Vocab Junkie - Set 7

Question 1

Define:

obfuscate

(ob-fuh-skeyt)

Answer 1

v. to deliberately obscure, to make confusing, to bewilder

The governor obfuscated the issue with big words and numbers.

Question 2

Define:

encomium

(en-koh-mee-uhm)

Answer 2

n. enthusiastic praise

That country’s national anthem is an encomium to the heroes of a war long past.

Question 3

Define:

din

(din)

Answer 3

n. loud sustained noise, confusing or tumultuous sound

During the concert, Jill couldn’t hear Rick over the din of the loudspeakers.

Question 4

Define:

alloy

(n. al-oi; v. al-oi)

Answer 4

n. a mixture of superior and inferior ingredients

v. to debase by mixing with something inferior

The heroism one sees nowadays is often alloyed with some degree of self-interest.

Question 5

Define:

pugilism

(pyoo-djuh-liz-uhm)

Answer 5

n. the skill or practice of fighting with fists; boxing

Mike Tyson is known throughout the world for his pugilism.

Question 6

Define:

sanctimony

(sangk-tuh-moh-nee)

Answer 6

n. self-righteousness, pretended piety

His sanctimony was laughable, since we all knew he was one of the worst offenders.

Question 7

Define:

baleful

(beyl-fuhl)

Answer 7

adj. full of sinister influence, pernicious, ominous

The basilisk’s baleful glare is lethal.

Question 8

Define:

hallow

(hal-oh)

Answer 8

v. to set apart as holy, to sanctify

The site for the church was hallowed in a special ceremony.

Question 9

Define:

ostensible

(uh-sten-suh-buhl)

Answer 9

adj. apparent

adj. pretended

The oil spill was the ostensible result of lax safety regulations.

Question 10

Define:

sinecure

(sahy-nih-kyoor)

Answer 10

n. a comfortable job requiring little work

Carolyn’s position in the office is a sinecure; she does nothing all day yet she draws the same salary as everyone else.

Question 11

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to deliberately obscure, to make confusing, to bewilder

Answer 11

obfuscate

(ob-fuh-skeyt)

synonyms: baffle, muddle, confound

The lawyer tried to obfuscate the truth with complicated jargon.

Question 12

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. enthusiastic praise

Answer 12

encomium

(en-koh-mee-uhm)

synonyms: tribute, laudation, praise

The professor delivered an encomium to honor her colleague’s contributions.

Question 13

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. loud, sustained noise, confusing or tumultuous sound

Answer 13

din

(din)

synonyms: buzz, clamor, commotion, racket

The din of traffic outside made it difficult to concentrate on my work.

Question 14

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a mixture of superior and inferior ingredients

v. to debase by mixing with something inferior

Answer 14

alloy

(n. al-oi; v. al-oi)

synonyms: blend, combination; debase, devalue

The jeweler used an alloy of gold and silver to create a more affordable piece of jewelry.

His reputation was alloyed by the scandal, tarnishing his previously good name.

Question 15

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. the skill or practice of fighting with fists; boxing

Answer 15

pugilism

(pyoo-djuh-liz-uhm)

synonyms: battle, sparring, duel

His interest in pugilism led him to train as a professional boxer.

Question 16

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. self-righteousness, pretended piety

Answer 16

sanctimony

(sangk-tuh-moh-nee)

synonyms: smug, hypocritical, preachy

Her sanctimony was evident as she criticized others while ignoring her own flaws.

Question 17

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. full of sinister influence, pernicious, ominous

Answer 17

baleful

(beyl-fuhl)

synonyms: menacing, evil

The baleful look in his eyes warned everyone to stay away.

Question 18

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to set apart as holy, to sanctify

Answer 18

hallow

(hal-oh)

synonyms: bless, consecrate

The community gathered to hallow the new church, marking its significance.

Question 19

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. apparent

Answer 19

ostensible

(uh-sten-suh-buhl)

synonyms: exhibited, likely, manifest

The ostensible reason for his absence was a family emergency, but many suspected otherwise.

Question 20

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a comfortable job requiring little work

Answer 20

sinecure

(sahy-nih-kyoor)

synonyms: easy work

She landed a sinecure position that allowed her to travel while earning a salary.

Question 21

Define:

lackey

(lak-ee)

Answer 21

n. a male servant, servile follower, toady

Lori’s boyfriend becomes a lackey during her shopping trips.

