Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Vocab Builder > Vocab Junkie - Set 6 > Flashcards

Vocab Junkie - Set 6 Flashcards

Learn this group of tough but common English vocab words - in chunks of 10 at a time. Just rate your confidence on each word, and it will repeat in an interval of time optimized for your brain's maximum retention.

1
Q

Define:

covert

(koe-vert)

A

adj. hidden; secret

The government’s covert operations were laid bare by the shocking article.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Define:

craven

(kray-vun)

A

adj. cowardly

The craven man ran away at the first sign of danger.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Define:

eugenics

(yoo-djen-iks)

A

n. the study of heredity improvements by genetic control

Nazi Germany is known to have carried out many eugenics experiments that provoked outrage once they came to light.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Define:

credence

(creed-enss)

A

n. belief that something is true

n. plausibility

She gave credence to the rumors when she failed to deny them.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Define:

execrate

(ek-si-kreyt)

A

v. to declare to be hateful or abhorrent; denounce

v. to loathe

v. to curse

The rival teams appeared on the news to execrate one another.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Define:

sempiternal

(sem-pih-tur-nl)

A

adj. eternal, infinite

Nothing in life is sempiternal, alas.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Define:

credulous

(kredj-uh-luss)

A

adj. easily convinced that something is true

His lies were so ridiculous that only the most credulous child would have believed them.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Define:

plumb

(pluhm)

A

v. to measure the depth

v. to examine critically

I think she is the only architect working today who has the courage to truly plumb the possibilities of recycled construction materials.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Define:

culpable

(kull-puh-bull)

A

adj. deserving of blame or punishment

He confessed that he was culpable for the crime and faced the consequences.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Define:

debase

(dih-base)

A

v. to corrupt or lower the value of

Many argue that modern society has been debased by materialism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. hidden; secret

n. a covered place for hiding

A

covert

(koe-vert)

synonyms: cloaked, secret, sly

The spy operated under a covert identity to gather intelligence without being detected.

The soldiers found refuge in a covert, waiting for the enemy to pass.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. cowardly

A

craven

(kray-vun)

synonyms: weak, timid, fearful

His craven refusal to stand up for his friends disappointed everyone.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. the study of heredity improvements by genetic control

A

eugenics

(yoo-djen-iks)

synonyms: genetic enhancement, genetic manipulation

Eugenics involves the study and practice of enhancing heredity through genetic manipulation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. belief that something is true

n. plausibility

A

credence

(creed-enss)

synonyms: credulity, confidence, possibility

His testimony lent credence to the theory that had been previously dismissed.

The new evidence added credence to the suspect’s alibi, making it more plausible.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to declare to be hateful or abhorrent; denounce

v. to loathe

v. to curse

A

execrate

(ek-si-kreyt)

synonyms: accurse, condemn; hate, detest

The community execrated the corrupt practices of the former mayor.

She came to execrate the unfair treatment she received at work.

He would often execrate his bad luck when things went wrong.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. eternal, infinite

A

sempiternal

(sem-pih-tur-nl)

synonyms: ageless, constant

The sempiternal beauty of the landscape left visitors in awe.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. easily convinced that something is true

A

credulous

(kredj-uh-luss)

synonyms: gullible, too trusting

The credulous child believed every story he heard without question.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to measure the depth

v. to examine critically

A

plumb

(pluhm)

synonyms: probe, gauge; assess, study

The divers were sent down to plumb the depths of the ocean trench.

She decided to plumb the complexities of the issue before making a decision.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. deserving of blame or punishment

A

culpable

(kull-puh-bull)

synonyms: guilty, liable

The jury found him culpable of the crime after reviewing the evidence.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. to corrupt or lower the value of

A

debase

(dih-base)

synonyms: degrade, cheapen

The scandal served to debase the reputation of the once-respected organization.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Define:

decadent

(deck-ih-dunt)

A

adj. in a state of decline

adj. self-indulgent

Louis XIV was known for his decadent displays of wealth and power.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Define:

decorous

(dek-core-us)

A

adj. conforming to what is acceptable to society

adj. marked by propriety and etiquette

One must always behave in a decorous manner at formal events.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Define:

decry

(dih-cry)

A

v. to strongly disapprove of

The preacher decried society’s indifference towards the poor.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Define:

artless

(art-liss)

A

adj. simple and natural

adj. unable to mask true feelings

adj. without artistic merit; crudely made

She had an artless grace about her that endeared her to strangers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Define:

ascetic

(uh-set-ik)

A

adj. relating to self-denial

n. a person who practices self-denial

The ascetic monks rejected modern comforts such as electricity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Define:

ascendant

(uh-sen-dent)

