The Toughest Words I Flashcards
Lambaste
(v.) to denounce; strongly criticize
Quiescent
(adj.) marked by inactivity; a state of quiet repose
Provisional
(adj.) temporary; for the time being
Lurid
(adj.) very vivd in color, esp. so as to create an unpleasantly harsh or unnatural effect
Truculent
(adj.) defiantly agressive; eager to fight
Pugnacious
(adj.) defiantly agressive; eager to fight
Belligerent
(adj.) defiantly agressive; eager to fight
Propitiate
(v.) to win or regain the favor of
Élan
(n.) a vigorous spirit; a great enthusiasm
Perfunctory
(adj.) something performed in a spiritless, mechanical, or routine manner
Aplomb
(n.) self-confidence or assurance
Opacity
(n.) the condition of lacking transparency or translucence; opaqueness; obscurity of meaning
Craven
(adj.) characterized by acting in a cowardly manner
Venal
(adj.) corrupt; dishonest, open to bribery
Licentious
(adj.) immoral; dissolute; debauched; unprincipled in sexual matters
Noxious
(adj.) harmful; injurious to physical, mental or moral health
Superfluous
(adj.) unnecessary, extra
Extraneous
(adj.) unnecessary, extra
Duplicitous
(adj.) deliberately deceptive in behavior or speech
Profligate
(adj.) wasteful; someone who squanders (wastes) time and money by living for the moment
Epiphany
(n.) a sudden realization; an insightful moment
Insidious
(adj.) causing harm in a subtle or stealthy manner; devious
Vacuous
(adj.) empty; lacking serious purpose; vapid
Inane
(adj.) empty; lacking serious purpose; vapid
Harbinger
(n.) indications or omens that something important or calamitous is about to occur
Portent
(n.) indications or omens that something important or calamitous is about to occur
Presage
(n.) indications or omens that something important or calamitous is about to occur
Beleaguer
(v.) to beset; to surround with problems
Burgeon
(v.) to grow rapidly and expand
Imperious
(adj.) domineering and arrogant; haughty