Vocab H15 Flashcards
adumbrate
(v.) to outline or sketch broadly; to foreshadow or prefigure; to disclose partially
apotheosis
(n.) the elevation of a person to a divine rank or status; the glorification of a person as an ideal; a glorified ideal
ascetic
(adj.) practicing strict self-denial for the sake of personal or spiritual discipline; (n.) one who leads a life of self-discipline, especially to express religious devotion
bauble
(n.) a small, showy ornament of little value or use
beguile
(v.) to mislead or deceive; to cheat; to divert; to cause to vanish unnoticed
burgeon
(v.) to put forth new buds, leaves, or greenery; to develop rapidly or suddenly
complement
(n.) something that completes a whole; the quantity or number needed to make up a whole; the full number or allowance; (v.) to complete
contumacious
(adj.) obstinately or willfully disobedient; openly rebellious
curmedgeon
(n.) an irascible, churlish person
didactic
(adj.) intended to instruct, especially morally; inclined to moralize too much
disingenous
(adj.) lacking in sincerity or candor
exculpate
(v.) to clear of guilt or blame
faux pas
(n.) a slip in manners or conduct; a social blunder
fulminate
(v.) to denounce or condemn vehemently; to explode, detonate
fustian
(n.) inflated or pretentious language in speech or writing; a cloth made of cotton and flax
hauteur
(n.) haughtiness of bearing or attitude
inhibit
(v.) to restrain or hold back; to hinder or arrest; to prohibit
jeremiad
(n.) an elaborate or prolonged lamentation; any tale of woe
opportunist
(n.) one who makes a practice of taking advantage of circumstances to further his or her own self-interest, regardless of principles or ultimate consequences
unconscionable
(adj.) not guided or restrained by conscience, prudence, or reason; unscrupulous; immoderate
