Vocabulary Enhancement Flashcards
acolyte
noun
an altar attendant in public worship
venerable
adj.
commanding respect because of great age or associated dignity
libation
a pouring out of wine or other liquid in honor of a deity
precursor
noun
something that proceeds…goes before
cadence
rhythmic flow of sounds; general modulation of the voice
beguiled
tricked; cheated; decieved
dominion
noun
supreme or sovereign authority; realm or domain
prodigious
adj.
extraordinary; wondrous; marvelous
menacing
threatening to cause evil or harm
ordained
decreed or ordered
exquisite
of special beauty, charm, or excellence
tantalized
tormented with the sight or promise of something desired that cannot be had
transgression
a violation beyond the limits imposed by law
contemporary
occurring or existing at the same time; of same age or date
supplicated
verb
made through a humble, earnest entreaty (especially by prayer)
restitution
enforced return of property or goods, compensation
arbitrator
a person chose to decide a dispute
sacrosanct
extremely sacred
pinnacle
the highest or culminating point; a mountain peak
citadel
a fortress for defending a city
bane
noun
person or thing that harms or spoils; a deadly poison
pyre
pile of wood used in burning; often associated with funeral rites
rampart
broad bank or mound of earth raised as a fortification/defense
carnage
the slaughter of many…as in battle
ponderous
adj.
of great weight; awkward or unwieldy
propitiate
verb
to win or gain the favor of
steadfast
adj.
firm and unwavering
hastening
accelerating; moving or acting swiftly
ephemeral
adj.
fleeting; transitory; short-lived
ambrosial
adj
pleasing to the taste; i.e. the food / drink of the gods
hyperbole
intentional exaggeration
patriarch
male head of a family or tribe
philanthropy
concern for humanity…often expressed through donation
eddy
a current at variance with the main current; a small whirlpool
pallor
noun
unnatural paleness
iridescent
adj.
displaying lustrous colors like those of the rainbow
cudgel
a short, thick stick used as a weapon
cajole
to persuade by flattery or promises
plight
noun
a distressed or unfortunate condition or state
primordial
adj.
existing at or from the very beginning
narcissistic
adj.
overly absorbed with oneself; self-loving
Odyssey
long series of wanderings…often filled with notable experiences
enmity
a bitter feeling of hatred
inquisition
severe and intensive questioning; official investigation of political / religious nature
exhort
to urge, advise or caution earnestly
doleful
adj.
mournfully sad
reticent
adj.
inclined to be silent or secretive; uncommunicative
anarchist
a person opposed to a government or law
vigil
a period of watchfulness or wakefulness kept throughout the night
folly
noun
a foolish action or idea
