Vocabulary 1 Flashcards
hack
v
To hack means to chop, cut or damage in a rough or irregular way. (verb)
An example of to hack is using a splitting maul to chop wood.
To hack means to have a dry harsh cough. (verb)
An example of hack is the type of cough which is often experienced by a person who smokes.
Precarious
adj
Precarious means dependent on forces or circumstances outside one’s control. (adjective)
An example of precarious is swimming in a rough ocean.
Dangerously lacking in security or stability: a precarious posture; precarious footing on the ladder.
Subject to chance or unknown conditions: “His kingdom was still precarious; the Danes far from subdued” (Christopher Brooke).
Based on uncertain, unwarranted, or unproved premises: a precarious solution to a difficult problem.
scabbard
n
A scabbard is a sheath for a sword, dagger, or other type of knife. Some cooks wear their French knives in a scabbard so they’ll be ready to chop no matter where they are in the kitchen.
Conspicuous
adj
Conspicuous describes something that is obvious or easy to see. (adjective)
An example of conspicuous is a naked person on the field during a football game.
Spiteful
adj
Spiteful describes someone who purposely does harm to another. (adjective)
An example of spiteful is walking up to someone and spitting in their face.
malicious
pugnacious
adj
pugnacious means eager to fight or disagree. (adjective)
An example of pugnacious is the small dog who barks and nips at the other dogs in the park.
clandestine
adj
Pick the adjective, clandestine, to describe something that is done in secret, like your clandestine attempts to steal your brother’s Halloween candy.
Rudimentary
adj
Rudimentary describes basic skills, the early stages of development or basic fundamental concepts of education. (adjective)
An example of rudimentary skills are basic reading, writing and math skills. An example of rudimentary is a simple organism such as a single celled organism that has not evolved into a complex plant or animal.
renovate
v
To renovate means to renew or rebuild so that something is in good condition. When you move into an old house, you will probably want to renovate the kitchen and bathrooms.
Haggle
v, n
Haggle means to bargain on a price, or to hack at something. (verb)
An example of haggle is to get the sales price reduced on a house. An example of haggle is to chop down a bush by chopping at its base with a shovel.
A haggle is an act of bargaining, or arguing about price. (noun)
An example of haggle is a situation where the cost of a pair of shoes were bargained down from $100 to $50.
Perseverance
n
Perseverance is persistence in sticking to a plan. (noun)
An example of perseverance is working out for a two hours each day to lose weight.
Integrity
n
Integrity is the following of moral or ethical principles. (noun)
An example of integrity is the adherence to all of the Ten Commandments.
Peril
n
Peril is danger or exposure to harm. (noun)
An example of peril is bungee jumping.
perk
n, v
To perk means to stick up or liven up. (verb)
An example of to perk is to bounce up after a nap.
A perk is a benefit. (noun)
An example of a perk is a reward points package with a credit card.
Exorbitant
adj
Exorbitant means something that is excessive or goes beyond reasonable. (adjective)
An example of exorbitant is the price of a dress that is too high as compared to similar dresses.
soloist
n
a person who performs a solo
brag
v
To brag means to talk proudly or boast about a personal accomplishment. (verb)
An example of to brag is telling your family about your great promotion and salary increase.
caveat
n
A caveat is a warning. (noun)
An example of caveat is a police officer telling someone to stop or they’ll shoot.
defilement
n
defilement to make filthy or dirty; pollute to make ceremonially unclean to corrupt to profane or sully (as a person's name)
parable
n
A parable is a simple story with a moral or a story told to teach a lesson. (noun)
An example of a parable is the story about the boy who cried wolf, which is used to teach kids not to lie.
Astound
n
Astound means to shock, surprise or amaze. (verb)
If you tell someone something that is totally amazing or confusing, this is an example of astound.
satire
n
A satire is the use of irony, sarcasm and humor to criticize or show the ignorance of people. (noun)
An example of satire is The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
Snide
adj
Snide describes someone or something rude, snobby, mocking, devious or underhanded. (adjective)
When you ask a question and someone says "duh, everyone knows that!," this is an example of a snide remark. A person who is constantly answering questions with "umm... stupid question," is an example of a person who would be described as snide.