Question 22

Define:

redress

(ree-dress)

Answer 22

v. to set right, to remedy

n. compensation or restitution for a wrong

The peaceful petitioning for redress of wrongs is a right enshrined in our country’s founding document.

Question 23

Define:

unctuous

(uhngk-choo-uhs)

Answer 23

adj. oily, greasy

adj. characterized by insincere earnestness

The king had the unctuous toady removed from his palace.

Question 24

Define:

arrant

(ar-uhnt)

Answer 24

adj. impudent

adj. thorough, utter, notorious

Though the professor is considered one of the greats of his discipline, lately his lectures have verged on arrant nonsense.

Question 25

# Define: vaunt | (**vawnt**)

Answer 25

v. to boast or brag about ## Footnote Chris, though usually very modest, will readily _vaunt_ his achievements in a job interview.

Question 26

# Define: affectation | (af-ek-**tey**-shuhn)

Answer 26

n. a show or pretense n. artificial behavior to impress others ## Footnote That American doctor's _affectation_ of a British accent has drawn much criticism.

Question 27

# Define: philately | (fih-**lat**-uhl-ee)

Answer 27

n. the study of postage stamps ## Footnote His grandfather is obsessed with _philately_ and has even made several overseas pen pals in order to study their countries' postage.

Question 28

# Define: canonical | (kuh-**non**-ih-kuhl)

Answer 28

adj. in agreement with accepted principles adj. authorized, accepted ## Footnote The _canonical_ Mozart sonatas were consulted in order to compare them to the newly-discovered manuscript attributed to him.

Question 29

# Define: whit | (**wit**)

Answer 29

n. the smallest possible part or fraction ## Footnote The bank robber did not have a _whit_ of self-respect.

Question 30

# Define: epaulet | (**ep**-uh-let)

Answer 30

n. a shoulder ornament, esp. a strap on military uniforms ## Footnote The veteran's uniform was adorned by a pair of impressive _epaulets_.

Question 31

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a male servant, servile follower, toady

Answer 31

lackey | (**lak**-ee) ## Footnote synonyms: servant, butler, subordinate He acted like a _lackey_, always eager to please his demanding boss.

Question 32

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to set right, to remedy n. compensation or restitution for a wrong

Answer 32

redress | (**ree**-dress) ## Footnote synonyms: help, compensate; justice She sought to _redress_ the unfair treatment she received at work. The court awarded him _redress_ for the damages incurred.

Question 33

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. oily, greasy adj. characterized by insincere earnestness

Answer 33

unctuous | (**uhngk**-choo-uhs) ## Footnote synonyms: fatty, slick; lying, untruthful The _unctuous_ texture of the cream made it hard to apply evenly. His _unctuous_ compliments felt disingenuous and insincere.

Question 34

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. impudent adj. thorough, utter, notorious

Answer 34

arrant | (**ar**-uhnt) ## Footnote synonyms: shameless; brazen His _arrant_ disrespect for authority shocked his teachers. The report was an _arrant_ failure, lacking any credible evidence.

Question 35

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to boast, to brag

Answer 35

vaunt | (**vawnt**) ## Footnote synonyms: flaunt, gloat He liked to _vaunt_ his accomplishments at every opportunity.

Question 36

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a show or pretense n. artificial behavior to impress others

Answer 36

affectation | (af-ek-**tey**-shuhn) ## Footnote synonyms: pretend, artificiality Her _affectation_ of sophistication did not impress her peers. He dropped his _affectation_ and spoke genuinely for the first time.

Question 37

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the study of postage stamps

Answer 37

philately | (fih-**lat**-uhl-ee) ## Footnote synonyms: study of stamps His _passion_ for philately led him to collect rare postage stamps from around the world.

Question 38

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. in agreement with accepted principles adj. authorized, accepted

Answer 38

canonical | (kuh-**non**-ih-kuhl) ## Footnote synonyms: orthodox, standard The_ canonical_ texts of the religion are studied by scholars worldwide. The _canonical_ version of the story differs from the original manuscript.

Question 39

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the smallest possible part or fraction

Answer 39

whit | (**wit**) ## Footnote synonyms: atom, crumb, grain, iota She didn’t care a _whit_ about the negative reviews of her performance.

Question 40

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a shoulder ornament, esp. a strap on military uniforms

Answer 40

epaulet | (**ep**-uh-let) ## Footnote synonyms: military decoration, service stripe The officer’s uniform featured an ornate _epaulet_ that signified his rank.

