Vocabulary 17 Flashcards
appease
v. pacify or placate (someone) by acceding to their demands
placable
adj. easily calmed; gentle and forgiving
feasible
adj. possible to do easily or conveniently
appall
v. greatly dismay or horrify
reprobate
n. an unprincipled person (often used humorously or affectionately)
v. express or feel disapproval of
principled
adj. (of a person or their behavior) acting in accordance with morality and showing recognition of right and wrong
interloper
n. a person who becomes involved in a place or situation where they are not wanted or are considered not to belong
hedonist
n. a person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life; a pleasure-seeker
acolyte
n. a person assisting the celebrant in a religious service or procession
n. an assistant or follower
iconoclast
n. a person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions
sacrosanct
adj. (esp. of a principle, place, or routine) regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with
fetter
v. restrict or restrain (someone) in an unfair or undesirable fashion
tutelage
n. protection of or authority over someone or something; guardianship:
n. instruction; tuition [UNDER THE TUTELAGE OF]
benefactor
n. a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause
proponent
n. a person who advocates a theory, proposal, or project
innovator
n. a person who introduces new methods, ideas, or products
sage
n. a profoundly wise man, esp. one who features in ancient history or legend
jaded
adj. tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something
myriad
n. a countless or extremely great number [OF]
adj. having countless or very many elements or aspects
narcissistic
adj. having an excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one’s physical appearance
voluptuous
adj. of, relating to, or characterized by luxury or sensual pleasure
protean
adj. tending or able to change frequently or easily
adj. able to do many things; versatile
sophistry
n. the use of fallacious arguments, esp. with the intention of deceiving
n. a fallacious argument
unsound
adj. not safe or robust; in poor condition
adj. not based on sound evidence or reasoning and therefore unreliable or unacceptable
laconic
adj. (of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words
trivial
adj. of little value or importance
trifle
n. a thing of little value or importance
v. talk or act frivolously
v. waste something, esp. time, frivolously
quixotic
adj. exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical
hubris
n. excessive pride or self-confidence
encroach
v. intrude on (a person’s territory or a thing considered to be a right)
v. advance gradually beyond usual or acceptable limits
usurp
v. take (a position of power or importance) illegally or by force
v. encroach or infringe upon (someone’s rights)
entrench
v. [ with obj. ] establish (an attitude, habit, or belief) so firmly that change is very difficult or unlikely
[ no obj. ] encroach or trespass upon