Arbitrary
adj
Arbitrary describes something that is determined by judgment or whim and not for any specific reason or rule. (adjective)
An example of an arbitrary decision would be a decision to go to the beach, just because you feel like it. An example of arbitrary behavior would be getting mad at someone even when they haven't done anything wrong.
Queasy
adj
Queasy means sick to your stomach or nauseous, or being slightly worried or nervous about something. (adjective)
If you feel like you need to throw up, this is an example of a time when you feel queasy. If you are nervous about giving a speech in front of your class, this is an example of a time when you feel queasy about giving a speech.
Implement
n, v
Implement means a tool that is used to perform a job. (noun)
A plow is an example of a farm implement.
To implement means to put something into effect. (verb)
An example of implement is a manager enforcing a new set of procedures.
implemented : adj
jerk
v, n
jerk means to pull, push or throw in a sharp sudden motion. (verb)
An example of jerk is someone quickly breaking away from another who has a hold on them.
A jerk is slang for someone who treats others badly. (noun)
An example of jerk is someone who talks about their friends behind their backs.
Barren
adj
Barren describes something or someone who is not productive or fruitful, or a place with few or no plants. (adjective)
An example of a barren tree is a tree that makes no fruit. An example of barren is a desert where few things grow.
stalemate
n
A stalemate is a deadlock, an unresolved situation which no one can win. (noun)
An example of a stalemate is when you take one position and won’t budge or compromise and your opponent takes another and won’t budge, making it impossible to meet in the middle or progress forward.
morass
n
A morass is a complex and confusing situation, or is an area of muddy, swampy ground. (noun)
When a series of misunderstandings has resulted in a situation where everyone you know has his feelings hurt and you don't know how to fix it, this is an example of a morass. A watery, muddy field is an example of a morass.
Lieu
n
Lieu means instead of or in place of something. (noun)
An example of lieu is someone saying they are going to the park instead of going to the beach.
disproportion
n
a lack of proportion; lack of symmetry; disparity
to cause to be disproportionate
Conversant
adj
Conversant means you are knowledgeable about or familiar with a subject. (adjective)
A scientist is an example of someone who would be described as conversant in physics.
Incentive
adj, n
Incentive describes something that makes someone want to do something or work harder. (adjective)
An example of incentive is extra money offered to those employees who work extra hours on a project.
An incentive is something that encourages someone to do something or work harder. (noun)
An example of incentive is an ice cold beer at the end of a long bike ride.
nub
n
n the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
s: gist
Recap
n R
Recap is short for recapitulation or briefly going over what has already been said. (noun)
An example of a recap is the summary of a new program before the show is over.
bereft
adj
adjective – unhappy in love; suffering from unrequited love
adjective – sorrowful through loss or deprivation
ingenuous
adj
adjective – characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious
adjective – lacking in sophistication or worldliness
Ingenuous
adj
Ingenuous means open or frank. (adjective)
An example of ingenuous is a person who tells the truth.
contumely
n
noun – a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
Prolix
adj
Prolix describes someone or something that is too wordy. (adjective)
An example of something prolix is a long-winded introduction to a speaker; a prolix introduction.
Eponym
n
Eponym is the person for whom a discovery or other thing is named. (noun)
An example of an eponym is Walt Disney for whom Disneyland is named.
metaphor
n
noun – a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity
trope
n
A trope is a figure of speech or a play on words. (noun)
Repeating a word that can be used in two different contexts - such as Ben Franklin’s quote “If we don’t hang together, we’ll hang separately” is an example of a trope.
