Vocab F unit 9 Flashcards
abate
(v) to make less in amount, degree, ext; to subside, become less; to nullify; to deduct, omit
adulation
(n) praise or flattery that is excessive
anathema
(n) an object of intense dislike; a curse or strong denunciation (often used adjectively without the article)
astute
(adj) shrewd, crafty, showing practical wisdom
avarice
(n) greedy desire, particularly for wealth
culpable
(adj) deserving blame, worthy of condemnation
dilatory
(adj) tending to delay or procrastinate, not prompt; intended to delay or postpone
egregious
(adj) conspicuous, standing out from the mass (used particularly in an unfavorable sense)
equivocate
(v) to speak or act in a way that allows for more than one interpretation; to be deliberately vague or ambiguous
evanescent
(adj) vanishing, soon passing away; light and airy
irresolute
(adj) unable to make up one’s mind, hesitating
nebulous
(adj) cloudlike, resembling a cloud; cloudy in color, not transparent; vague, confused, indistinct
novice
(n) one who is just a beginner at some activity requiring skill and experience (also used adjectively)
penury
(n) extreme poverty; barrenness, insufficiency
pretentious
(adj) done for show, striving to make a big impression; claiming merit or position unjustifiably; making demands on one’s skill or abilities, ambitious
