vocab words Flashcards
(v.) to lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem; to lower physically
abase
(v.) : to shorten by omission of words without sacrifice of sense : CONDENSE ; to reduce in scope : DIMINISH
abridge
(v.) APPLAUD, PRAISE; to declare by acclamation
(n.) the act of acclaiming
acclaim
(v.) to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively
acquiesce
(v.) to make (something, such as pain or suffering) more bearable; to partially remove or correct (something undesirable)
alleviate
(v.) to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses) : EASE; PACIFY, QUIET; to put an end to by satisfying : APPEASE, QUENCH
assuage
(v.) to make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense; SUPPLEMENT
(n.) a vowel prefixed or a lengthening of the initial vowel to mark past time especially in Greek and Sanskrit verbs
augment
(v.) HOODWINK; to engage the interest of by or as if by guile; to lead by deception; to while away especially by some agreeable occupation
beguile
(v.) to attack verbally; to beat soundly; to explain or insist on excessively
belabor
(n.) a projecting structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving stability to a wall or building; something that supports or strengthens
(v.) to give support or stability to (a wall or building) with a projecting structure of masonry or wood : to furnish or shore up with a buttress; SUPPORT, STRENGTHEN
Buttress
(v.) to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance: COAX; to obtain from someone by gentle persuasion; to deceive with soothing words or false promises
cajole
(v.) to surrender often after negotiation of terms; to cease resisting : ACQUIESCE; PARLEY, NEGOTIATE
capitulate
(n.) a judgment involving condemnation; the act of blaming or condemning sternly; an official reprimand; OPINION, JUDGMENT
(v.) to find fault with and criticize as blameworthy; to formally reprimand (someone) : to express official censure of (someone); ESTIMATE, JUDGE
censure
(v.) to constrict the range or activity of definitely and clearly; to define or mark off carefully; to draw a line around; to surround by or as if by a boundary; to construct or be constructed around (a geometrical figure) so as to touch as many points as possible
circumscribe
(v.) to grow together; to unite into a whole : FUSE; to unite for a common end : join forces; to arise from the combination of distinct elements
coalesce
(v.) DEVISE, PLAN; to form or create in an artistic or ingenious manner; to bring about by stratagem or with difficulty : MANAGE
contrive
(v.) to describe, portray, or set forth with accuracy or in detail; to indicate or represent by drawn or painted lines; to mark the outline of
delinate
(v.) to detect with the eyes; to detect with senses other than vision; to recognize or identify as separate and distinct : DISCRIMINATE; to come to know or recognize mentally
discern
(n.) a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior : SCORN
(v.) to look on with scorn; to refuse or abstain from because of a feeling of contempt or scorn; to treat as beneath one’s notice or dignity
disdain
(v.) to call forth or draw out (something, such as information or a response); to draw forth or bring out (something latent or potential)
elicit
(v.) to belittle the importance or value of (someone or something) : to speak slightingly about (someone or something); to lower (someone or something) in rank or reputation : DEGRADE
disparage
(v.) to withhold assent or approval; to differ in opinion
(n.) difference of opinion
dissent
(v.) to make lucid especially by explanation or analysis; to give a clarifying explanation
Elucidate
(adj.) having, relating to, or being the relationship between a foster parent and the child who the foster parent cares for; being, relating to, or involved in a situation in which temporary care is given to an animal (such as one that is injured or awaiting adoption) in a household or similar setting
(v.) to act as a foster parent to (a child); to provide temporary care to (an animal that is injured, homeless, etc.) in a household or similar setting; to promote the growth or development of : ENCOURAGE
foster
(v.) to do away with as completely as if by pulling up by the roots; to pull up by the roots
eradicate
(v.) to show or illustrate by example; to make an attested copy or transcript of (a document) under seal; to be an instance of or serve as an example : EMBODY
exemplify
(v.) to do something extemporaneously : IMPROVISE, especially : to speak extemporaneously; to get along in a makeshift manner; to compose, perform, or utter extemporaneously : IMPROVISE
extemporize
(v.) to interfere with or slow the progress of
impede
(v.) to bring into intimate or incriminating connection; to involve in the nature or operation of something; to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference : IMPLY; to fold or twist together : ENTWINE
implicate
(v.) to assail by words or arguments : oppose or attack as false or lacking integrity; ASSAIL; RESIST
impugn
(v.) to start (a fire) burning : LIGHT; to stir up : AROUSE; to bring into being : START; to cause to glow : ILLUMINATE
Kindle
(v.) to accustom to accept something undesirable; to become of advantage
inured
(v.) PRAISE, EXTOL
