Word List 38 Flashcards
Propitious (adj)
favorable; fortunate; advantageous
Chloe consulted her horoscope to see whether Tuesday would be a propitious day to dump her boyfriend
Propound (v)
put forth for analysis
In the early 20th century, Albert Einstein propounded the general theory of relativity
Propriety (n)
fitness; correct conduct
Miss Manners counsels her readers so that they may behave with propriety
Prosaic (adj)
dull and unimaginative; matter-of-fact
The head office rejected his writings for a more prosaic, down-to-earth approach
Proscribe (v)
ostracise; banish; outlaw
Antony, Octavius and Lepidus proscribed all those who had conspired against Julius Caesar
Proselytise (v)
induce someone to convert to a religion or belief
In these interfaith meetings, there must be no attempt to proselytise; we must respect all points of view
Protean (adj)
versatile; able to take on many forms
A remarkably protean actor; Alec Guinness could take on any role
Protract (v)
prolong
Provident (adj)
displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies
Proviso (n)
stipulation
I am ready to accept your proposal with the proviso that you meet your obligations within the next two weeks
Prude (n)
excessively modest or proper person
The X-rated films were definitely not for prudes
Puerile (adj)
childish
His puerile pranks sometimes offended his more mature friends
Pugnacity (n)
combativeness; disposition to fight
Put up your dukes! he cried, making a fist to show his pugnacity
Pulchritude (n)
beauty; comeliness
I do not envy the judges who have to select this year’s Miss America from this collection of female pulchritude
Punctilious (adj)
stressing niceties of conduct or form; minutely attentive to find points
