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