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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.

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2
Q

Define:

craven

(kray-vun)

A

adj. cowardly

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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6
Q

Define:

sempiternal

(sem-pih-tur-nl)

A

adj. eternal, infinite

Nothing in life is sempiternal, alas.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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23
Q

Define:

decry

(dih-cry)

A

v. to strongly disapprove of

The preacher decried society’s indifference towards the poor.

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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.

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25
# Define: ascetic | (uh-**set-**ik)
adj. relating to self-denial n. a person who practices self-denial ## Footnote The _ascetic_ monks rejected modern comforts such as electricity.
26
# Define: ascendant | (uh-**sen**-dent)
adj. rising adj. most powerful n. a position of being dominant or in control ## Footnote In this game, newcomers are _ascendant_ because of their youth.
27
# Define: ascribe | (uh-**scribe**)
v. to attribute or assign to a cause ## Footnote Her success was _ascribed_ to the hours she had spent studying.
28
# Define: assiduous | (uh-**sidj**-oo-us)
adj. making careful and persistent effort ## Footnote John was an _assiduous_ student who always tried his best.
29
# Define: assuage | (uh-**swaydj**)
v. to relieve ## Footnote Her anger was _assuaged_ by her friend's soothing words.
30
# Define: astute | (uh-**stewt**)
adj. having practical intelligence and good judgment ## Footnote An _astute_ teacher always checks for plagiarism.
31
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. in a state of decline adj. self-indulgent
decadent | (**deck**-ih-dunt) ## Footnote 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.
32
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. conforming to what is acceptable to society adj. marked by propriety and etiquette
decorous | (**dek**-core-us) ## Footnote 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.
33
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to strongly disapprove of
decry | (dih-**cry**) ## Footnote synonyms: denounce, deplore The activists _decried_ the government's decision to cut funding for education.
34
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. simple and natural adj. unable to mask true feelings adj. without artistic merit; crudely made
artless | (**art**-liss) ## Footnote 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.
35
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. relating to self-denial; and n. a person who practices self-denial
ascetic | (uh-**set-**ik) ## Footnote 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.
36
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. rising adj. most powerful n. a position of being dominant or in control
ascendant | (uh-**sen**-dent) ## Footnote 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.
37
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to attribute or assign to a cause
ascribe | (uh-**scribe**) ## Footnote synonyms: assign, appoint, accredit She would often _ascribe_ her success to hard work and determination.
38
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. making careful and persistent effort
assiduous | (uh-**sidj**-oo-us) ## Footnote synonyms: hardworking, attentive Her _assiduous_ study habits led to excellent grades throughout the semester.
39
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to relieve
assuage | (uh-**swaydj**) ## Footnote synonyms: soothe, alleviate He tried to _assuage_ her fears by offering reassurance and support.
40
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. having practical intelligence and good judgment
astute | (uh-**stewt**) ## Footnote synonyms: adroit, perspicacious, sagacious Her _astute_ observations during the meeting impressed everyone in the room.
41
# Define: suppliant | (**suhp**-lee-uhnt)
adj. asking humbly, beseeching n. a person who requests or begs ## Footnote The boy was peering into the pet store window with the look of a _suppliant_ on his face.
42
# Define: atrophy | (**at**-ruh-fee)
n. deterioration (esp. due to inactivity) v. to deteriorate, to waste away (esp. due to inactivity) ## Footnote The paralyzed patient began to show signs of _atrophy_ in his leg muscles.
43
# Define: anosmia | (an-**oz**-mee-uh)
n. loss of the sense of smell ## Footnote Melissa has been afflicted with _anosmia_ since birth; she likes to say that sometimes it is a curse, and sometimes a blessing.
44
# Define: austere | (aw-**steer**)
adj. severe, strict, or very plain ## Footnote The _austere_ room was anything but inviting.
45
# Define: autonomous | (aw-**tawn**-ih-muss)
adj. independent ## Footnote The revolutionaries are fighting to make their country _autonomous_.
46
# Define: rapacious | (ruh-**pey**-shuhs)
adj. voracious, greedy, plundering ## Footnote The Vikings were _rapacious_ warriors.
47
# Define: avarice | (**av**-uh-riss)
adj. insatiable greed ## Footnote The rich man's _avarice_ led him to buy up most of the neighborhood.
48
# Define: unflappable | (uhn-**flap**-uh-buhl)
adj. not easily upset or excited (e.g., in a crisis) ## Footnote The _unflappable_ hero maintained his level-headed mentality during the disaster.
