Vocab Set 2.1

Question 1

latent

Answer 1

present (as in a quality for trait) but not visible or apparent

There were latent defects in the system

Question 2

mayhem

Answer 2

needless or willful damage or violence

Video games are often criticized for glamorizing murder and mayhem

Question 3

maelstrom

Answer 3

1. A powerful whirlpool in a sea or river
2. A situation or state of confused movement or violent turmoil

She was caught in a maelstrom of emotions

Question 4

superfluous

Answer 4

unnecessary; excessive

Watering your lawn on a rainy day is superfluous

Question 5

ameliorate

Answer 5

to make a bad situation better

Volunteers were able to ameliorate conditions in the refugee camp

Question 6

exacerbate

Answer 6

to make a bad situation worse

The hateful speech by the demagogue only exacerbated the violent situation at the rally

Question 7

visceral

Answer 7

a feeling coming from deep inside (as opposed to
your brain)

The pain is visceral, and the loss of her more devastating.

Question 8

ephemeral

Answer 8

lasting for a very short time (used to describe nature, something beautiful, or aesthetic)

The ephemeral romance only lasted a few weeks before it fizzled out

Question 9

artifice

Answer 9

a clever or cunning method or strategy, especially as used to trick or deceive others

The politician used his life story as an artifice to win voter sympathy

Question 10

impunity

Answer 10

exemption or freedom from punishment

She mistakenly believed that she could insult people with impunity