Vocab List 3 Flashcards
Ante Bellum
Occurring or existing before a war, usually the American Civil War
The antebellum period was full of reform movements, including the abolition movement.
synchronicity
simultaneous events which appear significantly related but have no discernable connection
The same song was playing on every radio station, giving the appearance of synchronicity.
abrogate
repeal or do away with
There was a proposal to abrogate the right to have pets in the building.
ethos
the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community
The ethos of the 1960s was one of peace, as many protested against war.
Thaumaturgist
A performer of miracles
Many saints are often considered thaumaturgists because they perform miracles.
Peripatetic
related to walking
Her peripatetic trip was tiring.
amenable
open and responsive to suggestion
The students were amenable.
gigolo
a young man paid by an older woman to be her escort or lover
The woman’s gigolo was quite handsome.
expectorate
to cough or spit out phlegm
We ask that you not expectorate in that sink
laconic
using few words
The speech was laconic and therefore showed his lack of interest.
corybantic
wild or frenzied
The movements were corybantic
cadre
a small group trained for a particular purpose or profession
A cadre of scientists joined the convention
gauche
lacking ease or grace
The wedding was awfully gauche
etude
a short musical composition
The pianist played an etude to demonstrate her skill.
coupe de grace
a final blow or shot
The final embarrassment was his coup de grace
denouement
the final part of a story that draws the stands of plot together and explains/resolves matters
The denouement of the book seemed rushed and was unsatisfying.
en mass
in mass; all together
We cleaned up en mass.
canaille
the common people
Marie Antoinette looked down on the canaille
ovine
relating to or resembling sheep
The origin of the yarn is ovine
factotum
a person with many activities or responsibilities
The factotum had too many responsibilities.
de facto
in reality; in fact
The border split the countries de facto.
idee fixe
an obsession
History was his idee fixe
paean
a song of praise or triumph
A paean was played after the battle was won.
picayune
petty; worthless
The picayune bickering is driving me crazy.
abattoir
a slaughter-house
The pigs were taken to an abattoir
hortative
to give strong encouragement
The hortative was meat to be encouraging, not discouraging.
obsequious
obedient or attentive to an excessive degree
His obsequiousness was troubling.
temerity
excessive confidence or boldness
His temerity is astounding
cohort
a group of people with a shared characteristic
A cohort of green-eyed people entered the building
imprecation
a spoken curse
The woman was hurling imprecations at everyone who passed by.