Diminutive
adj
Diminutive means small or tiny. (adjective)
An example of diminutive is the size of Santa’s elves.
a word or name formed from another by the addition of a suffix expressing smallness in size or, sometimes, endearment or condescension, as ringlet (ring + -let), Jackie (Jack + -ie), lambkin (lamb + -kin)
grisly
adj
terrifying; horrible; ghastly
Dismissive
adj
Dismissive means showing indifference or disregard, or suggesting that something isn’t worth attention or consideration. (adjective)
When you disregard someone’s ideas and aren’t willing to listen to them at all, this is an example of a time when you are dismissive to his ideas.
riled up
ruled
adjective – subject to a ruling authority
Humdrum
adj
Humdrum describes something dull, monotonous and boring. (adjective)
A day which filled with boring, routine activities is an example of a day that would be described as humdrum.
machinate
to devise, plan, or plot artfully, esp. with evil intent
دبر مكيدة, دبر مؤامرة
barnstorm
v
verb – appear at county fairs and carnivals as a stunt flier and parachute jumper
verb – tour the country making political speeches, giving lectures, or presenting plays
Profusion
n
Profusion is the state of being in abundance or having a large, lavish supply. (noun)
An example of a profusion is having seven luxury cars for two drivers.
bouquet
n
A bouquet is an attractively arranged bunch of flowers often given as a gift or carried by a bride or bridesmaids. (noun)
A dozen roses tied neatly at the bottom with a string and carried by a bride is an example of a bouquet.
stature
n
noun – high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement
noun – (of a standing person) the distance from head to foot
imperil
v
verb – pose a threat to; present a danger to
Loath
adj
Loath describes someone or something unwilling or reluctant. (adjective)
An example of loath is someone not wanting to leave a party, they are loath to leave the party.
actionable
adj
adjective – affording grounds for legal action
Overweening
adj
Overweening describes someone who is arrogant or has excessive pride and confidence. (adjective)
Someone who brags that he is the best tennis player in the world and claims he can beat all rivals when that’s unlikely to be true is an example of someone who would be described as overweening.
lacerate
v
v cut or tear irregularly
v deeply hurt the feelings of; distress
Sentient
adj
Sentient means able to be aware or to perceive or feel things. (adjective)
Someone who can perceive how others are feeling is an example of someone who would be described as sentient.
Verbatim
adv
Verbatim describes an exact repetition without changing the words. (adverb)
An example of verbatim is when you quote someone exactly without changing anything.
Notorious
adj
Notorious means well known for an undesirable trait or for any particular trait. (adjective)
An example of notorious is a person known for her alcoholic tendencies. An example of notorious is a person known for their excellent cake decorating abilities.
Infamous
adj
Infamous describes a person who has done terrible things and is known for a bad reputation. (adjective)
An example of an infamous person is Jesse James.
Renowned
adj
Renowned means famous. (adjective)
An example of renowned used as an adjective is the phrase world renowned hotel which means a hotel known throughout the world.
Content
adj, n
Content describes someone who is satisfied or happy with what they have. (adjective)
An example of content is how a person feels after eating the perfect meal.
Content is what is inside or included in something. (noun)
An example of content is beans inside of a jar. An example of content is the words inside a book.
hedge
v
A hedge is something you do to minimize loss. (verb)
An example of hedge is to buy the stocks of two competing companies so that you will receive an increase in the value of one stock even if the other stock declines in value.
Fluff
v
Fluff means to shake until loose and light, or make a mistake. (verb)
An example of fluff is shaking a pillow until the filling is evenly spread inside. An example of fluff is saying the opposite of what you mean to say.
boycott
v, n
To boycott is to not use or buy a product or service in order to show support for a cause. (verb)
An example of to boycott is to not buy paper that isn’t made from recycled paper.
A boycott is a decision to not use or buy products or services in order to show support for a cause. (noun)
An example of a boycott is not buying paper products made with rainforest wood to protest deforestation.
underwrite
v
v protect by insurance
v guarantee financial support of
insignia
n
n a badge worn to show official position
jockey
n
a person whose work is riding horses in races
to ride (a horse) in a race
to cheat; trick; swindle
to maneuver for position or advantage to bring about by such maneuvering
cult
n
A cult is a group of people with extreme dedication to a certain leader or set of beliefs that are often viewed as odd by others, or is an excessive and misplaced admiration for someone or something, or is something that is popular among a certain segment of society. (noun)
People who follow a creepy pseudo-religious leader who makes them believe that their salvation lies in giving him money are an example of a cult. When a particular famous killer on death row has a strong following, this is an example of a cult following. The Rocky Horror Picture show is an example of a cult film.
