PCAT Vocab Flashcards
Arrant
Notoriously Bad Adjective Complete, utter: "what arrant nonsense!". Synonyms notorious
Ascetic
Given to severe self-denial and practicing excessive abstinence and devotion
Ascribe
To assign as a quality or attribute
Asperity
Harshness or roughness of temper
Assiduous
Unceasing. Persistent
Alcove
A covered recess connected with or at the side of a larger room
Alleviate
To make less burdensome, or less hard to bear
Aloof
Not in sympathy with or desiring to associate with others
Amalgamate
To mix or blend together in a homogeneous body
Ambidextrous
Having the ability of using both hands with equal skill or ease.
Assuage
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
Astringent
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
Astute
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
Atonement
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
Audacious
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
Antediluvian
an·te·di·lu·vi·an
/ˌantēdəˈlo͞ovēən/
Adjective
Of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood. Ridiculously old-fashioned.
Antidote
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
Aplomb
a·plomb /əˈpläm/ Noun Self-confidence or assurance, esp. when in a demanding situation. Confidence, coolness Synonyms self-confidence - self-assurance
Apocryphal
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.
Apogee
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
Avarice
av·a·rice
/ˈavəris/
Noun
Extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
Synonyms
greed - cupidity - greediness - avidity - miserliness
Aver
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
Aversion
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
Avow
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
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
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
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