49
# Define: aver | (uh-**vurr**)
v. to declare as true ## Footnote When interviewed, Susan's friends all _averred_ that she was a trustworthy person.
50
# Define: emasculate | (uh-**mass**-kyuh-leyt)
v. to castrate or make effeminate v. to weaken ## Footnote Wearing the frilly pink shirt made him feel _emasculated_.
51
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. asking humbly, beseeching n. a person who requests or begs
suppliant | (**suhp**-lee-uhnt) ## Footnote 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
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. deterioration (esp. due to inactivity) v. to deteriorate, to waste away (esp. due to inactivity)
atrophy | (**at**-ruh-fee) ## Footnote 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
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. loss of the sense of smell
anosmia | (an-**oz**-mee-uh) ## Footnote synonyms: without smell _Anosmia_ can significantly impact a person's ability to enjoy food and detect dangers like smoke.
54
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. severe, strict, or very plain
austere | (aw-**steer**) ## Footnote synonyms: bare, stark, simple The monk lived an _austere_ life, devoid of luxuries and distractions.
55
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. independent
autonomous | (aw-**tawn**-ih-muss) ## Footnote synonyms: self-determining, independent The region gained _autonomous_ status, allowing it to govern itself.
56
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. voracious, greedy, plundering
rapacious | (ruh-**pey**-shuhs) ## Footnote synonyms: marauding, ravenous, avaricious The _rapacious_ pirates seized every ship they encountered on the high seas.
57
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. insatiable greed
avarice | (**av**-uh-riss) ## Footnote synonyms: selfishness, ambition His _avarice_ drove him to accumulate wealth at the expense of his relationships.
58
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. not easily upset or excited (e.g., in a crisis)
unflappable | (uhn-**flap**-uh-buhl) ## Footnote synonyms: calm, collected Her _unflappable_ demeanor during the emergency reassured everyone around her.
59
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to declare as true
aver | (uh-**vurr**) ## Footnote synonyms: affirm, assert He could _aver_ his innocence with complete confidence in his alibi.
60
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to castrate or make effeminate v. to weaken
emasculate | (uh-**mass**-kyuh-leyt) ## Footnote 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
# Define: dormant | (**door-**munt)
adj. inactive for a period of time ## Footnote The _dormant_ volcano erupted unexpectedly, injuring many.
62
# Define: recumbent | (rih-**kuhm**-buhnt)
adj. leaning, lying down ## Footnote He sat _recumbent_ on the picnic blanket.
63
# Define: dote | (**dote**)
v. to show excessive affection ## Footnote Her parents were strict but her grandparents always _doted_ on her and showered her with gifts.
64
# Define: frangible | (**fran**-djuh-buhl)
adj. fragile; easily broken ## Footnote The _frangible_ statue was accidently pushed over and shattered.
65
# Define: dupe | (**dewp**)
n. a person who is easily tricked v. to deceive ## Footnote The lying politician made those who had voted for him seem like _dupes_.
66
# Define: magnanimous | (mag-**nan**-uh-muhss)
adj. noble in spirit, generous in forgiving others ## Footnote Susan's _magnanimous_ personality made her many life-long friends.
67
# Define: ebb | (**eb**)
v. to decrease or recede n. a decline n. the outward flow of the tide ## Footnote Her affection for him began to _ebb_ a few days after the hasty wedding.
68
# Define: wizen | (**wiz**-uhn)
v. to shrivel, wrinkle, or wither, as of with old age ## Footnote A _wizened_ old man was walking through the park.
69
# Define: countermand | (koun-ter-**mand**)
v. to annul, cancel, make a contrary order ## Footnote The general _countermanded_ his previous order to retreat, telling the men to march straight into battle.
70
# Define: ebullient | (ih-**buhl**-yunt)
adj. very excited; joyously enthusiastic ## Footnote Linda was _ebullient_ when she made it into the semifinals.
71
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. inactive for a period of time
dormant | (**door-**munt) ## Footnote synonyms: inactive, sleeping, inoperative The volcano had been _dormant_ for decades, showing no signs of activity.
72
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. leaning, lying down
recumbent | (rih-**kuhm**-buhnt) ## Footnote synonyms: sprawling, reclining The _recumbent_ figure on the couch seemed to be in a deep sleep.
73
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to show excessive affection
dote | (**dote**) ## Footnote synonyms: favor, cherish Grandparents often _dote_ on their grandchildren, showering them with love and attention.
74
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. fragile; easily broken
frangible | (**fran**-djuh-buhl) ## Footnote synonyms: brittle, flimsy The _frangible_ glass ornament shattered at the slightest touch.
75
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a person who is easily tricked v. to deceive
dupe | (**dewp**) ## Footnote 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
