TKAM Vocab 1-4 Flashcards
Assuage
to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses)
Quell
a : to suppress; put an end to
b : to quiet or ally (emotions, anxieties)
Evasion
a : an act or instance of escaping, avoiding, or shirking something
b : the avoiding of an argument, accusation, or question
Melancholy
a : a gloomy state of mind, especially when habitual or prolonged; depression
b : sober thoughtfulness
Phenomena (plural of phenomenon)
a : fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed
b : something that is impressive or extraordinary
Mortifying
to humiliate or shame, as by injury to one’s pride or self-respect
Arbitrate
to settle an argument between two people or groups after hearing the opinions and ideas of both
Unanimous
being of one mind; agreeing or consent of all
Fruitless
unsuccessful
Tyranny
a rigorous condition imposed by some outside agency or force
Wreak (past tense: wrought)
bring about or cause
Condescend
a: to descend to a less formal or dignified level
b: to waive the privileges of rank (to stoop to a lower level)
Aloft
in or into the air
Auspicious
promising success; favored by fortune
Disapprobation
disapproval; condemnation
Amiable
having or showing pleasant, good-natured personal qualities (friendly)
Fraught
filled with
Contentious
exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and disputes
Onslaught
an especially fierce attack; also: something resembling such an attack
Diminuitive
small, little, tiny
Furor
a general outburst of enthusiasm, excitement, or controversy
Iniquity
a : gross injustice (wickedness)
b : a wicked act or thing (sin)
Erratic
characterized by lack of consistency, regularity, or uniformity
Expound
to explain by setting forth in careful and often elaborate detail
Cordial
a : sincerely or deeply felt (a cordial dislike for each other) b : warmly and genially affable
Irk
to make weary, irritated, or bored
Foray
to make a raid or brief invasion; to go into a different area from what one is accustomed
Transaction
an exchange or transfer of goods, services, or funds
Subsequent
occurring or coming later or after
Sojourn
a temporary stay
Vexation
the act of vexing (irritating, provoking or troubling, worrying)
Entailment
to restrict (property) by limiting the inheritance to the owner’s descendants (in the book, this is family-owned property which could be taken away [repossessed] by banks, due to unpaid debts)
Illicit
a: not legally permitted or authorized; unlicensed; unlawful
b: disapproved of or not permitted for moral or ethical reasons
Cunning
a: skill employed in a shrewd or sly manner, as in deceiving
b: adeptness in performance; dexterity
Amble
to walk in a leisurely or idle manner; stroll
Repertoire
a: a large stock of works existing in a particular field
b: the stock of sklls, techniques, or devices used in a particular field or occupation
Concession
the act of conceding or yielding, as a right, a privilege, or a point or fact in an argument
Nebulous
hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused
Domicile
a place of residence; house or home
Vapid
lacking or having lost life or spirit
Predilection
a tendency to think favorably of something in particular; a preference
Secede
to withdraw from an organization (as a religious communion or political party)
Indigenous
produced, growing, living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or environment
Apothecary
prepares and sells medicinal drugs (pharmacist)
Taciturn
temperamentally disinclined to talk
Chattel
item of tangible movable or immovable property (“human chattel” are slaves)
Sullied
to make soiled or tarnished
Dictum
a: a formal pronouncement of a principle, preposition, or opinion
b: an observation intended or regarded as authoritative
Strictures
something that closely restrains or limits
