Week 21 Flashcards
scion
The young scion of the wealthy dynasty was groomed to inherit the family business and legacy, with all its privileges and responsibilities.
a descendant or heir, often in reference to a person or family that has a prominent or noble lineage
отпрыск, потомок, побег
indoctrinate
The religious group was accused of trying to indoctrinate its members with a narrow and dogmatic view of the world, discouraging critical thinking and independent inquiry.
to teach or instruct someone in a particular set of beliefs or values, often in reference to a person or organization that seeks to influence or control others
настраивать, внушать принципы, знакомить с какой-л. теорией
opulence
The millionaire’s opulent mansion, with its marble floors, gold fixtures, and priceless art collection, was a symbol of his success and status.
wealth or luxury, often in reference to a lifestyle or environment that is characterized by extravagance or excess
богатство, изобилие
obsequious
The assistant’s obsequious attitude and constant praise for her boss annoyed some colleagues, who felt that she was too deferential and insincere.
excessively eager to please or serve, often in reference to a person or behavior that is characterized by flattery or subservience
подобострастный, угодливый, раболепный
fulsome
The politician’s fulsome praise for his opponent was seen as hypocritical and manipulative, given his past criticism and attacks.
excessive or insincere, often in reference to a compliment or praise that is overdone or insincere
неискренний, чрезмерный
lush
The tropical island was a lush paradise, with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and exotic fauna and flora.
luxurious or abundant, often in reference to vegetation or scenery that is characterized by dense foliage, colorful flowers, or vibrant wildlife
пышный, сочный
destitution
The charity’s mission was to alleviate the destitution and suffering of the homeless and vulnerable people in the city, providing food, shelter, and support.
extreme poverty or need, often in reference to a person or community that lacks basic resources or opportunities
нищета, лишения
ponder
The philosopher’s works were admired for their depth and insight, encouraging readers to ponder the big questions of life and existence.
to think deeply or consider carefully, often in reference to a question, problem, or idea that requires reflection or analysis
размышлять, обдумывать
supplication
The beggar’s supplication for food and shelter was met with indifference or pity by the passersby, reflecting the unequal and harsh realities of life.
a humble request or plea, often in reference to a prayer or petition that seeks divine or human intervention
мольба, просьба
decadence
The art and literature of the fin de siècle period were marked by a sense of decadence and nihilism, reflecting the disillusionment and anxiety of the era.
moral or cultural decline, often in reference to a society or civilization that is characterized by excess, corruption, or decay
декаданс, упадок
penance
The monk’s penance for his sins was to fast and pray for days, seeking spiritual enlightenment and purification.
voluntary self-punishment or atonement, often in reference to a religious or moral obligation that requires repentance or confession
покаяние, епитимья, наказание
ascetic
The hermit’s ascetic lifestyle and austere surroundings were a testament to his commitment to a higher spiritual calling, free from material desires and distractions.
a person who practices self-discipline or abstinence, often in reference to a religious or philosophical belief that emphasizes detachment or renunciation
аскетический, воздержанный, аскет
desultory
The student’s desultory approach to studying, with its lack of focus and direction, was reflected in his mediocre grades and performance.
lacking in consistency or purpose, often in reference to a conversation, activity, or behavior that is characterized by randomness or aimlessness
отрывочный, несвязный
disciple
The guru’s disciples were devoted to his teachings and lifestyle, emulating his virtues and seeking his guidance and approval.
a follower or student of a teacher or ideology, often in reference to a person or group that adheres to a particular set of beliefs or practices
ученик, последователь
metamorphosis
The caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly was a wonder of nature, showcasing the power and beauty of transformation and growth.
a transformation or change, often in reference to a person, object, or organism that undergoes a profound or radical shift in form or identity
метаморфоза, трансформация, перерождение