Set 8 Flashcards
accentuate
make more noticeable or prominent
e.g. His shaven head accentuates his large round face
conjectural
based on or involving conjecture (info that is not certain or complete)
e.g. There is something undeniably conjectural about such claims
convivial
friendly, lively or enjoyable
e.g. The atmosphere was quite convivial
decadent
characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline
e.g. His father frittered away millions on a decadent lifestyle
egregious
outstandingly bad or shocking
evanescent
soon passing out of sight, memory or existence, quickly fading or disappearing
e.g. .. the evanescent scents of summer herbs
flamboyant
(of a person or their behavior) tending to attract attention because of their exuberance confidence or stylishness
e.g. Freddie Mercury was a flamboyant star of the British hard rock scene
forestall
prevent or obstruct (an anticipated event or action) by taking advance action
e.g. Large numbers of police were in the square to forestall any demonstrations
gainsay
deny or contradict (a fact or statement)
e.g. Who could possibly gainsay such a judgement?
galvanize
shock or excite (someone) into taking action
e.g. The aid appeal has galvanized the German business community
coat with a protective layer of zinc
indiscriminate
done at random or without careful judgement
e.g. The indiscriminate use of fertilizers is damaging to the environment
innocuous
not harmful or offensive
e.g. Both mushrooms look innocuous but are in fact deadly
momentary
lasting for a very short time; brief
mundane
lacking interest or excitement; dull
of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one
nettlesome
causing annoyance or difficulty
e.g. .. to cope with a nettlesome situation
nullify
make legally null and void; invalidate
obviate
remove (a need or difficulty);
avoid or prevent (something undesirable)
e.g. This deferral would obviate pressure on the rouble exchange rate
omnipresent
widely or constantly encountered; widespread
oust
drive out or expel (someone) from a position or place
e.g. The leaders have been ousted from power by nationalists
palpable
(of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to seem almost tangible
e.g. The tension between Amy and Jim is palpable
able to be touched or felt
e.g. The excuse was a palpable lie
perfidy
the state of being deceitful and untrustworthy
e.g. Maybe she’d understand and forgive, if she knew the true extent of Jason’s perfidy
profuse
(especially of something offered or discharged) very plentiful; abundant
e.g. He was bleeding profusely
pugnacious
eager or quick to argue, quarrel or fight
e.g. The pugnacious little Scouse striker who terrorized defences across the North West in a prolific playing career
sagacious
having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgement; wise or shrewd
e.g. .. a sagacious leader
sanguine
optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation
e.g. He’s remarkably sanguine about the problems involved
scant
barely sufficient or adequate
skulduggery
underhand, unscrupulous, or dishonest behavior or activities
e.g. .. accusations of political skulduggery
trivial
of little value or importance
utilitarian
designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive
relating to or adhering to the doctrine of utilitarianism
vapid
offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging; bland
e.g. She made a vapid comment about the weather
