Practice Test/Qs Vocab Flashcards
ethos
distinguishing character, morals, or guiding beliefs of an organization or a person
plausible
superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable (but often deceptively so)
hypothesis
assumption made in order to test its logical/empirical consequences (ie., an assumption made for the sake of argument)
theory
plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle offered to explain phenomena (based off of data)
providential
occurring by or as if by intervention of Providence (divine guidance)
ameliorate
make better or more tolerable
improve, enhance
ascertain
find out or learn, with certainty
incongruous
not harmonious; inconsistent within itself
milieu
physical or social setting in which something occurs/develops
polemic
aggressive attack on/refutation of someone else’s opinions or principles
(the art/practice of controversy)
acerbic
sharply critical, sarcastic, or ironic [in temper, mood, tone]
acumen
keenness and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination
diffident
hesitant in acting/speaking due to lack of self-confidence
fastidious
extremely careful/detailed
didactic
designed/intended to teach
iconoclasm
attacking beliefs/institutions; destroys religious images or figures
capricious
impulsive, unpredictable
exacting
unremittingly severe in making demands
tenuous
of little substance or strength
florid
flowery in style/prose; ornate
ephemeral
lasting a very short time
prolixity
drawn out, too long; excess of words
voluble
quickly/easily turning; characterized by rapid speech
