Unit 8 Flashcards
COMPLACENT
adj. Satisfied with a situation that should be changed or improved
L. com, intensifier, + placere = too pleased
Susanna saw that the children were becoming lazy and complacent, so she urged them to become involved in volunteer work.
syn: smug”
Placebo
n. Something which has a positive mental effect, but no physical effect
L. literally, “I will please”
Good news on the political front is often a placebo for the stock market, even if it becomes bad news again the next day.
syn: quick fix”
Placid
adj. Calm; undisturbed
Tara’s placid expression never seemed to register the chaos around her.
syn: peaceful ant: agitated”
Gratuitous
adj. Unnecessary or unwanted
L. gratus done only to please (unasked for, unneeded)
Movies today are often criticized for gratuitous violence.
syn: unessential ant: important”
Ingratiate
v. To gain another’s favor by flattery or false friendliness
L. in, “in, to” + gratus = into favor
Annie suspected that the student was trying to ingratiate himself with his teachers.”
Ingrate
n. One who is not properly thankful
L. in, “not,” + gratus = not thankful
When Amber threw down her birthday present in disappointment, she seemed a spoiled little ingrate.”
Docile
adj. Easily taught; submissive to instruction
L. docilis = able to be taught
Ruffles, who had previously been the most docile of the cats, suddenly started hissing and biting.
syn: obedient ant: defiant
Indoctrinate
v. To teach a certain point of view to
L. in, “into,” + docere = to teach into
The cult leader attempted to indoctrinate his new followers in the ways of his teachings.
syn: instill
Doctrine
n. That which is taught; body of beliefs or ideas
L. doctrina = a teaching
Followers of this political doctrine believe that war is the solution to most political problems.
syn: creed
Temper
v. To decrease the strength of
Serita tempers her spicy stew with a little milk or yogurt.
Temperance
n. Restraint or moderation, especially in regards to alcohol or food.
Jordan’s temperance at the buffet table spared her the indigestion that I got.
syn: frugality ant: indulgence”
Intemperate
adj. Lacking moderation; severe or extreme
L. in, “not,” + temperatum = not tempered
In terms of climate, the Sahara desert and Antartica are two of the most intemperate places in the world.
syn: rigorous