Inviolate
adj
Inviolate describes something secure or unbroken. (adjective)
An example of inviolate is an ancient holy place that remains unspoiled by human occupation.
enmesh
v
entangle
أربك
وقع في الشرك
dwarf
n, v
A dwarf is a person or thing that is much smaller than typical. (noun)
An example of a dwarf is a sunflower that only grows to two feet tall.
Dwarf means to keep or make small, or to make something seem small by comparison. (verb)
An example of dwarf is pruning a tree so it doesn't grow any taller. An example of dwarf is placing a tall person next to a shorter person to make the shorter person feel extremely short.
Dwarf describes a person or thing that hasn’t or won’t reach typical size. (adjective)
An example of dwarf is the planet Ceres.
Coterminous
adj
Coterminous describes things or areas that share boundaries. (adjective)
An example of coterminous is the forty eight states within mainland United States.
shaft
v
To shaft is to treat someone harshly or unfairly. (verb)
When you stiff someone on pay you owe him, this is an example of a time when you shaft him.
offbeat
not conventional
Homeopathy
n
Homeopathy is an alternative medical treatment that fights an illness using small doses of a remedy to help a person naturally fight the illness. (noun)
Taking small tablets specific to your illness purchased from a health food store is an example of homeopathy.
inventory
n
An inventory is a detailed list of all of the items present or the process of making such a list. (noun)
An example of an inventory is a list of all of the items in a warehouse.
To inventory means to make a detailed report or list. (verb)
An example of to inventory is to make a list of all of the items in a supply closet.
Proffer
v, n
Proffer means to offer something to be accepted. (verb)
An example of to proffer is to submit a proposal for a conference.
A proffer is an offer or offering. (noun)
An example of a proffer is a description given by a lawyer as a preview of testimony.
purlieu
an outer adjacent area of any place
environs
spleen
n
n a feeling of resentful anger
Synonyms:
irascibility, quick temper, short temper
Type of:
bad temper, ill temper
a persisting angry mood
Stagger
v
Stagger means to move or stand unsteadily, to hesitate or to waver. (verb)
An example of stagger is a very drunk person walking across the room. An example of stagger is a woman losing her nerve just before asking a man out on a date.
lout
n
A lout is a person without social manners. (noun)
An example of a lout is a man who picks fights for no reason in a bar.
Intent
adj, n
Intent describes being focused on something. (adjective)
An example of intent is when you are planning to visit your mother. An example of intent is when you are involved with completing your knitting.
Intent is something you plan or mean to do. (noun)
An example of intent is when a politician means to become president.
aficionado
n
An aficionado is a person who is a fan of something. (noun)
A groupie who follows his favorite musical act from town to town is an example of an aficionado.
acquisitive
adj
adj eager to acquire and possess things especially material possessions or ideas
asseverate
v
to state seriously or positively; assert
assorted
adj
of different sorts; of various kinds; miscellaneous
sorted into groups according to kind
matched: a poorly assorted pair
avouch
v
to vouch for; guarantee
to declare the truth of; assert; affirm
to acknowledge openly; avow
Adieu
n
Adieu is a French word used to wish someone well when you are leaving. (noun)
Saying goodbye and leaving is an example of adieu.
abscess
n
An abscess is a painful area in the body with inflamed tissue and pus. (noun)
An example of an abscess is a bad pimple or blackhead.
Accountable
adj
Accountable means being responsible for something or someone. (adjective)
A pet owner is an example of someone who is accountable for the well being and behavior of his or her pet.
sacrilege
n
A sacrilege is a desecration or violation of something that is held sacred. (noun)
Making a mocking picture of Jesus is an example of something that would be described as a sacrilege.
catholic
adj
catholic (small c) means universal, broad, or all embracing.
Joey has very catholic tastes in music. His collection includes everything from opera to alternative
Coerce
v
Coerce means to use force or scare tactics to get someone to do something. (verb)
An example of coerce is for a person to threaten his friend if the friend does not steal money for him.
“She didn’t want to go in the first place,” said Michelle. “She was coerced.”