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. noble in spirit, generous in forgiving others
magnanimous | (mag-**nan**-uh-muhss) ## Footnote synonyms: big-hearted, forgiving Her _magnanimous_ gesture of forgiveness surprised everyone after the betrayal.
77
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to decrease or recede n. a decline n. the outward flow of the tide
ebb | (**eb**) ## Footnote 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
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to shrivel, wrinkle, or wither, as of old age
wizen | (**wiz**-uhn) ## Footnote synonyms: sag, crinkle, dry up As he aged, his skin began to _wizen_, developing fine lines and wrinkles.
79
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to annul or cancel; to give a contrary order
countermand | (koun-ter-**mand**) ## Footnote synonyms: override, recall, revoke The manager had to _countermand_ the previous order due to new information.
80
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. very excited; joyously enthusiastic
ebullient | (ih-**buhl**-yunt) ## Footnote synonyms: bouncy, chipper, effervescent The crowd was _ebullient_, cheering and celebrating the team's victory.
81
# Define: apogee | (**ap**-uh-djee)
n. the highest point, zenith ## Footnote The _apogee_ of the roller coaster terrified even the most seasoned riders.
82
# Define: ecclesiastical | (ih-klee-zee-**ass**-tih-kuhl)
adj. relating to the church ## Footnote Mary decided to take up her _ecclesiastical_ concerns with the local priest.
83
# Define: eclectic | (ih-**klek**-tik)
adj. composed of parts from many different sources ## Footnote The girl's fashion sense was an _eclectic_ mix of conservative Victorian and colorful modern styles.
84
# Define: edify | (**ed**-ih-fahy)
v. to educate ## Footnote John attempted to _edify_ the impolite young man.
85
# Define: efficacious | (eff-ih-**kay**-shuss)
adj. producing or able to produce a desired result ## Footnote The woman insisted that her herbal medicines would be the most _efficacious_ remedy for the young patient.
86
# Define: puerile | (**pyoo**-er-ill)
adj. childish, immature ## Footnote The comedian had a _puerile_ sense of humor, invoking the bathroom in practically every joke.
87
# Define: effrontery | (ih-**frun**-tuh-ree)
adj. unjustified arrogance or boldness ## Footnote Although my sister had not invited me to her party, she had the _effrontery_ to ask me for help setting up.
88
# Define: effusive | (ih-**few**-siv)
adj. related to excessive or unchecked emotion ## Footnote Susan's _effusive_ praise of Ramon's new car made him think that perhaps she didn't really like it.
89
# Define: tortuous | (**tawr**-choo-uhs)
adj. winding, excessively complicated ## Footnote The philosopher made a _tortuous_ argument that not many of his students followed.
90
# Define: debauchery | (dih-**baw**-chuh-ree)
n. extreme sensual indulgence ## Footnote The _debauchery_ in the movie was enough to make me blush.
91
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the highest point, zenith
apogee | (**ap**-uh-djee) ## Footnote synonyms: pinnacle, apex The project reached its _apogee_ when it received international recognition.
92
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. relating to the church
ecclesiastical | (ih-klee-zee-**ass**-tih-kuhl) ## Footnote synonyms: clerical, parochial The conference focused on _ecclesiastical_ matters and their impact on the community.
93
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. composed of parts from many different sources
eclectic | (ih-**klek**-tik) ## Footnote synonyms: heterogeneous, multifarious Her _eclectic_ taste in music included everything from jazz to classical.
94
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to educate
edify | (**ed**-ih-fahy) ## Footnote synonyms: enlighten, teach The documentary aimed to _edify_ viewers about the importance of conservation.
95
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. producing or able to produce a desired result
efficacious | (eff-ih-**kay**-shuss) ## Footnote synonyms: efficient, capable The new medication proved to be _efficacious_ in treating the illness.
96
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. childish, immature
puerile | (**pyoo**-er-ill) ## Footnote synonyms: babyish, callow, infantile His _puerile_ jokes were amusing to children but fell flat with adults.
97
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. unjustified arrogance or boldness
effrontery | (ih-**frun**-tuh-ree) ## Footnote synonyms: audacity, impudence She had the _effrontery_ to challenge the CEO during the meeting.
98
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. related to excessive or unchecked emotion
effusive | (ih-**few**-siv) ## Footnote synonyms: overdone, extravagant His _effusive_ praise for her work made her feel appreciated.
99
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. winding, excessively complicated
tortuous | (**tawr**-choo-uhs) ## Footnote synonyms: ambiguous, convoluted, indirect The _tortuous_ path through the forest made the hike much longer than expected.
100
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. extreme sensual indulgence
debauchery | (dih-**baw**-chuh-ree) ## Footnote synonyms: depravity, lechery, lewdness The party descended into _debauchery_, with guests indulging in excess.

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