Vocab Builder Book Flashcards
preamble
an introduction to a text
presage
to indicate something (usually bad) is about to happen
prescient
having knowledge of something before it happens
predilection
a special fondness; a tendency to think favorably of something in particular; partiality; preference:
a predilection for Bach.
precipitate
rash, acting without thinking.
to hasten the occurrence of; bring about prematurely, hastily, or suddenly:
to precipitate an international crisis.
to cast down headlong; fling or hurl down.
to cast, plunge, or send, especially violently or abruptly:
He precipitated himself into the struggle.
presentiment
a feeling that something (typically bad) is about to happen
predicate
to be based on
precedent
something that sets an example for how things are done in the future
pretentious
acting more important than others by pretending to know more
pretense
a claim or assertion not based on fact
predecessor
one that comes before, often a person who previously held a position before passing it on to someone else
precursor
something that comes before another; used only for things, not for people
pretext
a reason given for something that is not the actual reason
precocious
developing early (usually in terms of ability)
preclude
to make it impossible for something to happen
tantalize
to torment someone with something they want without ever giving it to them
pyrrhic
a victory that comes with a heavy cost
laconic
using as few words as possible when speaking
draconian
extremely strict, as laws or rules
jeremiad
long speech full of complaints
cicerone
a guide who gives speeches to sightseers
nemesis
one who constantly works to ensure another’s downfall
platonic
a close relationship that has no romantic or sexual basis
thespian
an actor
spartan
lacking in comfort or flourishes (lifestyle or accommodations)
juggernaut
an unstoppable, destructive force or thing
maudlin
overly self-pitying, often used to describe someone who becomes sentimental when intoxicated
hector
to bully, usually through words
nonchalant
giving a sense of calmness and coolness
adroit
skillful, either mentally or with one’s hands
chicaner
trickery or deception, usually in politics or where money is involved
demur
to object to doing something
insouciant
showing a lack of concern or interest
arriviste
a person who is extremely ambitious and has recently acquired wealth or power
parvenu
person who as recently gained status or celebrity
rapport
understanding and similar feelings that exist between people or groups
passe
no longer in fashion
cache
collection of items hidden of stored away for future use
raconteur
a skilled storyteller
sortie
an attack from a defensive position
gauche
clumsy and socially awkward
sangfroid
utter calmness and composure, especially under pressure
liaison
a person who helps two parties communicate
envoy
a messenger, usually on a diplomatic mission
sans
typically a facetious way of saying “without”
filial
relating to the obligations of a son or daughter
droll
odd and therefore amusing
faux pas
an act or comment with embarrassing social consequences
in lieu of
in place of, substitute
enfant terrible
a person whose commentary or behavior is aimed to shock
tete a tete
a private conversation between two people
savior vivre
familiarity an ease with polite society
savior faire
skill of saying and doing just the right thing in social situations
esprit de corps
spirit of belongingness and pride of a tightly knit group