Question 41

# Define: panoply | (**pan**-uh-plee)

Answer 41

n. a splendid, striking array n. the complete armory of a warrior n. a shining protective array ## Footnote A porcupine's _panoply_ of quills is quite a protective arsenal.

Question 42

# Define: pantheon | (**pan**-thee-on)

Answer 42

n. a temple dedicated to the gods n. all the gods of a people n. a group of famous persons ## Footnote The Greek _pantheon_ includes Zeus and his consort, Hera.

Question 43

# Define: blandish | (**blan**-dish)

Answer 43

v. to coax or influence with flattery ## Footnote Steve _blandished_ her into going out with him.

Question 44

# Define: peremptory | (puh-**remp**-tuh-ree)

Answer 44

adj. admitting of no contradiction; putting an end to further debate; haughty; imperious ## Footnote He ended the discussion with a _peremptory_ wave of his hand.

Question 45

# Define: tyro | (**tahy**-roh)

Answer 45

n. a beginner or novice in any kind of skill ## Footnote The hapless _tyro_ tripped over the ropes on his way into the boxing ring.

Question 46

# Define: fetid | (**fet**-id)

Answer 46

adj. malodorous, stinky ## Footnote The _fetid_ green substance had taken over the entire fridge.

Question 47

# Define: fecundity | (fih-**kuhn**-dih-tee)

Answer 47

n. fertility, fruitfulness ## Footnote An artist's period of _fecundity_ can come at any time of her life.

Question 48

# Define: rarefied | (**rair**-uh-fahyd)

Answer 48

adj. thin, pure, refined ## Footnote The _rarefied_ air of higher altitudes makes it very difficult to climb Mt. Everest.

Question 49

# Define: delectation | (dee-lek-**tey**-shuhn)

Answer 49

n. enjoyment ## Footnote They played wiffleball for the _delectation_ of it, not for the competition.

Question 50

# Define: fickle | (**fick**-ul)

Answer 50

adj. prone to changing often ## Footnote Suzanne was a _fickle_ friend who could not be relied upon.

Question 51

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a splendid, striking array n. the complete armory of a warrior n. a shining protective array

Answer 51

panoply | (**pan**-uh-plee) ## Footnote synonyms: display, arrangement; armaments The museum displayed a _panoply_ of ancient artifacts from various cultures. The knight's _panoply_ included a sword, shield, and helmet. The soldier donned his _panoply_ before heading into battle.

Question 52

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a temple dedicated to the gods n. all the gods of a people n. a group of famous persons

Answer 52

pantheon | (**pan**-thee-on) ## Footnote synonyms: house of worship, sanctuary The ancient _pantheon_ was dedicated to the gods of mythology. In Greek culture, the _pantheon_ includes Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon. The artist was considered part of the _pantheon_ of great musicians.

Question 53

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to coax or influence with flattery

Answer 53

blandish | (**blan**-dish) ## Footnote synonyms: charm, flatter She tried to _blandish_ the manager into giving her a promotion.

Question 54

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. admitting of no contradiction; putting an end to further debate; haughty; imperious

Answer 54

peremptory | (puh-**remp**-tuh-ree) ## Footnote synonyms: opinionated, absolute, assertive The manager’s _peremptory_ tone left no room for discussion or dissent.

Question 55

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a beginner or novice in any kind of skill

Answer 55

tyro | (**tahy**-roh) ## Footnote synonyms: beginner, rookie As a _tyro_ in the art world, she eagerly absorbed all the knowledge she could find.

Question 56

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. malodorous, stinky

Answer 56

fetid | (**fet**-id) ## Footnote synonyms: corrupt, gross The _fetid_ smell from the garbage bin made it difficult to enter the kitchen.

Question 57

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. fertility, fruitfulness

Answer 57

fecundity | (fih-**kuhn**-dih-tee) ## Footnote synonyms: abundance, productivity The _fecundity_ of the soil made the region ideal for agriculture.

Question 58

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. thin, pure, refined

Answer 58

rarefied | (**rair**-uh-fahyd) ## Footnote synonyms: thin, refined The _rarefied_ atmosphere at high altitudes requires acclimatization.

Question 59

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. enjoyment

Answer 59

delectation | (dee-lek-**tey**-shuhn) ## Footnote synonyms: delight, elation He savored the dish with great _delectation_, enjoying every bite.

