Vocab list Flashcards
morpheme
a morphological element considered with respect to its functional relations in a linguistic system.
a meaningful morphological unit of a language that cannot be further divided (e.g. in, come, -ing, forming incoming ).
ad hoc
“the group was constituted ad hoc”
when necessary or needed.
sine qua non
“grammar and usage are the sine qua non of language teaching and learning”
an essential condition; a thing that is absolutely necessary.
obfuscate
“the spelling changes will deform some familiar words and obfuscate their etymological origins”
render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
castigate
“he was castigated for not setting a good example”
reprimand (someone) severely.
boilerplate
“the ice-worn boilerplates”
rolled steel for making boilers.
allude, allusion
“she had a way of alluding to Jean but never saying her name”
suggest or call attention to indirectly; hint at.
conceit
“the idea of the wind’s singing is a prime romantic conceit”
a fanciful expression in writing or speech; an elaborate metaphor.
reification
when you think of or treat something abstract as a physical thing
elucidate
“work such as theirs will help to elucidate this matter”
make (something) clear; explain.
canon
“the appointment violated the canons of fair play and equal opportunity”
a general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged.
de facto
“the island has been de facto divided into two countries”
in fact, or in effect, whether by right or not.
highbrow
“innovatory art had a small, mostly highbrow following”
scholarly or rarefied in taste.
trepidation
“the men set off in fear and trepidation”
a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.
internalize
“people learn gender stereotypes and internalize them”
make (attitudes or behavior) part of one’s nature by learning or unconscious assimilation.
subversive
“subversive literature”
seeking or intended to subvert an established system or institution.
genesis
“this tale had its genesis in fireside stories”
the origin or mode of formation of something.
pro forma
“he nodded to him pro forma”
as a matter of form or politeness.
