Vocab quiz #3 Flashcards
Acuity
the sharpness of the senses/mind.
Owls make use of their excellent visual acuity to chase their prey at night.
Delineate
to point out/highlight or describe.
Computer programs which can delineate faces are very helpful to law enforcement agencies.
Depraved
evil, corrupt and lacking morals.
Although Linda was raised in a religious household, she now lives a depraved life.
Emend
to correct errors in (something written)
Professor Dinglebutton emended my essay on several points, but I had been fairly correct, on the whole.
Enervate
to weaken or make less; cause to feel drained of energy or vitality
If the hurricane comes near the city, the storm surge may enervate the flood walls and cause them to crumble.
Esoteric
intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
The medical research was so esoteric that only a few physicians could actually understand the results.
Fecund
producing or able to produce many babies, young animals, or plants; fertile.
The fecund breed of cattle is known to give birth to triplets or quadruplets frequently.
Fiat
an authoritative and oftentimes arbitrary decree or command.
The restaurant manager issued a fiat stating employees could not place their vehicles in the parking area.
Figment
a fabrication of the mind.
Thus far, the invisible human being has been nothing more than a figment of fantasy writers.
Garner
to acquire or gather through effort, to earn
The actor hopes to garner interest in his film by promoting it on several talk shows.
Hallow
to set apart as sacred or holy.
The medicine man hallows the chief’s body as it is prepared for its final rest.
Idiosyncrasy
a peculiarity that distinguishes individuals.
While my father had many peculiar habits, his biggest idiosyncrasy was collecting his own toenail clippings
Ignominy
usually public shame or embarrassment; disgrace.
Because he was given a dishonorable discharge from the military, Carl had no choice but to return home in ignominy.
Mundane
ordinary, common, boring, practical.
My mundane life of working at a dead-end job for the last decade is getting old.
Nuance
a subtle or slight variation in color, tone, or meaning etc
To perfect his game, the rookie golfer watched every nuance of his mentor’s swing.
Overweening
too confident or proud; excessive, presumptuous, conceited.
The overweening heiress did not believe she should have to wait in line for anything.
Penchant
a tendency, a knack, or inclination.
To be an exceptional baseball player, you must have skill and a penchant for the game itself.
Prevaricate
to avoid telling the truth by not directly answering a question.
Government officials prevaricate about the real costs of the project, and speak only about its potential benefits.
Reputed
said to be true according to reputation.
Don’t eat those berries because they are reputed to cause diarrhea!
Sophistry
the use of reasoning that seems plausible, but isn’t (BS).
Although the cult leader knew he was being dishonest with his group members, he hoped they would believe his sophistry.
Sumptuous
costly, deliciously rich, magnificent.
As I sank into the sumptuous seats of the luxury vehicle, I knew I was going to enjoy the long road trip.
Ubiquitous
existing everywhere.
If you have not noticed, computers have become ubiquitous in society.