A

adj. rising

adj. most powerful

n. a position of being dominant or in control

In this game, newcomers are ascendant because of their youth.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Define:

ascribe

(uh-scribe)

A

v. to attribute or assign to a cause

Her success was ascribed to the hours she had spent studying.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Define:

assiduous

(uh-sidj-oo-us)

A

adj. making careful and persistent effort

John was an assiduous student who always tried his best.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Define:

assuage

(uh-swaydj)

A

v. to relieve

Her anger was assuaged by her friend’s soothing words.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Define:

astute

(uh-stewt)

A

adj. having practical intelligence and good judgment

An astute teacher always checks for plagiarism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. in a state of decline

adj. self-indulgent

A

decadent

(deck-ih-dunt)

synonyms: decaying; hedonistic, spoiled

The once-thriving town fell into a decadent state, with abandoned buildings and empty streets.

His decadent lifestyle was marked by excessive luxury and indulgence.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. conforming to what is acceptable to society

adj. marked by propriety and etiquette

A

decorous

(dek-core-us)

synonyms: acceptable, befitting; civil, courtly

Her decorous behavior at the formal event impressed the guests.

The decorous conversation at the dinner table reflected the guests’ adherence to etiquette.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to strongly disapprove of

A

decry

(dih-cry)

synonyms: denounce, deplore

The activists decried the government’s decision to cut funding for education.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. simple and natural

adj. unable to mask true feelings

adj. without artistic merit; crudely made

A

artless

(art-liss)

synonyms: genuine, pure; naive, straightforward; awkward, amateurish

Her artless charm made her endearing to everyone she met.

His artless honesty often revealed his true feelings in any situation.

The artless design of the furniture lacked any aesthetic appeal.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. relating to self-denial; and

n. a person who practices self-denial

A

ascetic

(uh-set-ik)

synonyms: abstinent, restrained

The ascetic lifestyle of the monk emphasized simplicity and self-discipline.

The ascetic lived alone in the mountains, devoted to meditation and self-denial.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. rising

adj. most powerful

n. a position of being dominant or in control

A

ascendant

(uh-sen-dent)

synonyms: ruling, superior, dominant

The ascendant sun brightened the sky as it rose above the horizon.

In the ascendant position, the leader commanded the respect and loyalty of her followers.

The company’s ascendant in the market was evident after its recent success.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to attribute or assign to a cause

A

ascribe

(uh-scribe)

synonyms: assign, appoint, accredit

She would often ascribe her success to hard work and determination.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. making careful and persistent effort

A

assiduous

(uh-sidj-oo-us)

synonyms: hardworking, attentive

Her assiduous study habits led to excellent grades throughout the semester.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to relieve

A

assuage

(uh-swaydj)

synonyms: soothe, alleviate

He tried to assuage her fears by offering reassurance and support.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. having practical intelligence and good judgment

A

astute

(uh-stewt)

synonyms: adroit, perspicacious, sagacious

Her astute observations during the meeting impressed everyone in the room.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Define:

suppliant

(suhp-lee-uhnt)

A

adj. asking humbly, beseeching

n. a person who requests or begs

The boy was peering into the pet store window with the look of a suppliant on his face.

42
Q

Define:

atrophy

(at-ruh-fee)

A

n. deterioration (esp. due to inactivity)

v. to deteriorate, to waste away (esp. due to inactivity)

The paralyzed patient began to show signs of atrophy in his leg muscles.

43
Q

Define:

anosmia

(an-oz-mee-uh)

A

n. loss of the sense of smell

Melissa has been afflicted with anosmia since birth; she likes to say that sometimes it is a curse, and sometimes a blessing.

44
Q

Define:

austere

(aw-steer)

A

adj. severe, strict, or very plain

The austere room was anything but inviting.

45
Q

Define:

autonomous

(aw-tawn-ih-muss)

A

adj. independent

The revolutionaries are fighting to make their country autonomous.

46
Q

Define:

rapacious

(ruh-pey-shuhs)

A

adj. voracious, greedy, plundering

The Vikings were rapacious warriors.

47
Q

Define:

avarice

(av-uh-riss)

A

adj. insatiable greed

The rich man’s avarice led him to buy up most of the neighborhood.

48
Q

Define:

unflappable

(uhn-flap-uh-buhl)

A

adj. not easily upset or excited (e.g., in a crisis)

The unflappable hero maintained his level-headed mentality during the disaster.

49
Q

Define:

aver

(uh-vurr)

A

v. to declare as true

When interviewed, Susan’s friends all averred that she was a trustworthy person.

50
Q

Define:

emasculate

(uh-mass-kyuh-leyt)

A

v. to castrate or make effeminate

v. to weaken

Wearing the frilly pink shirt made him feel emasculated.

