vocab unit 4 Flashcards
cynical: (adj)
(adj) doubtful or distrustful of the goodness or sincerity of human motives
SYN: skeptical; doubtful; non believing
ANT: idealistic; optimistic
EX: She made a cynical observation that Jamie’s new girlfriend was probably just interested in his money.
ambivalent: (adj)
(adj) having opposing attitudes or feelings towards a person, thing, or idea; unable to decide
SYN: uncertain; wavering; indecisive
ANT: certain; resolute; decisive; confident
EX: She was ambivalent about her job; sometimes, she loved the challenges, but other days she hated the monotonous routine of her work.
demagogue: (n)
(n) a leader who appeals to citizens’ emotions to obtain power
SYN: rabble-rouser; agitator; hotehead; finatic
ANT: peacekeeper; philanthropist
EX: The demagogue evoked sympathy from the public to justify his crimes in office.
demure: (adj)
(adj) quiet; modest; reserved
SYN: reserved; introverted; shy
ANT: indiscreet; bold; brave; aggressive
EX: Her demure behavior made it all that much more surprising when she was found guilty of the crimes.
intrepid: (adj)
(adj) without fear; brave
SYN: bold; fearless; adventurous; daring
ANT: weak; cowardly; afraid; scared; fearful
EX: The intrepid person spent most weekends going on adventures that included cliff diving, skydiving, and other bold activities.
destitute: (adj)
(adj) extremely poor; lacking necessities like food and shelter
SYN: impoverished; penniless
ANT: affluent; rich; wealthy; prosperous; secure
EX: Because they had no insurance, the family was left destitute when their house burned down.
erudite: (adj)
(adj) scholarly; learned
SYN: educated; knowledgeable; literate; brainy
ANT: illiterate; uneducated; ignorant
EX: The boy was pleased to have such an erudite group of friends in college; he enjoyed their deep conversations about many complex topics.
dilemma: (n)
(n) a choice between two unfavorable outcomes
SYN: difficulty; mess; crisis; predicament
ANT: good fortune; solution; advantage; benefit
EX: The dilemma was whether we should take the test on Friday or Monday.
culmination: (n)
(n) the highest point of attainment; the end or climax
SYN: apex; climax; conclusion; pinnacle
ANT: nadir; anticlimax; beginning; start
EX: Winning the game today was the culmination of a great softball season.
concur: (v)
(v) to be of the same opinion; to agree with
SYN: approve; support; acquiesce; agree
ANT: clash; disagree; differ; separate; dispute
EX: I concur that school should be canceled; the roads were treacherous.
abate: (v)
(v) - to lessen in violence or intensity
SYN: subside; decrease
ANT: intensify; increase; advance
EX: When the winds abated, so did the waves; it was at that point that ferries opened again and I was able to leave block island.
decorum: (n)
(n) - proper behavior; conformity to accepted standards of conduct
SYN: propriety; correctness; respectability
ANT: inappropriateness; rudeness; unsuitableness
EX: The usually restless toddler surprised everyone with his decorum during the ceremony.
abhor: (v)
(v) - to detest; to hate strongly.
SYN: despise; loathe; despise
ANT: love; adore; cherish; admire
EX: Although many students abhor doing homework, homework assignments are important because they provide opportunities to practice and apply skills learned in school.
dole: (v)
(v) - to distribute; the give out sparingly
SYN: share; dispense; parcel; donate
ANT: hoard; lose; forfeit; hurt
EX: At the crowded Red Cross shelter, food was doled out carefully to the earthquake victims.
gamut: (n)
(n) - the whole range or extent
SYN: range; scale; spectrum
ANT: incapability; single; limitation
EX: The individual had a gamut of interests, evidenced by the many different hobbies she had and sports she participated in.