Question 60

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. prone to changing often

Answer 60

fickle | (**fick**-ul) ## Footnote synonyms: inconstant, unpredictable Her _fickle_ nature led her to change her plans at the last minute.

Question 61

# Define: fidelity | (fih-**dell**-ih-tee)

Answer 61

n. devotion to obligations or loyalties n. the accuracy of a reproduced sound or image ## Footnote Kevin's parents were proud of him for his _fidelity_ to the family business.

Question 62

# Define: fission | (**fish**-un)

Answer 62

n. the act of separating into parts ## Footnote The controversial legislation led to the _fission_ of the administration.

Question 63

# Define: flag | (**flag**)

Answer 63

v. to become tired or weak v. to droop or limp ## Footnote The runner's enthusiasm _flagged_ when she realized she still had many miles ahead of her.

Question 64

# Define: florid | (**floor**-id)

Answer 64

adj. healthy-looking adj. ornate or flowery ## Footnote The author's _florid_ prose did not impress the critics, who found her work pretentious.

Question 65

# Define: forbear | (for-**bear**)

Answer 65

v. to refrain from doing something ## Footnote Although I know Adam likes to crack jokes, I would have liked him to _forbear_ silliness in such a serious situation.

Question 66

# Define: forestall | (for-**stall**)

Answer 66

v. to deal with ahead of time; to prevent ## Footnote The mayor called the police before the protest even began in order to _forestall_ rioting.

Question 67

# Define: quail | (**kweyl**)

Answer 67

v. to shrink with fear ## Footnote The puppy _quailed_ at my angry tone.

Question 68

# Define: forthright | (**forth**-rahyt)

Answer 68

adj. straightforward ## Footnote One should be _forthright_ and honest with the authorities so as not to seem suspicious.

Question 69

# Define: fortuity | (for-**too**-ih-tee)

Answer 69

n. an event that happens by chance without a known cause n. luck ## Footnote By sheer _fortuity_, Linda was assigned to the same homeroom as her twin brother.

Question 70

# Define: mince | (**minss**)

Answer 70

v. to speak carefully; to euphemize ## Footnote Don't _mince_ words with me; just say what you need to say!

Question 71

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. devotion to obligations or loyalties n. the accuracy of a reproduced sound or image

Answer 71

fidelity | (fih-**dell**-ih-tee) ## Footnote synonyms: allegiance, faith His _fidelity_ to the team was evident in his willingness to help whenever needed. The _fidelity_ of the audio recording was exceptional, capturing every nuance of the performance.

Question 72

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the act of separating into parts

Answer 72

fission | (**fish**-un) ## Footnote synonyms: division, severance, parting Nuclear _fission_ is the process that releases energy in nuclear reactors.

Question 73

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to become tired or weak v. to droop or limp

Answer 73

flag | (**flag**) ## Footnote synonyms: droop, fade, wane, weaken After hours of studying, she began to _flag_ and needed a short break. The tired flowers started to _flag_ in the heat of the afternoon sun.

Question 74

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. healthy-looking adj. ornate or flowery

Answer 74

florid | (**floor**-id) ## Footnote synonyms: pretty, fancy; extravagant, ornamental His _florid_ complexion indicated that he was in excellent health. The _florid_ language in her speech captivated the audience.

Question 75

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to refrain from doing something

Answer 75

forbear | (for-**bear**) ## Footnote synonyms: avoid, constrain, forgo She chose to _forbear_ from commenting on the sensitive issue.

Question 76

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to deal with ahead of time; to prevent

Answer 76

forestall | (for-**stall**) ## Footnote synonyms: intercept, anticipate, prevent The company implemented measures to _forestall_ potential delays in production.

Question 77

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to shrink with fear

Answer 77

quail | (**kweyl**) ## Footnote synonyms: recoil, cower He began to _quail_ at the thought of facing his fears.

Question 78

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. straightforward

Answer 78

forthright | (**forth**-rahyt) ## Footnote synonyms: honest, frank Her _forthright_ answer left no room for misunderstanding.

Question 79

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. an event that happens by chance without a known cause n. luck

Answer 79

fortuity | (for-**too**-ih-tee) ## Footnote synonyms: accident; good fortune It was pure _fortuity_ that they met at the café. Their success was attributed to a mix of skill and _fortuity_.

Question 80

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to speak carefully; to euphemize

Answer 80

mince | (**minss**) ## Footnote synonyms: soften, tone down He decided to _mince_ his words to avoid offending anyone.

