Vocab Builder Book Flashcards

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1
Q

preamble

A

an introduction to a text

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2
Q

presage

A

to indicate something (usually bad) is about to happen

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3
Q

prescient

A

having knowledge of something before it happens

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4
Q

predilection

A

a special fondness; a tendency to think favorably of something in particular; partiality; preference:
a predilection for Bach.

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5
Q

precipitate

A

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.

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6
Q

presentiment

A

a feeling that something (typically bad) is about to happen

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7
Q

predicate

A

to be based on

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8
Q

precedent

A

something that sets an example for how things are done in the future

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9
Q

pretentious

A

acting more important than others by pretending to know more

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10
Q

pretense

A

a claim or assertion not based on fact

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11
Q

predecessor

A

one that comes before, often a person who previously held a position before passing it on to someone else

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12
Q

precursor

A

something that comes before another; used only for things, not for people

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13
Q

pretext

A

a reason given for something that is not the actual reason

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14
Q

precocious

A

developing early (usually in terms of ability)

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15
Q

preclude

A

to make it impossible for something to happen

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16
Q

tantalize

A

to torment someone with something they want without ever giving it to them

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17
Q

pyrrhic

A

a victory that comes with a heavy cost

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18
Q

laconic

A

using as few words as possible when speaking

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19
Q

draconian

A

extremely strict, as laws or rules

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20
Q

jeremiad

A

long speech full of complaints

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21
Q

cicerone

A

a guide who gives speeches to sightseers

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22
Q

nemesis

A

one who constantly works to ensure another’s downfall

23
Q

platonic

A

a close relationship that has no romantic or sexual basis

24
Q

thespian

A

an actor

25
Q

spartan

A

lacking in comfort or flourishes (lifestyle or accommodations)

26
Q

juggernaut

A

an unstoppable, destructive force or thing

27
Q

maudlin

A

overly self-pitying, often used to describe someone who becomes sentimental when intoxicated

28
Q

hector

A

to bully, usually through words

29
Q

nonchalant

A

giving a sense of calmness and coolness

30
Q

adroit

A

skillful, either mentally or with one’s hands

31
Q

chicaner

A

trickery or deception, usually in politics or where money is involved

32
Q

demur

A

to object to doing something

33
Q

insouciant

A

showing a lack of concern or interest

34
Q

arriviste

A

a person who is extremely ambitious and has recently acquired wealth or power

35
Q

parvenu

A

person who as recently gained status or celebrity

36
Q

rapport

A

understanding and similar feelings that exist between people or groups

37
Q

passe

A

no longer in fashion

38
Q

cache

A

collection of items hidden of stored away for future use

39
Q

raconteur

A

a skilled storyteller

40
Q

sortie

A

an attack from a defensive position

41
Q

gauche

A

clumsy and socially awkward

42
Q

sangfroid

A

utter calmness and composure, especially under pressure

43
Q

liaison

A

a person who helps two parties communicate

44
Q

envoy

A

a messenger, usually on a diplomatic mission

45
Q

sans

A

typically a facetious way of saying “without”

46
Q

filial

A

relating to the obligations of a son or daughter

47
Q

droll

A

odd and therefore amusing

48
Q

faux pas

A

an act or comment with embarrassing social consequences

49
Q

in lieu of

A

in place of, substitute

50
Q

enfant terrible

A

a person whose commentary or behavior is aimed to shock

51
Q

tete a tete

A

a private conversation between two people

52
Q

savior vivre

A

familiarity an ease with polite society

53
Q

savior faire

A

skill of saying and doing just the right thing in social situations

54
Q

esprit de corps

A

spirit of belongingness and pride of a tightly knit group