(n.) an office of solemn praise to God forming with matins the first of the canonical hours
Laud
(v.) to treat as an object of great interest or importance
lionize
(v.) to cause to become less harsh or hostile : MOLLIFY; to make less severe or painful : ALLEVIATE; EXTENUATE
mitigate
(v.) to soothe in temper or disposition : APPEASE; to reduce the rigidity of : SOFTEN; to reduce in intensity : ASSUAGE, TEMPER
mollify
(v.) to throw into shadow : DARKEN; to make obscure; CONFUSE; to be evasive, unclear, or confusing
obfuscate
(adj.) DARK, DIM; shrouded in or hidden by darkness; not clearly seen or easily distinguished : FAINT; not readily understood or clearly expressed; relatively unknown
(v.) to make dark, dim, or indistinct; to conceal or hide by or as if by covering
obscure
(v.) to conceal or hide by or as if by covering; to adopt an air of condescension toward : treat haughtily or coolly; to be a frequent or regular customer or client of
patronize
(v.) to set right : REMEDY; to purify especially by repeated or fractional distillation; to correct by removing errors : ADJUST; to make (an alternating current) unidirectional
rectify
(v.) to present and urge reasons in opposition : EXPOSTULATE; to say or plead in protest, reproof, or opposition
remonstrate
(v.) to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration; to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further : REPUDIATE; to make a renunciation
renounce
(v.) to spend extravagantly or foolishly : DISSIPATE, WASTE; to cause to disperse : SCATTER; to lose (something, such as an advantage or opportunity) through negligence or inaction
squander
(n.) PASS, SAFE-CONDUCT; CONVOY, ESCORT; a precautionary measure, stipulation, or device; a technical contrivance to prevent accident
(v.) to provide a safeguard for; to make safe : PROTECT
safeguard
(v.) to present an obstacle to : stand in the way of
stymie
(v.) to give substance or form to : EMBODY; to establish by proof or competent evidence : VERIFY
substantiate
(v.) to bring under control and governance as a subject : CONQUER; to make submissive : SUBDUE
subjugate
(v.) to subvert or weaken insidiously or secretly; to weaken or ruin by degrees; to wash away supporting material from under; to excavate the earth beneath : form a mine under : SAP
undermine
(v.) to waver in mind, will, or feeling : hesitate in choice of opinions or courses; to sway through lack of equilibrium; FLUCTUATE, OSCILLATE
vacillate
(v.) to free from allegation or blame; AVENGE; to maintain a right to; to set free : DELIVER
vindicate
difficult to comprehend; recondite; deep; profound
abstruse
Expert; masterful; practiced; skillful; having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations
adroit
Good-tempered; pleasant; mellow; sweet; friendly, sociable, and congenial; generally agreeable
amiable
Indifferent; disinterested; nonchalant; affected by, characterized by, or displaying apathy: having or showing little or no interest, concern, or emotion
apathetic
Savvy; shrewd; smart; sharp; having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly: mentally sharp or clever
astute
Flat; insipid; wishy-washy; lacking originality, freshness, or novelty: TRITE
Banal
Harsh; strict; tough; stern; stern and cold in appearance or manner; morally strict; markedly simple ir unadorned; giving little or no scope for pleasure
austere
Of a mild type or character that does not threaten health or life; especially: not becoming cancerous; having no significant effect: HARMLESS; of a gentle disposition: GRACIOUS; showing kindness and gentleness; FAVORABLE, WHOLESOME
benign
Deprived or robbed of the possession or use of something –> usually used with ‘of’; lacking something needed, wanted, or expected –> used with ‘of’; suffering the death of a loved one: BEREAVED
bereft
Marked by honest sincere expression; disposed to criticize severely: BLUNT; indicating or suggesting sincere honesty and absence of deception; free from bias, prejudice, or malice: FAIR; relating to or being photography of subjects acting naturally or spontaneously without being posed; WHITE
candid
(adj) capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action: CORROSIVE: marked by incisive sarcasm; relating to or being the surface or curve of a caustic
(noun) a caustic agent: such as; a substance that burns or destroys organic tissue by chemical action; a strong corrosive alkali (such as sodium hydroxide); the envelope of the rays emanating from a point and reflected by a curved surface
caustic
(adj) marked by or given to offhand and often disdainful dismissal of important matters; DEBONAIR; of or relating to the party of Charles I of England in his struggles with the Puritans and Parliament; ARISTOCRATIC; of or relating to the English Cavalier poets of the mid-17th century
(noun) a gentlemen trained by arms and horsemanship; a mountaineer soldier: KNIGHT; an adherent of Charles I of England; a lady’s escort or dancing partner: GALLANT
cavalier
Docile; obedient; ready or disposed to comply: SUBMISSIVE; conforming to requirements
compliant
Complicate; involved; tangled; having convolutions; INTRICATE
convoluted
Apologetic; regretful; sorry; feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for improper or objectionable behavior, actions, etc.
