Various Flashcards
lunatic
(noun / verb) mentally ill, extremely foolish or eccentric person
Example:
He has observed that all the other drivers on the road fall into one of two categories: idiots or lunatics.
chitchat
Talk about trivial matters;
small talk;
gossip
Example:
‘Nothing much came of their conversation, just common chit-chat.’
to veer
Change direction suddenly:
‘an oil tanker that had veered off course’
Suddenly change an opinion, subject, type of behavior, etc.
‘the conversation eventually veered away from theatrical things’
traitor
A person who betrays a friend, country, principle, etc.
‘they see me as a traitor, a sellout to the enemy’
trait
A distinguishing quality or characteristic, typically one belonging to a person;
‘Lying is one of the most human of traits that really distinguishes us from the rest of the animal world.’
to embellish
Make (something) more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features:
‘blue silk embellished with golden embroidery’
upbringing
The treatment and instruction received by a child from its parents throughout its childhood:
‘his Quaker upbringing influenced his character’
to gloss
Shine or luster on a smooth surface:
‘hair with a healthy gloss’
Synonyms: shine, sheen, luster, gleam, patina, brilliance, shimmer
to derail
1.) Cause (a train or trolley car) to leave its tracks accidentally:
‘a train was derailed after it collided with a herd of cattle’
2.) Obstruct (a process) by diverting it from its intended course:
‘the plot is seen by some as an attempt to derail the negotiations’
antecedent
A thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another:
‘some antecedents to the African novel might exist in Africa’s oral traditions’
Synonym: precursor, forerunner, predecessor
conversant
Familiar with or knowledgeable about something: ‘Is there any senior political figure reckoned to be genuinely knowledgeable and conversant in technology policy?’
avatar
An incarnation, embodiment, or manifestation of a person or idea: ‘he chose John Stuart Mill as the avatar of the liberal view’
bar
A long rod or rigid piece of wood, metal, or similar material, typically used as an obstruction, fastening, or weapon.
Example:
‘The door was tall wood with metal bars supporting it.’
‘ Towel bar’
Synonyms: block, slab, cake, tablet, brick, loaf, wedge, ingot