Cadence
n
Cadence is the rhythm, modulation and pitch of a sound or the rhythmic beat of movement. (noun)
An example of cadence is a soothing tone of voice that a mother uses when reading stories to a small child.
“Your language has such a beautiful cadence” he whispered to Maria
apocalypse
n
An apocalypse is a term applied to a cataclysmic disaster so huge as to threaten planetary existence.
“The Cuban Missile Crisis is as close to an apocalypse as I ever want to get,” said Uncle Sid.
Bane
n
Bane means something that will kill, destroy or distress someone. (noun)
An example of bane is what kryptonite is to Superman.
Intuition
n
Intuition is an immediate understanding or knowing something without reasoning. (noun)
An example of intuition is love at first sight.
Patriotic
adj
Patriotic refers to showing or having great pride and love of one’s country. (adjective)
Proudly flying an American flag is an example of a patriotic act.
reap
v
To reap means to cut, gather or harvest. (verb)
An example of to reap is a wheat farmer harvesting the season’s crops.
Strenuous
adj
Strenuous describes something that takes a lot of effort, work or energy to do. (adjective)
An example of strenuous is hiking to the top of Mount Everest.
Willful
adj
Willful describes someone or something that does what they want, or something done on purpose. (adjective)
An example of someone willful is a child that refuses to eat at a meal. An example of something willful is the action of a puppy that is determined to eat all of the shoes it can find.
Hearsay
n
Hearsay is something heard, but not known to be a fact. (noun)
An example of hearsay is when a friend told you about a couple breaking up, but you don’t know if it is true.
Willful
adj
Willful describes someone or something that does what they want, or something done on purpose. (adjective)
An example of someone willful is a child that refuses to eat at a meal. An example of something willful is the action of a puppy that is determined to eat all of the shoes it can find.
Hearsay
n
Hearsay is something heard, but not known to be a fact. (noun)
An example of hearsay is when a friend told you about a couple breaking up, but you don’t know if it is true.
Indignant
adj
Indignant means feeling or showing anger because of something unjust. (adjective)
An example of indignant is a person who is disgusted by an act of prejudice that she just saw committed.
substantiate
v
To substantiate is to prove a claim to be true or back up a claim with evidence. (verb)
When you do a research project to prove a scientific theory, this is an example of a situation where you substantiate the theory.
Hegemonic
adj
Hegemonic describes the leadership or dominant leaders. (adjective)
The kings, queens and monarchs who are in charge of ruling a country are an example of the hegemonic class.
Colonialism
n
Colonialism is the act of one nation controlling another for economic gain. (noun)
An example of colonialism was England’s control over India.
Literacy
n
Literacy refers to being able to read and write, or to having knowledge about a specific subject. (noun)
When you can read, this is an example of literacy. When you are familiar with math, this is an example of literacy in mathematics.
poll
n, v
A poll is a counting or voting, or a place where people vote. (noun)
An example of a poll is a research survey. An example of a poll is a place where people go to vote during an election.
Poll means to cast and gather a vote, or to survey people. (verb)
An example of poll is to ask each member of the jury how they voted. An example of poll is to ask 1,000 people about their level of education.
rococo
n
a style of architecture, decorative art, music, etc. of the early 18th cent. developed from and in reaction to the Baroque and characterized by profuse and delicate ornamentation, reduced scale, lightness, grace, etc.
a style of architecture, music, etc. regarded, often disparagingly, as like this
Ribald
adj
Ribald describes something that references sexual matters in a bawdy or humorous way. (adjective)
An off-color and irreverent comment about sex is an example of something that would be described as a ribald comment.
Contemptuous
adj
Contemptuous describes someone who is full of hatred for someone or something. (adjective)
An example of contemptuous is how white supremacists feel about people of color.
Alluring
adj
Alluring describes someone or something that is highly attractive, tempting or enchanting. (adjective)
An example of someone who is alluring is a beautiful woman.
cull
v
To cull is to select from a large number of options. (verb)
An example of cull is when you select only limited pieces of information from a variety of sources. An example of cull is when hunters kill deer to reduce the deer population.
to examine (a collection or group) in order to select desired parts or, esp., to discard or destroy unwanted parts: to cull a herd