Word List 13 Flashcards
apostrophe
appeal to someone not present (a figure of speech)
emollient
softening
fusillade
long burst of gunfire
mince
walk with tiny steps; speak in an affected manner
palpate
medical term meaning to examine with the hands
platitude
unoriginal, obvious saying
quibble
to play on words when finding fault; a minor verbal point in argument
derision
mockery
epigram
short, witty saying
lassitude
lack of energy; weariness
pedantic
over-insistent on matters of book-learning
phenomenology
branch of science concerned with things as they are perceived; not directly derived from theory
precipitate
hurried; insoluble product of a reaction in chemistry; to instigate or speed up in action
armada
fleet of ships
dawdler
slow person who falls behind others
dross
something worthless; impurities left after refining
expiate
atone; make amends for
hack
person who writes to earn money; hired horse
prone
horizontal
propensity
tendency, inclination
scabbard
cover for a sword
skiff
small boat
umbrage
shadow; offence; sense of injury
dilettantism
dabbling (esp. in the arts)
enervate
weaken
malevolent
having evil intentions
neophyte
new convert; tyro
panegyric
speech praising someone; laudatory words
presage
forewarn of; indicate
serration
jagged edge
slight
perceived insult