unit 3 vocab Flashcards
Acculturation
N
The modification of the social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another; the resultant blend
Syn: adaptation
Abominate
V
To have an intense dislike or hatred for
Syn: loathe, abhor, despise, detest
Ant: relish, savor, esteem
Adventitious
Adj
Resulting from chance rather than from an inherent cause or character; accidental, not essential; acquired, not congenital
Ascribe
V
To assign or refer to
Syn: impute, credit
Circuitous
Adj
Roundabout, not direct
Syn: indirect, meandering, winding
Ant: straight, direct, as the crow flies
Commiserate
V
To sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress
Syn: feel sorry for, empathize
Ant: feel no sympathy for
Enjoin
V
To direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way; to prohibit
Syn: bid, charge, adjure
Ant: allow, permit
Expedite
V
To make easy cause to progress faster
Syn: accelerate, facilitate, speed up
Ant: hinder, hamper, impede, obstruct
Expiate
V
To make amends, make up for; to avert
Syn: redeem, make amends for, make reparation
Ferment
N
A state of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence
V
To be in or work into such a state; to produce alcohol by chemical action
Syn: commotion, turmoil, unrest
Ant: peace and quiet, tranquility, placidity
Nominal
Adj
Resulting in name only, not real: too small to be considered or taken seriously
Syn: titular, inconsequential
Ant: actual, exorbitant
Inadvertent
Adj
Resulting from or marked by lack of attention; unintentional, accidental
Syn: accidental
Ant: deliberate, intentional
Noncommittal
Adj
Not decisive or definite; unwilling to take a clear position
Syn: cagey, uninformative, playing it safe, playing it close to the vest
Ant: positive, definite, committed
Peculate
V
To steal something that has been given into ones trust; to take improperly for ones own use
Syn: defraud, misappropriate
Proclivity
N
A natural or habitual inclination or tendency
Syn: penchant, propensity
Ant: inability, incapacity
Sangfroid
N
Composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances
Syn: poise, self assurance, equanimity
Ant: excitability, hysteria, flappability
Seditious
Adj
Resistance to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government
Syn: mutinous, rebellious, subversive
Ant: supportive, faithful, allegiant
Tenuous
Adj
Thin, slender, not dense, lacking clarity or sharpness, of slight importance, lacking a sound basis, poorly supported
Syn: flimsy, insubstantial, vague, hazy
Ant: strong, solid, substantial, valid
Vitriolic
Adj
Bitter, sarcastic , highly caustic or biting
Syn: withering, acerbic, mordant
Ant: bland, saccharine, honeyed, sugary
Wheedle
V
To use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end
Syn: inveigle, soft soap, sweet talk
Ant: coerce, browbeat, intimidate, strong arm
