Vocab Quiz #18 Flashcards
abominable (adj)
causing disgust or hatred
EX: Even though he thought Tim’s treatment of his wife was abominable, he didn’t feel it was right to confront him about the abuse.
imperturbable (adj)
extremely calm
EX: Surrounded by flames and carrying a small child, the imperturbable fireman kept his cool and found his way out of the burning apartment.
disparage (verb)
to lower in rank or reputation; degrade
EX: You disparage my brother by saying he is worthless?
tantamount (adj)
equivalent in value, significance, or effect
EX: To leave a dog in a hot car is tantamount to torture.
countervail (TV)
to act against with equal force; to counteract
EX: As a way to countervail the effect the lousy test had on his overall grade, the student did an extra credit project for more points.
efface (TV)
to make disappear by rubbing out, striking out (to erase)
EX: If I could efface all of my sad memories, I would be a very happy person.
conflate (TV)
to bring together, to join or mold together
EX: The scientist tried to conflate the two chemicals, but they exploded instead of blending.
providential (adj)
fortunate
EX: Winning the lottery was a providential step towards paying off my mounting debt.
abstruse (adj)
difficult to comprehend or understand
EX: When my uncle talks too fast, he can be quite abstruse.
privation (noun)
an act or instance of depriving
EX: My grandparents described the Great Depression as a time of privation where there were no luxuries, but plenty of love.
remonstrate (IV)
to argue with, complain to, or criticize someone about something
EX: Although Jack attempted to remonstrate with the police officer, he still received a speeding ticket.
tirade (noun)
a very long angry speech
EX: When the airline representative told me my luggage was lost, I responded to the announcement with a tirade.
