Random Flashcards
Quotidian
adj.
Daily
Fancy work for daily or ordinary
Attune
v.
make receptive or aware.
Adapt, adjust
“a society more attuned to consumerism than ideology”
make harmonious.
“the interests of East and West are now closely attuned”
euphemism
n. a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
“the jargon has given us ‘downsizing’ as a euphemism for cuts”
patronize
v.
treat in a way that is apparently kind or helpful but that betrays a feeling of superiority; treat condescendingly
“she was determined not to be put down or patronized”
frequent (a shop, restaurant, or other establishment) as a customer; do business with
“restaurants and bars regularly patronized by the stars were often crowded with paparazzi”
Diffident
adj.
modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence.
“a diffident youth”
Fledgling
n.
a young bird that has just fledged
a person or organization that is immature, inexperienced, or underdeveloped
despot
n.
a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way: tyrant, dictator
culpability
n. responsibility for a fault or wrong; blame
guilt, blame, fault
“a level of moral culpability”
balk
v.
hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking.
resist, impede, refuse to, obstruct
“he balked at such a drastic solution
thwart or hinder (a plan or person): impede, obstruct
prevent a person or animal from having (something)
“a tiger balked of its prey”
Cogent
adj. (of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing: compelling, strong
She managed to give a cogent reason for her to redo the art piece
precarious
adj.
not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.
“a precarious ladder”
dependent on chance; uncertain, insecure, unreliable
“he made a precarious living as a painter”
Extenuating
adj.
(of a factor or situation) serving to lessen the seriousness of an offence
“library staff will waive fines where there are genuine extenuating circumstances”
“The criminal was given less jail time because of the extenuating circumstances in which he did the crime”
congenial
adj.
(of a person) pleasing or liked on account of having qualities or interests that are similar to one’s own.
(of a thing) pleasant or agreeable because suited to one’s taste or inclination.
Compatible, pleasant, pleasing
Opposite of Sherlock Holmes
“he went back to a climate more congenial to his cold stony soul”
