vocab Flashcards
altruistic
adj. showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish
habitus
n.
1. a person’s general constitution, especially physical build
2. the way a person of a particular background perceives and reacts to the world
futile
adj. incapable of producing any useful result; pointless
impetus
n. something that makes a process or activity happen or happen more quickly
incredulous
adj. (of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something
ameliorate
v. make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better
( improve )
epitome
n. a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type
( epitome of … )
innocuous
adj. not harmful or offensive
( harmless )
burgeoning
adj. beginning to grow or increase rapidly; flourishing
idiosyncratic
adj. relating to idiosyncrasy; peculiar or individualistic
circumvent
v. find a way around (an obstacle)
reverent
adj. feeling or showing deep and solemn respect
contemptuous
adj. showing contempt; scornful
( disrespectful )
callous
adj. showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others
flippant
adj. not showing a serious or respectful attitude
dogmatic
adj. inclined to lay down principles as undeniably true
( assertive )
rebuking
adj. expressing sharp disapproval or criticism
incongruous
adj. not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something
( out of place, inappropriate )
maladroit
adj. inefficient or inept; clumsy
pedantic
adj. excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overscrupulous
( perfectionist )
effusive
adj. showing or expressing gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner
culmination
n. highest/climatic point of something, especially as attained after a long time
( climax, peak )
albeit
c. although
( albeit w/ )
pundit
n. an expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called upon to give their opinions to the public
bulwark
n. a defensive wall
surmount
v. overcome (a difficulty or obstacle)
populace
n. the people living in a particular country or area
( population )
dissent
n. the holding or expression of opinions at variance with those commonly or officially held
( disagreement )
pretext
n. a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason
( excuse )
tyranny
n. cruel and oppressive government or rule
consign
v. deliver (something) to a person’s keeping
( assign )
devotee
n. a person who is very interested in and enthusiastic about someone or something
feverish
adj. characterized by or displaying a frenetic excitement or energy
incessant
adj. (of something regarded as unpleasant) continuing without pause or interruption
( continual )
colossal
adj. extremely large or great
augment
v. make (something) greater by adding to it; increase
augment
v. make (something) greater by adding to it; increase
ostensibly
adv. as appears or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so; apparently
disenfranchise
v. deprive (someone) of the right to vote
tomfoolery
n. foolish or silly behaviour
amorphous
adj. without a clearly defined shape or form
( unstructured, unshaped )
amorphous
adj. without a clearly defined shape or form
( unstructured, unshaped )
kismet
n. destiny; fate
