Unit 3 Vocabulary

Question 1

acculturation

Answer 1

( n. ) the modification of the social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another; the resultant blend.
synonyms: adaptation

Question 2

adventitious

Answer 2

( adj. ) resulting from chance rather than from an inherent cause of character; accidental, not essential; ( medicine ) acquired, not congenital.

synonyms: extrinsic, incidental, fortuitous
antonyms: essential, intrinsic, inherent, congenital

Question 3

ascribe

Answer 3

( v. ) to assign or refer to ( as a cause of source ), attribute
synonyms: impute, credit, attribute

Question 4

circuitous

Answer 4

( adj. ) roundabout, not direct

synonyms: indirect, meandering, winding
antonyms: straight, direct, as the crow flies

Question 5

commiserate

Answer 5

( v. ) to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress

synonyms: feel sorry for, empathize
antonyms: feel no sympathy for

Question 6

enjoin

Answer 6

( v. ) to direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way; to prohibit

synonyms: bid, charge, command, adjure
antonyms: allow, permit

Question 7

abominate

Answer 7

( v. ) to have an intense dislike or hatred for

synonyms: loathe, abhor, despise, detest
antonyms: relish, savor, cherish, esteem

Question 8

expedite

Answer 8

( v. ) to make easy, cause to progress faster.

synonyms: accelerate, facilitate, speed up
antonyms: hinder, hamper, impede, obstruct

Question 9

expiate

Answer 9

( v. ) to make amends, make up for; to avert.

synonyms: redeem, make amends for, atone, make reparation

Question 10

ferment

Answer 10

( n. ) a star of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence; ( v. ) to be in or work into such a state; to produce alcohol by chemical action

synonyms: ( n. ) commotion, turmoil, unrest
antonyms: ( n. ) peace and quiet, tranquility, placidity

Question 11

inadvertent

Answer 11

( adj. ) resulting from or marked by lack of attention; unintentional, accidental

synonyms: accidental, unconsidered
antonyms: deliberate, intentional, premeditated

Question 12

nominal

Answer 12

( adj. ) existing in name only, not real; to small to be considered or taken seriously

synonyms: titular, token, trifling, inconsequential
antonyms: real, actual, exorbitant, excessive

Question 13

noncommittal

Answer 13

( adj. ) not decisive or definite; unwilling to take a clear position or to say yes or no

synonyms: cagey, uninformative, playing it safe, playing it close to the vest
antonyms: positive, definite, committed

Question 14

peculate

Answer 14

( v. ) to steal something that has been given into one’s trust; to take improperly for one’s own use.
synonyms: embezzle, defraud, misappropriate

Question 15

proclivity

Answer 15

( n. ) a natural or habitual inclination or tendency ( especially of human character or behavior )

synonyms: natural bent, penchant, propensity
antonyms: inability or incapacity

Question 16

sangfroid

Answer 16

( n. ) composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances

synonyms: poise, self-assurance, equanimity
antonyms: excitability, hysteria, flappability

Question 17

seditious

Answer 17

( adj. ) resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government.

synonyms: mutinous, rebellious, subversive
antonyms: supportive, loyal, faithful, allegiant

Question 18

tenuous

Answer 18

( adj. ) thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance or significance; lacking a sound basis, poorly supported.

synonyms: flimsy, insubstantial, vague, hazy
antonyms: strong, solid, substantial, valid

Question 19

vitriolic

Answer 19

( adj. ) bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting ( like a strong acid )

synonyms: withering, acerbic, mordant
antonyms: bland, saccharine, honeyed, sugary

Question 20

wheedle

Answer 20

( v. ) to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end.

synonyms: cajole, inveigle, soft-soap, sweet-talk
antonyms: coerce, browbeat, intimidate, strong-arm