Word List 11 Flashcards
Contraband (n)
illegal trade; smuggling; smuggled goods
The coast guard tries to prevent contraband in U.S. waters
Contrite (adj)
penitent
Her contrite tears did not influence the judge when he imposed sentence (contrition n)
Controvert (v)
oppose with arguments; attempt to refute
It was wiser to make no attempt to controvert what she said
Contumacious (adj)
disobedient; resisting authority
The contumacious mob shouted defiantly at the police (contumacy n)
Convivial (adj)
festive; gay; characterised by joviality
The convivial celebrators of the victory sang their college songs
Convoke (v)
call together
Copious (adj)
plentiful
Unlike Sharon, who took copious notes during her lectures, David did not take notes at all
Corporeal (adj)
bodily; material
The doctor had no patience with spiritual matters: his job was to attend to his patients’ corporeal problems
Countenance (v/n)
approve; tolerate/ face
Covetous (adj)
avaricious; eagerly desirous of
The poor man wants many things; the covetous man, all.
Crass (adj)
very unrefined; grossly insensible
The film critic deplored the crass commercialism of movie-makers who abandon artistic standards in order to make quick buck
Craven (adj)
cowardly
Lilian’s craven refusal to join the protest was criticised by her comrades, who had expected her to be brave enough to stand up for her rights
Credence (n)
belief
Such a story might gain credence among her blind supporters
Credo (n)
creed
The writer Jack London proclaimed his credo before his death
Credulity (n)
belief on slight evidence; gullibility; naivete
Con artists take advantage of their credulity of inexperienced investors to swindle them out of their savings (credulous adj)
Crescendo (n)
increase in the volume or intensity; as in a musical passage; climax
The overture suddenly changed from a quiet pastoral theme to a crescendo featuring trumpets and clashing cymbals
Crestfallen (adj)
dejected; dispirited
We were surprised at his reaction to the failure of his project; instead of being crestfallen, he was busily engaged in planning new activities
Cull (v)
pick out; reject
Culpable (adj)
deserving blame
Corrupt politicians who condone the activities of the gamblers are equally culpable
