Vocabulary 2 Flashcards
Impotent
Helpless or powerless
“he was seized with an impotent anger”
Reclamation
the process of claiming something back or of reasserting a right (n)
“the reclamation of our shared history”
Paltry
Small or meager
Almost worthless
“she would earn a paltry $33 more each month”
“Such decades speak of paltry management at the political level.”
Circumspection
the quality of being wary and unwilling to take risks; prudence (n)
“circumspection is required in the day-to-day exercise of administrative powers”
Appellation
A name or title
“the city fully justifies its appellation “the Pearl of the Orient.””
Calorific
relating to the amount of energy contained in food or fuel.
“she knew the calorific contents of every morsel”
Formidable
Inspiring fear or respect
“A formidable opponent.”
Shirk
To avoid or neglect
“Never one to shirk or her duties, heather surprised her colleagues when she continues leaving important tasks unfinished.”
Impunity
Exemption from punishment (n).
“The impunity enjoyed by military officers implicated in civilian killings.”
Subvert
To undermine the power and authority of
“An attempt to subvert democratic government.”
Nominal
Existing in name only(adj)
“Thailand retained nominal independence under Japanese military occupation.”
Reprehensible
Deserving condemnation
Exhort
To strongly encourage or urge to do something
Upheaval
A violent or sudden change or disruption
“Major upheavals in the financial markets.”
Lucrative
Producing a great deal of profit (adj)
“A lucrative career as a stand up comedian.”
Virtuosic
Skilled and learned (as in music)
Leaven
To permeate (spread out) and modify
“The proceedings should be leavened by humor.”
Reprieve
A postponement of punishment (n)
“A last minute reprieve saved the prisoners.”
Foster
To promote the development of
Benediction
The state of being blessed
“He eventually wins benediction.”
Elate
To make estatically happy
Absolve
To set or declare free of blame
“the pardon absolved them of any crimes”
Earthy
Ribald (offensive humor)
“their good-natured vulgarity and earthy humor”
Dour
Stern and unfriendly
“They were barely acknowledged by the dour receptionist”
Assuage
To make less intense
“The letter assuaged the fears of most members”
Esurient
Hungry or greedy
Peevish
Easily irritated
“all this makes Steve fretful and peevish”
Disconcert
disturb the composure of; unsettle.
“The abrupt change of subject disconcerted her”
Jocund
Cheerful
“A jocund wedding party.”
Sententious
Self righteous moralizing
“he tried to encourage his men with sententious rhetoric”
Abstemious
not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking.
“We only had a bottle.” “Very abstemious of you.””
Haute
Fashionably elegant (adj).
