Vocab 5e-f Flashcards
Divulge
(v) To reveal or make known (a secret or confidence)
Precursor
(n) One that precedes and announces or suggests another’s approach
(n) A forerunner or predecessor; one that precedes another
Fallow
(adj.) Left unplanted (soil or land); not in use
“a field lies fallow”
Ostentatious
(adj.) Given to excessive, pretentious, conspicuous display
Improbity
(n) Dishonesty; lack of probity (probity = honesty)
Conversance
(n) Familiarity; the state of being able to speak about something (“converse”) knowledgeably
Quandary
(n) State of perplexity, especially regarding how to proceed
“An example of quandary is being presented with two great opportunities and not knowing which to take.”
Propriety
(n) The quality of being proper or appropriate
(n) Plural: The customs and rules of polite society
“They broke the chain of authority, without, however, recognizing the propriety of toleration.”
Impudent
(adj.) Insolent; boldly disrespectful
Dwindle
(v) To shrink or diminish until little remains
Impugn
(v) To challenge or attack as false or questionable
“At the same time he did not impugn the authority of the Church, which he regarded as useful in maintaining external unity.”
Capricious
(adj.) Whimsical; governed by or subject to caprice or impulse
Inadvertent
(adj. ) Accidental or unintentional
(adj. ) Inattentive; not fully focused or taking heed
Recumbent
(adj. ) Lying down or reclining, especially in repose
(adj. ) Resting or idle
“The vestibule, in the Cosmatesque style, is supported by ten ancient columns resting upon recumbent lions, with a mosaic frieze upon them.”
Impromptu
(adj.) Done, said, or composed on the spur of the moment; improvised
