Vocab- Oct - 2019 Flashcards
aeon
an indefinite and very long period of time.
“he reached the crag aeons before I arrived”
oblation
a thing presented or offered to God or a god
“he had done public penance for those hasty words”
punishment inflicted on oneself as an outward expression of repentance for wrongdoing.
polemicist
a person who engages in controversial debate.
“an apocryphal story about a former president”
(of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true.
an astute businessman
Someone who is astute is clever and has good judgment
old men are often unfairly awarded the epithet ‘dirty
an adjective or phrase expressing a quality or attribute regarded as characteristic of the person or thing mentioned
diction
choice of words
rapture
intense joy and pleasure
grandeur
splendour and impressiveness, especially of appearance or style
“she gave him a perplexed look”
completely baffled; very puzzled.
puzzled
ruminate
contemplate, think deeply about something.
equivocal
– adj. – not easily understood or explained
engender
– verb – to produce, cause, or give rise to (something)
a capricious climate.
given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behaviour
loquacious
– adj. – tending to talk a great deal
I vacillated between teaching and journalism
– verb – to waver between different opinions or actions, indecisive
fashions are ephemeral: new ones regularly drive out the old
– adj. – lasting for a very short time
widespread apathy among students
– noun – lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
“his laconic reply suggested a lack of interest in the topic
– adj. – using few words
“the incident precipitated a political crisis
cause (an event or situation, typically one that is undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.
the letter assuaged the fears of most members
– verb – to make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense
Ken could turn any conversation into an erudite discussion
– adj. – having or showing great knowledge
the government wished to clip the wings of the local authority prodigals
prodigal habits die hard
– adj. – wastefully extravagant
a person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way.
enigma
– noun – a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand
at the school board meeting the librarian delivered a fervid speech defending the classic novel against would-be censors
– adj. – intensely enthusiastic or passionate
having or expressing great depth of feeling
pedant
– noun – a person who makes an excessive display of learning
“they attempted to placate the students with promises”
– verb – to make (someone) less angry or hostile
gullible
– adj. – easily persuaded to believe something
zeal
– noun – a strong feel of interest and enthusiasm that makes someone very eager or determined to do something
abstain
– verb – to restrain oneself for doing or enjoying something
audacious
– adj. – a willingness to take bold risks / adj. – showing a lack of respect
“the debilitating effects of underinvestment”
tending to weaken something.
“his attacker whacked him on the head”
strike forcefully with a sharp blow.
The students are united by shared suffering, and by a common adversary.
someone who offers opposition
I wish I had handled it with aplomb
great coolness and composure under strain
Virga still feels apprehensive when visiting an unfamiliar zoo.
in fear or dread of possible evil or harm
Napoleon loses so big that he is banished to an island.
send away from a place of residence, as for punishment
Sporting a pith helmet, Nixon observed that “whoever is talking the loudest is pretty sure to be bluffing.”
deceive someone about your strength or intentions
Brackish water can be used, but freshwater is easier and less costly.
slightly salty
