Unit 2 Flashcards
Fractious
Adj. Tending to argue or cause discord
Example: Malcolm grew from a fractious and irritable child into a tolerant and peaceful adult.
Syn: cross, peevish Ant: amiable
Infraction
N. Minor violation of a rule or law
Example: For his infraction of the camp code, Kevin had to peel potatoes in the kitchen.
Syn: transgression
Infringe
V. To intrude on an area belonging to another; to trespass
Example: Susan said her father was infringing upon her freedom when he took her car.
Excise
V. To cut out of; remove
Example: Having excised several paragraphs from my essay, i returned to my teachers advice.
Syn: expunge
Incisive
Adj. Sharply cutting; direct and powerful
Example: Natasha’s fast moving narratives and incisive style never failed to impress us.
Syn: Keen Ant: dull
Concise
Adj. Brief and straightforward
Example: Because i had only one page to write my notes on, my language had to be concise.
Syn:terse Ant: rambling
Tome
N. A large and serious book
Example: When i removed the scholarly tome from the shelf, i saw that it had not been read for years.
Epitome
N. The bust or most typical example
Example: I hardly think i am the epitome of good citizenship, since im not even a registered voter
Syn: embodiment
Dichotomy
N. Two opposite parts of one whole
Example: The film critic discussed the fundamental dichotomy in the movie.
Anatomy
N. The structure or parts, taken as a whole
Example: Maurice’s anatomy showed the results of years of suffering.
Compunction
N. Feeling of regret or remorse
Example: Even after a long time in jail, the woman showed no compunction for her crime.
Syn: penitence
Punctilious
Adj. Paying strict attention to detail; extremely careful
Example: Max was a punctilious dresser; his hat was perfectly straight, and his shoes were always shiny.
Syn: meticulous Ant: careless
Pungent
Adj. Stinging or biting; especially in taste or smell
Example: The pungent aroma of garlic greeted us as we entered the restaurant.