contrite
Blamable; blameworthy; meriting condemnation or blame especially as wrong or harmful; GUILTY, CRIMINAL
culpable
Opinionated; pontifical; characterized by or given to the expression of opinions very strongly or positively as if they were facts; of or relating to dogma - an established opinion
dogmatic
Bashful; coy; modest; hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence; RESERVED, UNASSERTIVE; DISTRUSTFUL
diffident
To place within or surround with a trench especially for defense; to place (oneself) in a strong defensive position; to establish solidly; to cut into: FURROW; to erode downward so as to form a trench; to enter upon or take over something unfairly, improperly, or unlawfully: ENCROACH –> used with on or upon
entrench
(verb) Brief; flash; lasting a very short time lasting only one day
(noun) something that lasts for a very short time; specifically: a plant that grows, flowers, and dies in a few days
ephemeral
Subject to two or more interpretations and usually used to mislead or confuse; uncertain as an indication or sign; of uncertain nature or classification; of uncertain disposition toward a person or thing: UNDECIDED; of doubtful advantage, genuineness, or moral rectitude
equivocal
Fully revealed or expressed without vagueness; implication, or ambiguity: leaving no question as to meaning or intent; open in the depiction of nudity or sexuality; fully developed or formulated; unambiguous expression; defined by an expression containing only independent variables
explicit
Designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone; requiring or exhibiting knowledge that is restricted to a small group; broadly: difficult to understand; limited to a small circle; PRIVATE, CONFIDENTIAL; of special, rare, or unusual interest
esoteric
Burning; fiery; very hot: GLOWING; exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling: ZEALOUS
fervent
Based on or producing illusion: DECEPTIVE
illusory
Minded; willing; have inclination, disposition, or tendency; having a leaning or slope; making an angle with a line or plane
inclined
Marked by impulsive vehemence or passion; marked by force and violence of movement or action
impetuous
Benign; safe; producing no injury: HARMLESS; not likely to give offense or to arouse strong feelings or hostility: INOFFENSIVE, INSIPID
innocuous
Bold; brave; characterized by fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance
intrepid
Clever; witty; said or done as a joke: characterized by jesting: PLAYFUL; given to jesting: habitually holly or jocund
jocular
Written or printed in the margin of a page or sheet; of, relating to, or situated at a margin or border; occupying borderland of a relatively stable territorial or cultural area; located at the fringe of consciousness
marginal
Decay; to be or become feeble; weak, or enervated; to be or live in a state of depression or decreasing vitality; to become dispirited; to suffer neglect; to assume an expression of grief or emotion appealing for sympathy
languish
Ambiguous; dark; of, relating to, or resembling a nebula: NEBULAR; INDISTINCT, VAGUE
nebulous
(adj) Fresh; new; new and not resembling something formerly known or used; original or striking especially in conception or style
(noun) Invented prose narrative that is usually long and complex and deals especially with human experience through a usually connected sequence of events
novel
(adj) No longer in use or no longer useful; indistinct or imperfect as compared with a corresponding part in related organisms: VESTIGIAL
(verb) to make (something) old-fashioned or no longer useful: make obsolete
obsolete
Plain; easily seen; not secret or hidden; open to view
overt
Of, relating to, or being a pedant; narrowly, stodgily; and often ostentatiously learned; UNIMAGINATIVE, DULL
pedantic
Broody; melancholy; musingly or dreamily thoughtful; suggestive of sad thoughtfulness
pensive
Apathetic; disinterested; characterized by routine or superficially: MECHANICAL; lacking in interest or enthusiasm
perfunctory
Marked by or showing reverence for deity and devotion to divine warship; marked by conspicuous religiosity; sacred or devotional as distinct from the profane or secular: RELIGIOUS; showing loyal reverence for a person or thing; marked by self-conscious virtue: VIRTOUS; deserving commendation: WORTHY
pious
Relating to matters of fact or practical affairs often to the exclusion of intellectual or artistic matters: practical as opposed to idealistic; relating to or being in accordance with philosophical pragmatism
pragmatic
Conventional; current; generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored: WIDESPREAD; being in ascendancy: DOMINANT; POWERFUL
prevalent
(verb) To cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form; to elevate or exalt especially in dignity or honor; to render finer; to convert into something of high worth
(adj) Lofty, grand, or exalted in thought, expression, or manner; of outstanding spiritual, intellectual, or moral worth; tending to inspire awe usually because of elevated quality or transcendent excellence; high in place; lofty of mien: HAUGHTY; SUPREME; COMPLETE, UTTER
sublime
Characterized or marked by resilience: such as capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture; tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change
resilient
Of keen and farsighted penetration and judgement: DISCERNING; caused by or indicating acute discernment; keen in sense perception
sagacious
Expressed or carried on without words or speech; implied or indicated but not actually expressed
tacit
Brief; compact; using few words: devoir of superfluity; SHORT, BRUSQUE; smoothly elegant: POLISHED
terse
Wordy; diffuse; contains more words than necessary: WORDY; impaired by wordiness; given to wordiness
verbose
(adj) Characterized by a subject or rapid or unexpected change; unable to hold attention fixed because o an inherent lightness of fickleness of disposition; tending to erupt into violence: EXPLOSIVE; easily aroused; LIGHTHEARTED, LIVELY; readily vaporizable at a relatively low temp; difficult to capture or hold permanently: EVANESCENT, TRANSITORY; flying or having the power to fly
(noun) A substance that is readily vaporizable at relatively low temp: a volatile substance
volatile
Greedy; ravenous; having a huge appetite: RAVENOUS; excessively eager: INSATIABLE
voracious