51
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. asking humbly, beseeching

n. a person who requests or begs

A

suppliant

(suhp-lee-uhnt)

synonyms: begging; beggar, seeker

The suppliant tone of his voice conveyed his deep desire for forgiveness.

As a suppliant, she approached the committee to plead for their assistance.

52
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. deterioration (esp. due to inactivity)

v. to deteriorate, to waste away (esp. due to inactivity)

A

atrophy

(at-ruh-fee)

synonyms: disintegration; to disintegrate

The patient’s muscles showed signs of atrophy after months of bed rest.

Without regular exercise, the muscles began to atrophy, leading to weakness.

53
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. loss of the sense of smell

A

anosmia

(an-oz-mee-uh)

synonyms: without smell

Anosmia can significantly impact a person’s ability to enjoy food and detect dangers like smoke.

54
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. severe, strict, or very plain

A

austere

(aw-steer)

synonyms: bare, stark, simple

The monk lived an austere life, devoid of luxuries and distractions.

55
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. independent

A

autonomous

(aw-tawn-ih-muss)

synonyms: self-determining, independent

The region gained autonomous status, allowing it to govern itself.

56
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. voracious, greedy, plundering

A

rapacious

(ruh-pey-shuhs)

synonyms: marauding, ravenous, avaricious

The rapacious pirates seized every ship they encountered on the high seas.

57
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. insatiable greed

A

avarice

(av-uh-riss)

synonyms: selfishness, ambition

His avarice drove him to accumulate wealth at the expense of his relationships.

58
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. not easily upset or excited (e.g., in a crisis)

A

unflappable

(uhn-flap-uh-buhl)

synonyms: calm, collected

Her unflappable demeanor during the emergency reassured everyone around her.

59
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to declare as true

A

aver

(uh-vurr)

synonyms: affirm, assert

He could aver his innocence with complete confidence in his alibi.

60
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to castrate or make effeminate

v. to weaken

A

emasculate

(uh-mass-kyuh-leyt)

synonyms: desexualize, neuter; devitalize

The harsh criticism served to emasculate his confidence and deter him from speaking up.

The prolonged stress began to emasculate his ability to perform well at work.

61
Q

Define:

dormant

(door-munt)

A

adj. inactive for a period of time

The dormant volcano erupted unexpectedly, injuring many.

62
Q

Define:

recumbent

(rih-kuhm-buhnt)

A

adj. leaning, lying down

He sat recumbent on the picnic blanket.

63
Q

Define:

dote

(dote)

A

v. to show excessive affection

Her parents were strict but her grandparents always doted on her and showered her with gifts.

64
Q

Define:

frangible

(fran-djuh-buhl)

A

adj. fragile; easily broken

The frangible statue was accidently pushed over and shattered.

65
Q

Define:

dupe

(dewp)

A

n. a person who is easily tricked

v. to deceive

The lying politician made those who had voted for him seem like dupes.

66
Q

Define:

magnanimous

(mag-nan-uh-muhss)

A

adj. noble in spirit, generous in forgiving others

Susan’s magnanimous personality made her many life-long friends.

67
Q

Define:

ebb

(eb)

A

v. to decrease or recede

n. a decline

n. the outward flow of the tide

Her affection for him began to ebb a few days after the hasty wedding.

68
Q

Define:

wizen

(wiz-uhn)

A

v. to shrivel, wrinkle, or wither, as of with old age

A wizened old man was walking through the park.

69
Q

Define:

countermand

(koun-ter-mand)

A

v. to annul, cancel, make a contrary order

The general countermanded his previous order to retreat, telling the men to march straight into battle.

70
Q

Define:

ebullient

(ih-buhl-yunt)

A

adj. very excited; joyously enthusiastic

Linda was ebullient when she made it into the semifinals.

71
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. inactive for a period of time

A

dormant

(door-munt)

synonyms: inactive, sleeping, inoperative

The volcano had been dormant for decades, showing no signs of activity.

72
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. leaning, lying down

A

recumbent

(rih-kuhm-buhnt)

synonyms: sprawling, reclining

The recumbent figure on the couch seemed to be in a deep sleep.

73
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to show excessive affection

A

dote

(dote)

synonyms: favor, cherish

Grandparents often dote on their grandchildren, showering them with love and attention.

74
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. fragile; easily broken

A

frangible

(fran-djuh-buhl)

synonyms: brittle, flimsy

The frangible glass ornament shattered at the slightest touch.

75
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a person who is easily tricked

v. to deceive

A

dupe

(dewp)

synonyms: chump, sucker, victim

He felt like a dupe after falling for the scam.

The con artist managed to dupe several investors with his false promises.

