Vocabulary 12

Question 1

recidivist

Answer 1

n. a convicted criminal who reoffends, esp. repeatedly

Question 2

quandary

Answer 2

n. a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation
n. a difficult situation; a practical dilemma

Question 3

mirage

Answer 3

n. something that appears real or possible but is not in fact so

Question 4

interlocutor

Answer 4

n. a person who takes part in a dialogue or conversation

Question 5

rogue

Answer 5

n. a dishonest or unprincipled man

Question 6

croon

Answer 6

v. hum or sing in a soft, low voice, esp. in a sentimental manner
v. say in a soft, low voice

Question 7

retrench

Answer 7

v. (of a company, government, or individual) reduce costs or spending in response to economic difficulty
v. reduce or diminish (something) in extent or quantity

Question 8

aesthetic

Answer 8

adj. concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty
adj. giving or designed to give pleasure through beauty; of pleasing appearance
n. a set of principles underlying and guiding the work of a particular artist or artistic movement

Question 9

utilitarian

Answer 9

adj. designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive

Question 10

diffident

Answer 10

adj. modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence

Question 11

venerate

Answer 11

v. regard with great respect; revere

Question 12

vigilant

Answer 12

adj. keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties

Question 13

portend

Answer 13

v. be a sign or warning that (something, esp. something momentous or calamitous) is likely to happen

Question 14

profound

Answer 14

adj. (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense
adj. (of a disease or disability) very severe; deep-seated: a case of profound liver failure
adj. of a person or statement) having or showing great knowledge or insight

Question 15

endow

Answer 15

v. give or bequeath an income or property to (a person or institution)
v. establish (a college post, annual prize, or project) by donating the funds needed to maintain it
v. (usu. be endowed with) provide with a quality, ability, or asset

Question 16

bellicose

Answer 16

adj. demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight

Question 17

affable

Answer 17

adj. friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to

Question 18

antebellum

Answer 18

adj. occurring or existing before a particular war, esp. the American Civil War

Question 19

pensive

Answer 19

adj. engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought

Question 20

ambivalent

Answer 20

adj. having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone

Question 21

decry

Answer 21

v. publicly denounce

Question 22

catapult

Answer 22

v. hurl or launch (something) in a specified direction with or as if with a catapult
v. move suddenly or at great speed as though hurled by a catapult

Question 23

precocious

Answer 23

adj. (of a child) having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual

Question 24

emphatic

Answer 24

adj. showing or giving emphasis; expressing something forcibly and clearly

Question 25

sardonic

Answer 25

adj. grimly mocking or cynical

Question 26

derisive

Answer 26

adj. expressing contempt or ridicule

Question 27

flippant

Answer 27

adj. not showing a serious or respectful attitude

Question 28

concede

Answer 28

v. [ reporting verb ] admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it

Question 29

rebut

Answer 29

v. claim or prove that (evidence or an accusation) is false

v. drive back or repel (a person’s attack)

Question 30

pedestrian

Answer 30

adj. lacking inspiration or excitement; dull

Question 31

eloquent

Answer 31

adj. fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing; clearly expressing or indicating something

Question 32

refute

Answer 32

v. prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove

Question 33

undermine

Answer 33

v. damage or weaken (someone or something), esp. gradually or insidiously

Question 34

insidious

Answer 34

adj. proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects
adj. treacherous; crafty

Question 35

treachery

Answer 35

n. betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature