Vocab List 3 Flashcards
abominate
(v.) to have an intense dislike or hatred for
SYNONYMS: loathe, abhor, despise, detest; ANTONYMS: relish, savor, esteem
acculturation
(n.) the modification of the social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another; the resultant blend
Every immigrant group newly arrived in another country goes through a slow process of acculturation.
adventitious
(adj.) resulting from chance, unplanned, incidental (neutral or positive connotation)
SYNONYMS: extrinsic, incidental, fortuitous; ANTONYMS: essential, intrinsic, inherent, congenital
ascribe
(v.) to assign or refer to (as a cause or source), attribute
You may ascribe these holes to gophers or elves, but I blame the dog from next door. SYNONYMS: impute, credit
circuitous
(adj.) roundabout, not direct
I followed a circuitous path through the woods, not because I feared pursuit, but because I was less concerned. SYNONYMS: indirect, meandering, winding; ANTONYMS: straight, direct, as the crow flies.
commiserate
(v.) to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress
The family commiserated with her after the loss of her old and faithful dog. SYNONYMS: feel sorry for, empathize; ANTONYM: feel no sympathy for.
enjoin
(v.) to direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way; to prohibit
Example: They enjoined them to stop spending so much money or to face the consequences.
expedite
(v.) to make easy, cause to progress faster
Example: The pleasant background music did not expedite my work but instead distracted me.
expiate
(v.) to make amends, make up for; to avert
Example: They seemed more than willing to expiate their guilt by whatever means necessary.
ferment
(n.) a state of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence, and cause trouble or disorder
Example: Caught in the ferment of revolution, the young men enlisted with the local militias.
inadvertent
(adj.) resulting from or marked by lack of attention (typically negative connotation)
Example: The poor fellow was stronger than he realized, and the damage he did was inadvertent.
nominal
(adj.) existing in name only, too small to be considered or taken seriously
Example: The new health clinic for lower-income residents charges nominal fees.
noncommittal
(adj.) not decisive or definite; unwilling to take a clear position
Example: We questioned her quietly, carefully, and at length, but her answers remained noncommittal.
peculate
(v.) to steal something that has been given into one’s trust; to take improperly for one’s own use
Investigators discovered that the clerk came up with a scheme to peculate from the company.
proclivity
(n.) a natural inclination or tendency, especially of human character or behavior
Curious, patient, and fond of long walks outdoors, she soon displayed a proclivity for nature study.
sangfroid
(n.) composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances
Even when they forget their lines, experienced actors can usually perform with sangfroid.
seditious
(adj.) resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government
Dictators usually begin their reigns by searching out and silencing seditious opinion.
tenuous
(adj.) weak or slight
I always had a tenuous grass of more advanced math. Another example is the connection between carbon emissions and global warming is not tenuous.
vitriolic
(adj.) bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid)
Though hurt by his vitriolic language, I had to admit that some of his points were valid.
wheedle
(v.) to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end
The spy used charm and flattery in order to wheedle the information from the diplomat.
