervor - fervency - enthusiasm ```
49
Argot
A specialized vocabulary peculiar to a particular group ar·got /ˈärgō/ Noun The jargon or slang of a particular group or class: "teenage argot". Synonyms slang - cant - jargon - patter
50
Adage
An old saying ad·age /ˈadij/ Noun A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth. Synonyms saying - proverb - saw - byword - maxim - dictum
51
Adamant
Any substance of exceeding hardness or impenetrability ad·a·mant /ˈadəmənt/ Adjective Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind. Noun A legendary rock or mineral, formerly associated with diamond or lodestone. Synonyms adjective. firm - unyielding - inflexible - uncompromising - stiff noun. diamond
52
Admonition
Gentle reproof ad·mo·ni·tion /ˌadməˈniSHən/ Noun An act or action of admonishing; authoritative counsel or warning. Synonyms warning - admonishment - exhortation - rebuke - reprimand
53
Adumbrate
To represent beforehand in outline or by emblem ad·um·brate /ˈadəmˌbrāt/ Verb Report or represent in outline. Indicate faintly. Synonyms sketch - delineate - outline
54
Affable
Easy to approach af·fa·ble /ˈafəbəl/ Adjective Friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to. Synonyms amiable - kind - polite - debonair - friendly - courteous
55
Abut
To touch at the end or boundary linea·but /əˈbət/ Verb (of an area of land or a building) Be next to or have a common boundary with: "gardens abutting Great Prescott Street". Touch or lean upon: "masonry may crumble where a roof abuts it". Synonyms border - adjoin
56
Accede
To agree ac·cede /akˈsēd/ Verb Assent or agree to a demand, request, or treaty. Assume an office or position. Synonyms assent - agree - consent - comply - accept - acquiesce
57
Acquiesce
To comply; submit ac·qui·esce /ˌakwēˈes/ Verb Accept something reluctantly but without protest. Synonyms consent - agree - assent - accede - comply
58
Acrid
Harshly pungent or bitter ac·rid /ˈakrid/ Adjective Having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell. Angry and bitter. Synonyms pungent - biting - acrimonious - sharp - bitter
59
Acumen
Quickness of intellectual insight, or discernment; keenness of discrimination a·cu·men /əˈkyo͞omən/ Noun The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain: "business acumen". Synonyms sagacity - perspicacity - acuteness - discernment
60
Apostate
``` False a·pos·tate /əˈpästāt/ Noun A person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle. Adjective Abandoning such a belief or principle. Synonyms noun. renegade - turncoat - pervert - recreant - backslider adjective. renegade - recreant ```
61
Apotheosis
Deification a·poth·e·o·sis /əˌpäTHēˈōsis/ Noun The highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax. The elevation of someone to divine status; deification. Synonyms deification
62
Apparition
Ghost ap·pa·ri·tion /ˌapəˈriSHən/ Noun A ghost or ghostlike image of a person. The appearance of something remarkable or unexpected, typically an image of this type. Synonyms ghost - phantom - spectre - appearance - wraith - specter
63
Appease
To soothe by quieting anger or indignation ap·pease /əˈpēz/ Verb Pacify or placate (someone) by acceding to their demands. Relieve or satisfy (a demand or a feeling): "we give to charity because it appeases our guilt". Synonyms pacify - calm - soothe - mollify - placate - quieten
64
Apposite
Appropriate ap·po·site /ˈapəzit/ Adjective Apt in the circumstances or in relation to something. Synonyms appropriate - proper - suitable - apt - pertinent - fit
65
Ablution
A washing or cleansing, especially of the body ab·lu·tion /əˈblo͞oSHən/ Noun The act of washing oneself. A ceremonial act of washing parts of the body or sacred containers. Synonyms wash - washing
66
Abrogate
To abolish, repeal ab·ro·gate /ˈabrəˌgāt/ Verb Repeal or do away with (a law, right, or formal agreement). Synonyms cancel - abolish - annul - rescind - repeal - revoke
67
Abscond
To depart suddenly and secretly, as for the purpose of escaping arrest ab·scond /abˈskänd/ Verb Leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection or arrest. (of someone on bail) Fail to surrender oneself for custody at the appointed time. Synonyms flee - escape - run away - elope - get away
68
Abstemious
Characterized by self denial or abstinence, as in the use of drink, food ab·ste·mi·ous /abˈstēmēəs/ Adjective Not self-indulgent, esp. when eating and drinking. Synonyms abstinent - temperate - moderate - sober - sparing
69
Abstruse
``` Dealing with matters difficult to be understood ab·struse /abˈstro͞os/ Adjective Difficult to understand; obscure. Synonyms obscure - recondite - deep - profound ```