Vocab Ch. 17-20 pt.2 Flashcards
aggregate
- A group of things gathered into a whole; sum total.
2. Calculated by combining units or items.
allocate
- To set aside for a specific purpose; to allot.
2. To distribute according to a plan.
augur
- To predict future events, especially from omens.
2. To give promise of.
bastion
- A fortified area or position; a person, place, or thing that is a source of strength.
- Something that is considered a stronghold.
decorum
Suitable, proper behavior or speech.
defunct
No longer existing or functioning.
disarray
A lack of order; confusion.
halcyon
Calm, peaceful, and happy; prosperous.
homily
A lecture, usually long, on how to behave morally.
hyperbole
Extravagant exaggeration.
importune
To plead for persistently.
jurisdiction
Legal authority to govern or control.
ruminate
To think over again and again; to ponder.
temerity
Reckless boldness without regard to danger or opposition.
winnow
To separate and remove what is undesirable and leave what is desirable; to blow away the chaff from grain.
acoustics
The properties of an enclosed space that affect sound quality.
august
Inspiring great respect or admiration; noble.
auspices
Protection, support, or guidance; patronage.
cavil
- To criticize unimportant things; to quibble.
2. A minor criticism.
curator
A person in charge of an exhibition; an overseer of a museum or library collection.
extant
Still existing; not lost or destroyed.
gamut
The entire range of something.
ineffable
Incapable of being expressed in words.
mellifluous
Sweetly flowing; pleasant to the ear.
mien
A person’s manner, appearance, or expression; bearing.
nonpareil
A person or thing without an equal.
patina
- A green film that forms on copper exposed to the elements.
- A beautiful surface finish, the result of age and proper care.
rapt
- Fully absorbed; engrossed.
2. Filled with deep pleasure; enraptured.
resuscitate
To revive from unconsciousness or apparent death; to revive or restore to health or vigor.
amenable
Responsive; willing to be controlled or to take advice.
ascribe
To attribute to a source or a cause.
charisma
A special quality in a person that inspires devotion or fascination in others.
dearth
Scarcity; a shortage.
demoralize
To destroy the morals or morale of someone; to weaken the spirit or courage of someone.
ebullient
Bubbling with enthusiasm or high spirits.
entrepreneur
An individual who manages and takes the risk of a business.
fatuous
Foolish; silly; stupid.
harbinger
A person or thing that is a symbol of what is to come.
homogeneous
Of a similar kind or nature; uniform throughout.
incumbent
- One who occupies an office or position.
- Currently in office.
- (used with on or upon) Resting upon as a duty or obligation.
matriarchy
A society that is headed by a female.
neophyte
A beginner; a novice.
prerogative
A special right limited to a person, group, or office; a privilege.
accost
To approach and speak to in an aggressive or challenging way.
avarice
Greed for wealth.
bilk
To cheat out of what is due.
consummate
Extremely skilled; complete or perfect.
conversant
(used with with) Having knowledge or experience; well-informed.
credulous
Willing to believe things with only slight or no evidence; easily convinced.
euphoria
A feeling of great happiness or well-being.
fortuitous
Happening by lucky chance; accidental.
hypothetical
Based on something that is not actual but assumed or supposed.
incoherant
Not connected; confused; rambling.
miniscule
Very small in size or importance.
pleasantry
Very small in size or importance.
procrastinate
To put off until later.
qualm
A feeling of uneasiness as to whether what one is doing is right or wise; a misgiving.
stigma
A mark of shame or disgrace.
stigmatize
To give a bad name to.
