Vocab Unit 2 Definitions

Question 1

v. approach and speak to someone aggressively or insistently

Answer 1

accost

Question 2

n. harsh criticism or disapproval

Answer 2

animadversion

Question 3

adj. marked by active interest and enthusiasm

Answer 3

avid

Question 4

adj. slightly salty, unpleasant taste

Answer 4

brackish

Question 5

n. swiftness, rapidity of motion or action

Answer 5

celerity

Question 6

adj. turning away from a straight course; shifty or underhanded

Answer 6

devious

Question 7

n. a chess move in which the player sacrifices minor pieces

Answer 7

gambit

Question 8

n. a mythical bird said to breed at the winter solstice
adj. calm, peaceful, happy

Answer 8

halcyon

Question 9

adj. overly dramatic or emotional, melodramatic

Answer 9

histrionic

Question 10

adj. capable of causing fires or catching fire spontaneously
n. arsonist

Answer 10

incendiary

Question 11

n. a powerful circular current of water, whirlpool

Answer 11

maelstrom

Question 12

adj. unable to see distant objects clearly

Answer 12

myopic

Question 13

adj. open and observable; not secret or hidden

Answer 13

overt

Question 14

adj. tending to make worse; expressing disapproval or disparagement, derogatory, deprecatory, belittling

Answer 14

pejorative

Question 15

n. correct behavior, proper, appropriate

Answer 15

propriety

Question 16

n. improper or disrespectful treatment of something held sacred

Answer 16

sacrilege

Question 17

adv. quickly and without following customary procedures

Answer 17

summarily

Question 18

adj. asking humbly and earnestly
n. one who makes a request humbly and earnestly, a petitioner, suitor

Answer 18

suppliant

Question 19

n. a trinket thought to be a magical protection against evil

Answer 19

talisman

Question 20

v. move in a wavy pattern or with a rising and falling motion

Answer 20

undulate