Question 81

# Define: visceral | (**viss**-er-uhl)

Answer 81

adj. felt in one's stomach adj. emotional, rather than intellectual ## Footnote Jeb's _visceral_ response to his mother's racist ramblings was visible to all of us.

Question 82

# Define: refectory | (rih-**fek**-tuh-ree)

Answer 82

n. a room or dining area where meals are served ## Footnote The students milled about the entrance to the _refectory_, counting down the seconds until supper would be served.

Question 83

# Define: frenetic | (fruh-**net**-ik)

Answer 83

adj. frenzied or frantic ## Footnote _Frenetic_ screams filled the room as people tried to get out before the fire spread.

Question 84

# Define: infinitesimal | (in-fin-ih-**tess**-uh-muhl)

Answer 84

adj. immeasurably small ## Footnote The proportion of truly selfless people in this world is surely _infinitesimal_.

Question 85

# Define: sanguine | (**sang**-gwin)

Answer 85

adj. cheerfully optimistic ## Footnote Samantha had a _sanguine_ attitude towards life that enriched those around her.

Question 86

# Define: furtive | (**fur**-tiv)

Answer 86

adj. secretive, sly ## Footnote At the party, Julia cast _furtive_ glances around the room to make sure her older sister was not around to send her back home.

Question 87

# Define: calumny | (**kal**-uhm-nee)

Answer 87

n. a false statement; slander, aspersion ## Footnote The desperate candidate abandoned reasoned arguments and resorted to _calumnies_ against the front-runner.

Question 88

# Define: quotidian | (kwoh-**tid**-ee-uhn)

Answer 88

adj. everyday, commonplace, habitual ## Footnote Joe's small, _quotidian_ pleasures seemed more substantial than Mattias's high-profile jet-setting.

Question 89

# Define: salacious | (suh-**ley**-shuhs)

Answer 89

adj. causing sexual desire, bawdy ## Footnote Many parents were unhappy with the magazine's _salacious_ material.

Question 90

# Define: importune | (im-**pour**-chewn)

Answer 90

v. to beg persistently ## Footnote Kate _importuned_ her father every day to teach her how to sail.

Question 91

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. felt in one's stomach adj. emotional, rather than intellectual

Answer 91

visceral | (**viss**-er-uhl) ## Footnote synonyms: habitual, instinctive, inherent; affective She had a _visceral_ reaction to the shocking news. His _visceral_ storytelling resonated deeply with the audience.

Question 92

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a room or dining area where meals are served

Answer 92

refectory | (rih-**fek**-tuh-ree) ## Footnote synonyms: chamber, dining hall The students gathered in the _refectory_ for lunch.

Question 93

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. frenzied or frantic

Answer 93

frenetic | (fruh-**net**-ik) ## Footnote synonyms: anxious, hysterical, rattled The _frenetic_ pace of the city life overwhelmed her during the first few days.

Question 94

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. immeasurably small

Answer 94

infinitesimal | (in-fin-ih-**tess**-uh-muhl) ## Footnote synonyms: little, microscopic The scientist measured the _infinitesimal_ changes in the sample's composition.

Question 95

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. cheerfully optimistic

Answer 95

sanguine | (**sang**-gwin) ## Footnote synonyms: happy, cheerful Despite the challenges, he remained _sanguine_ about the future.

Question 96

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. secretive, sly

Answer 96

furtive | (**fur**-tiv) ## Footnote synonyms: sneaky, stealthy He cast a _furtive_ glance around the room, making sure no one was watching.

Question 97

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a false statement; slander, aspersion

Answer 97

calumny | (**kal**-uhm-nee) ## Footnote synonyms: misrepresentations, slanderous The politician faced _calumny_ from opponents who spread false rumors.

Question 98

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. everyday, commonplace, habitual

Answer 98

quotidian | (kwoh-**tid**-ee-uhn) ## Footnote synonyms: ordinary, trivial His _quotidian_ routine involved coffee and a newspaper each morning.

Question 99

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. causing sexual desire, bawdy

Answer 99

salacious | (suh-**ley**-shuhs) ## Footnote synonyms: erotic, lecherous, raunchy The novel was criticized for its _salacious_ content and explicit themes.

Question 100

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to beg persistently

Answer 100

importune | (im-**pour**-chewn) ## Footnote synonyms: demand, appeal She would _importune_ her friends for help whenever she was in need.