76
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. noble in spirit, generous in forgiving others

A

magnanimous

(mag-nan-uh-muhss)

synonyms: big-hearted, forgiving

Her magnanimous gesture of forgiveness surprised everyone after the betrayal.

77
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to decrease or recede

n. a decline

n. the outward flow of the tide

A

ebb

(eb)

synonyms: subside; regression, decline

The tide began to ebb, revealing the rocky shore beneath.

The ebb of interest in the project was evident as funding dwindled.

The fishermen took advantage of the ebb to navigate the shallow waters.

78
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to shrivel, wrinkle, or wither, as of old age

A

wizen

(wiz-uhn)

synonyms: sag, crinkle, dry up

As he aged, his skin began to wizen, developing fine lines and wrinkles.

79
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to annul or cancel; to give a contrary order

A

countermand

(koun-ter-mand)

synonyms: override, recall, revoke

The manager had to countermand the previous order due to new information.

80
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. very excited; joyously enthusiastic

A

ebullient

(ih-buhl-yunt)

synonyms: bouncy, chipper, effervescent

The crowd was ebullient, cheering and celebrating the team’s victory.

81
Q

Define:

apogee

(ap-uh-djee)

A

n. the highest point, zenith

The apogee of the roller coaster terrified even the most seasoned riders.

82
Q

Define:

ecclesiastical

(ih-klee-zee-ass-tih-kuhl)

A

adj. relating to the church

Mary decided to take up her ecclesiastical concerns with the local priest.

83
Q

Define:

eclectic

(ih-klek-tik)

A

adj. composed of parts from many different sources

The girl’s fashion sense was an eclectic mix of conservative Victorian and colorful modern styles.

84
Q

Define:

edify

(ed-ih-fahy)

A

v. to educate

John attempted to edify the impolite young man.

85
Q

Define:

efficacious

(eff-ih-kay-shuss)

A

adj. producing or able to produce a desired result

The woman insisted that her herbal medicines would be the most efficacious remedy for the young patient.

86
Q

Define:

puerile

(pyoo-er-ill)

A

adj. childish, immature

The comedian had a puerile sense of humor, invoking the bathroom in practically every joke.

87
Q

Define:

effrontery

(ih-frun-tuh-ree)

A

adj. unjustified arrogance or boldness

Although my sister had not invited me to her party, she had the effrontery to ask me for help setting up.

88
Q

Define:

effusive

(ih-few-siv)

A

adj. related to excessive or unchecked emotion

Susan’s effusive praise of Ramon’s new car made him think that perhaps she didn’t really like it.

89
Q

Define:

tortuous

(tawr-choo-uhs)

A

adj. winding, excessively complicated

The philosopher made a tortuous argument that not many of his students followed.

90
Q

Define:

debauchery

(dih-baw-chuh-ree)

A

n. extreme sensual indulgence

The debauchery in the movie was enough to make me blush.

91
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. the highest point, zenith

A

apogee

(ap-uh-djee)

synonyms: pinnacle, apex

The project reached its apogee when it received international recognition.

92
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. relating to the church

A

ecclesiastical

(ih-klee-zee-ass-tih-kuhl)

synonyms: clerical, parochial

The conference focused on ecclesiastical matters and their impact on the community.

93
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. composed of parts from many different sources

A

eclectic

(ih-klek-tik)

synonyms: heterogeneous, multifarious

Her eclectic taste in music included everything from jazz to classical.

94
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to educate

A

edify

(ed-ih-fahy)

synonyms: enlighten, teach

The documentary aimed to edify viewers about the importance of conservation.

95
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. producing or able to produce a desired result

A

efficacious

(eff-ih-kay-shuss)

synonyms: efficient, capable

The new medication proved to be efficacious in treating the illness.

96
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. childish, immature

A

puerile

(pyoo-er-ill)

synonyms: babyish, callow, infantile

His puerile jokes were amusing to children but fell flat with adults.

97
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. unjustified arrogance or boldness

A

effrontery

(ih-frun-tuh-ree)

synonyms: audacity, impudence

She had the effrontery to challenge the CEO during the meeting.

98
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. related to excessive or unchecked emotion

A

effusive

(ih-few-siv)

synonyms: overdone, extravagant

His effusive praise for her work made her feel appreciated.

99
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. winding, excessively complicated

A

tortuous

(tawr-choo-uhs)

synonyms: ambiguous, convoluted, indirect

The tortuous path through the forest made the hike much longer than expected.

100
Q

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. extreme sensual indulgence

A

debauchery

(dih-baw-chuh-ree)

synonyms: depravity, lechery, lewdness

The party descended into debauchery, with guests indulging in excess.

Vocab Builder (9 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions