WORDS Flashcards
Reasoning
the action of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way
“He explained the reasoning behind his decision at a media conference”
Task
A piece of work to be done or undertaken
Similar: job, duty, chore
Congnitive
Of, relating to, being, or involving conscious intellectual activity (such as thinking, reasoning, or remembering)
Analytical
Relating to or using analysis or logical reasoning
“Analytical methods”
Similar: systematic, logical, inquisitive
Analytical Reasoning
A persons ability to identify patterns within a group of facts or rules and use those patterns to determine outcomes that could be or must be true. Skills like creative thinking and attention to detail can help with identifying patterns meanings and deciding what to do next.
Rejoinder
A reply, especially a sharp or witty one
Similar: answer, reply, response, retort, counter
Refute
prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove
Similar: disprove, rebut
Generalization
A widely applicable rule. A general statement or concept obtained by inference from specific cases.
Objective
(Of a person or their judgement) not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts
Similar: impartial, unbiased, unprejudiced, nonpartisan, disinterested
Subjective
Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions
“his views are highly subjective”
Similar:
personal
personalized
individual
interna
Corroborate
Confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding)
Syndicate
A group of individuals or organizations combined to promote some common interests
Enfeeble
Make weak or feeble
Placate
Make less angry or hostile
Similar: pacify, calm, appease, calm down
Fig leaf
to convey the covering up of an act or object that is embarrassing or distasteful with something of innocuous appearance
Similar: concealment, hiding, secrecy
Procurement
the action of obtaining or procuring something
Demagogue
A political leader who seeks support support be appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people by using rational argument
“a gifted demagogue with particular skill in manipulating the press”
Similar: rabble-rouser, agitator
Ethnography
the scientific description of the customs of individual peoples or cultures
Ubiquity
The fact of appearing everywhere or of being very common
Similar: pervasive, omnipresence, ubiquitousness
Eschew
Deliberately avoid using; abstain from
Austere
Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance
Similar: severe, stern, strict, harsh
Juxtapose
Place or deal with close together for contrasting effect
Prefigures
Be an early indication or version of (something)
Similar: foreshadow, presage, herald
Syntax
the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language
Prose
the ordinary language people use when speaking or writing
“a short story in prose”
Similar: literal, factual, matter-of-fact
Need not
used to show that something is not necessary, indicating non-obligation or non-inevitability
Referential
of, containing, or constituting a reference
especially : pointing to or involving a referent-one that refers or is referred to
Indexical
relating to or denoting a word or expression whose meaning is dependent on the context in which it is used (such as here, you, me, that one there, or next Tuesday)
Antecedent
a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another. Preceding in time or order; previous or preexisting
Referent
Referential
A thing that a word or phrase denotes or stands for
Untenable
(Especially of a position or view) not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection
Allegedly
used to convey that something is claimed to be the case or have taken place, although there is no proof
Implication
The conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated
Obfuscate
Render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible
Unintelligible
Impossible to understand
Similar: incomprehensible, indiscernible, meaningless, obscure
Determinant
A factor which decisively affects the nature or outcome of something
Similar: factor, component
Esoteric
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest
“esoteric philosophical debates”
Similar: abstruse, obscure, recondite
Empirically
By means of observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic
Similar: experimental, experiential, factual
Disagreement
Lack of consensus or approval
Similar: dissent, dispute, variance, antagonism, conflict
Immanent
Existing or operating within; inherent
Similar: inherent, intrinsic, innate,
Explicit
stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
Similar: clear, direct, plain, obvious
Implicit
Describes things in which a meaning is implied or hinted at rather than being expressed directly
Similar: implied, hinted, inferred, indirect, understood
Civil society
Can be understood as the third sector of society, distinct from government and business, and including the family and the private sphere
Inefficacious
Not producing the desired effect
Similar: ineffective, unsuccessful, unproductive, fruitless
Hyperbole
Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally
Similar: exaggeration, overstatement, embellishment
Pejorative
Expressing contempt or disapproval
Similar: disparaging, derogatory, defamatory
Disparaging
Expressing the opinion that something is of little worth; derogatory
Contempt
The feeling that a person or things is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn
Ease
Absence of difficulty or effort
Class
The system of ordering a society in which people are divided into sets beaded on perceived social or economic status
Ethos
The characteristic of spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations
Circumscribe
Restrict (something) within limits
Polity
An organized society; a state as a political entity
Hedonism
The pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence
Hegemonic
Reeling or dominant in a political of social context
Repudiation
Rejection of a proposal or idea
“the repudiation of reformist policies”
Prose
Written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure
Petitioner
A person who presents a petition to an authority in respect of a particular cause
Concession
A thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a thing conceded
Enterprise
A project or undertaking, typically one that is difficult or requires effort
Instantiated
Represent as or by an instance.
“A study of two groups who seemed to instantiate productive aspects of this”
Decomposable
Capable of being partitioned
Indubitable
Impossible to doubt; unquestionable
dirigiste
Characterized by state control of economic and social policy
embolden
Give courage, give confidence to do something
octogenarian
A person who is in their 80s
Feverish
-Characterized by or displaying a frenetic excitement or energy.
“She was thrown into a state of feverish excitement”
-Frenzied, hectic, agitated
Postulate
Suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief.
Synonyms: put forward, suggest, advance, posit, hypothesize, propose, assume, presuppose, suppose, presume
Apocryphal
(Of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true
Sanguine
Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation
Insolent
Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect
“She hated the insolent tone of his voice”
Similar: impertinent, impudent, cheeky
Impertinent
Not showing proper respect; rude
“An impertinent question”
Similar: rude, insolent, impolite
Intransigent
-Unwilling or refusing to change one’s views or to agree about something.
-“Her father has tried persuasion, but she was intransigent.”
-Similar: uncompromising, inflexible, unbending, unyielding, unshakeable.
Risible
causing or capable of causing laughter; laughable; ludicrous.
Similar: humorous, comical
Disingenuous
lacking in candor
Similar: deceitful, dishonest
Motif
A decorative design or pattern
Similar: design, pattern, decoration, figure,
A distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition.
Similar: theme, idea, concept, subject, topic, element
Points ups
Highlight or emphasize, to bring attention to (something)
Reify
make (something abstract) more concrete or real.
Similar: conceptualize, concretize, objectify
Deference
Humble submission and respect
Similar: respect, regard, esteem, consideration
Abdicate
Fail to fulfill or undertake (a responsibility or duty)
Similar: turn down, reject, renounce, give up
Disavow
Deny any responsibility or support for.
Similar: deny, disclaim, disown, reject, repudiate
Repudiate
Refuse to accept or be associated with.
“she has repudiated policies associated with previous party leaders”
Similar: reject, renounce, abandon, give up.
Deny the truth or validity of.
Similar: deny, refute, dispute
Interpose
Place or insert between one thing and another. Intervene between parties.
“he interposed himself between her and the top of the stairs”
Similar: intervene, intercede
Impediment
A hinderance or obstruction in doing something.
Similar: hinderance, obstruction, obstacle, barrier,
Preclude
Prevent from happening; make impossible
“the secret nature of his work precluded official recognition”
Similar: prevent, make impossible, rule out
Existential
Relating to existence. Concerned with existence, especially human existence as viewed in the theories of existentialism.
“the existential dilemma is this: because we are free, we are also inherently responsible”
Existentialism
A philosophical theory or approach which emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will.
13th Amendment
Abolished Slavery
14th Amendment
Gave citizenship to all people born in the U.S.
15th Amendment
gave Black Americans the right to vote
Emancipation proclamation
Executive order by Lincoln changed legal status of all enslaved African Americans to free people.
Expiation
the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing; atonement.
Contrived
Deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously.
Similar: forced, strained, artificial.
Prevaricate
Speak or act in an evasive way.
Similar: beat around the bush, hedge,
Cogitation
The action of thinking deeply about something; contemplation.
Similar: thought, thinking, contemplation
Pensive
Engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought.
Similar: thoughtful, thinking, reflective, contemplative.
Overladen
Having too large or too heavy a load.
Similar: overloaded, loaded past capacity
Byzantine
Relating to Byzantine (now Istanbul), the Byzantine empire.
(Of a system or situation) excessively complicated, and typically involving a great deal of administrative detail.
Jocosely
In a way that is humorous or shows that you like to play.
Similar: facetious, humorous, witty
Facetious
Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.
Amiable
Having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.
Similar: friendly, affable, amicable, cordial.
Exalted
(of a person or their rank or status) placed at a high or powerful level; held in high regard.
Acquiescence
The reluctant acceptance of something without protest.
Similar: consent, agreement,
Farce
An absurd event. A comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations.
Profound
(of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense.
Similar: heartfelt, intense
(of a person or statement) having or showing great knowledge or insight.
Similar: Wise, learned, intelligent.
Impertinence
Lack of respect; rudeness
Similar: rudeness, insolence
Sanguine
Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation.
Similar: optimistic, bullish, hopeful, buoyant
Bullish
Aggressively confident and self-assertive
Buoyant
Cheerful and optimistic
Benighted
In a state of pitiful or contemptible intellectual or moral ignorance, typically owing to a lack of opportunity.
Similar: ignorant, unenlightened, uneducated.
Peevish
easily irritated, especially by unimportant things.
Incorrigible
(of a person or their tendencies) not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed.
Similar: inveterate, habitual
Inveterate
(of a feeling or habit) long-established and unlikely to change.
Prerogative
A right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class.
Similar: entitlement, right, privilege
Indignation
Anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.
Similar: resentment, umbrage, affront
Umbrage
offense or annoyance
Affront
An action or remark that causes outrage or offense
Similar: insult, offense, indignity, slight
Ingrained
(of a habit, belief, or attitude) firmly fixed or established; difficult to change.
Similar: entrenched, established, fixed
Magnanimous
Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person.
Similar: generous, charitable, benevolent
Dissolute
Lax in morals; licentious
Similar: dissipated, debauched, decadent
Implode
Collapse or cause to collapse violently inwards
Meek
Quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive
Similar: forbearing, resigned, long-suffering
Long-suffering
Having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people
Kleptocracy
Kleptocracy is a government whose corrupt leaders use political power to expropriate the wealth of the people and land they govern, typically by embezzling or misappropriating government funds at the expense of the wider population
Potentate
A monarch or ruler, especially an autocratic one
Similar: ruler, head of state, monarch
Autocratic
Relating to a ruler who has absolute power; taking no account of other people’s wishes or opinions; domineering
Despot
Despotic
A ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way.
of or typical of a despot; tyrannical
Convalescent
(Of a person) recovering from an illness or operation
Similar: recuperating, recovering
Scrofulous
Having a disease run-down appearance
Morally contaminated
Similar: debased, corrupt, depraved
Debased
Having or showing lowered moral character or standards
Solemnly
In a formal or dignified manner; with deep sincerity
Sincerity
The quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy
Similar: honesty, truthfulness, genuineness, good faith
Pretense
An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.
Uncanny
Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way
Similar: eerie, unnatural, preternatural, supernatural
Preternatural
Beyond what is normal or natural
Whorl
A pattern of spirals or concentric circle
Oracle
A priest or priestess acting as a medium through whom advice or prophecy was sought from the gods in a classical antiquity
Antiquity
The ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages; an object, building, or work of art from the ancient past
Dilettante
A person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge
Similar: amateur, nonprofessional, layman
Querulous
Complaining in a petulant or whining manner
Similar: petulant, complaining, touchy
Petulant
(Of a person or their manner) childishly sulky or bad-tempered
Intonation
The rise and fall of the voice in speaking; inflection
Divergence
The process or state of diverging; a difference of conflict in opinions, interests, wishes, etc.
Scruple
A feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action.
Similar: qualms, compunction
Propriety
the state or quality of conforming to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals
Similar: decorum, respectability, decency
Compunction
A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad
Unerring
Always right or accurate
Similar: unfailing, infallible, unswerving, perfect
Emaciated
Abnormally thin or weak, especially because of illness or a lack of food
Colloquy
A conversation
Cogitate
Think deeply about something; meditate or reflect
Similar: think (about), contemplate, consider
odious
Extremely unpleasant; repulsive
“A pretty odious character”
Similar: revolting, repulsive, repellant, repugnant
Derision
Contemptuous ridicule or mockery
“My stories were greeted with derision and disbelief”
Similar: mockery, ridicule, jeering, sneers
Contemptuous
Showing contempt, scornful
“She was intolerant and contemptuous of the majority of the human race”
Similar: scornful, disdainful, disrespectful, insulting
Bellicose
Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight
“A group of bellicose patriots”
Similar: belligerent, aggressive, hostile, threatening
Anachronistic
Belonging to a period other than that being portrayed; a person or thing that is chronologically out of place.
Empiric
A person who, in medicine or other branch of science, relies solely on observation and experiement
Usurp
Take (a position of power or importance) illegally or by force
“Richard usurped the throne”
Similar: seize, take over, expropriate
Expropriate
(Especially of the state) take away (property) from its owner; dispossess (someone) of property
Axiomatic
Self-evident or unquestionable
“It is axiomatic that dividends have to be financed”
Similar: self-evident, unquestionable, undeniable
Auspicious
Conducive to success; favorable
“It was not the most auspicious moment to hold an election”
Similar: favorable, propitious, promising
Propitious
Giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable
“The timing for such a meeting seemed propitious”
Equanimity
Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation
“She accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity”
Similar: composure, calmness, calm
Ineffable
Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words
“The ineffable natural beauty of the Everglades”
Similar: inexpressible, indescribable
Specious
superficially plausible, but actually wrong
“A specious argument”
Unintelligible
Impossible to understand
“Dolphin sounds are unintelligible to humans”
Similar: incomprehensible, indiscernible, meaningless
Ineffaceable
Unable to be erased or forgotten
“The experience made an ineffaceable impression on his mind”
Partisan
A strong supporter of a party, cause, or person
“Partisans of the exiled Stuarts”
Similar: supporter, follower, adherent
Perfidy
Deceitfulness, untrustworthiness
“It was an example of his perfidy”
Similar: treachery, duplicity, deceit
Chasteness
The quality or state of being morally pure.
Impotence
Inability to take effective action; helplessness
Temerity
Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity
“No one had the temerity to question his conclusions”
Similar: audacity, boldness, nerve
Credulous
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things
“A ceremony staged for credulous tourists”
Similar: gullible, naive, impressionable, trusting
Requisition
An official order laying claim to the use of property or materials
“i had to make various requisitions for staff and accommodations”
Similar: order, request
Incendiary
Of, relating to, or being a weapon (such as a bomb) designed to start fires
catechism
A summary of the principle of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of Christians
Sacrosanct
(Especially of a principle, place, or routine) regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with
“The individuals right to work has been upheld as sacrosanct”
Similar: sacred, hallowed, respected
Aberration
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome
“They described the outbreak of violence in the area as an aberration”
Similar: anomaly, deviation, divergence
Dialectic
The art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions. A discourse between two or more people holding different points of view about a subject but wishing to establish the truth through reasoned argumentation
Uncouth
(Of a person or their appearance) lacking good manners, refinement, or grace
“He is unwashed, uncouth, and drunk most of the time”
Similar: uncivilized, uncultured, uncultivated
Kindred
One’s family and relations; similar in kind; related
Dregs
The most worthless part or parts of something
“The dregs of society”
Gaudy
Extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless
Carnal
Relating to physical, especially sexual, needs and activities
Queer
Strange, odd
“She had a queer feeling that they were being watched”
Similar: odd, strange, unusual
Denoting or relating to a sexual or gender identity that does not correspond to established ideas of sexuality and gender, especially heterosexual norms
Apathy
Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
“Widespread apathy among students”
Similar: indifference
Ersatz
(Of a product) made or used as a substitute, typically an inferior one, for something else
“Ersatz coffee”
Similar: artificial, substitute, imitation
Plebeian
(In Ancient Rome) a commoner
Denunciation
Public condemnation of someone or something
“Denunciation of his reckless methods”
Indignant
Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
“He was indignant at being the object of suspicion”
Similar: aggrieved, resentful, affronted
Affront
Offend the modesty of values of
“She was affronted by his familiarity”
Preempt
Take action in order to prevent (an anticipated event) from happening; forestall
“The second session will focus on policies to preempted problems”
Similar: forestall, prevent
Bastion
an institution, place, or person strongly defending or upholding particular principles, attitudes, or activities
“The last bastion of male privilege”
Similar: stronghold, bulwark, defender
Constitution
A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed
Conscience
An inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one’s behavior
Indignation
Anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.
Similar: resentment, umbrage, affront
Umbrage
Offense or annoyance
At loggerheads
In or into a state of quarrelsome disagreement
Besmirch
Damage the reputation of (someone of something) in the opinion of others.
Mirth
Amusement, especially as expressed in laughter
Similar: merriment, high spirits
Precept
A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought
Vapid
Offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging
“Tuneful but vapid musical comedies”
Similar: insipid, uninspired, colorless
Insipid
Lacking flavor
Coy
(Especially with reference to women) making a pretense of shyness or modesty that is intended to be alluring
Centripetal
Moving or tending to move toward a center
Allegory
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one
“Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegory of the spiritual journey”
Similar: parable, analogy, metaphor
Parable
A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson
“The parable of the blind man and the elephant”
Codger
An often mildly eccentric and usually elderly fellow
Erudite
Having or showing great knowledge or learning
Algonquin round table
A group of New York City writers, critics, actors, and wits. Meeting at the Algonquin hotel for lunch from 1919-1929 where they collaborated collectively. They engaged in wisecracks, wordplay, and witticisms.
Surrealism
A 20th century avant-garde movement in art and literature which sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind
Time immemorial
Used to refer to a point of time in the past that was so long ago that people have no knowledge or memory of it
Theist
A person who believes in the existence of a god or gods, specifically of a creator who intervenes in the universe.
Imminently
Very soon
“An announcement is expected imminently”
Dissatisfied
Not content or happy with something
“Dissatisfied customers”
Anticipate
Regard as probable; expect to predict
“She anticipated scorn on her return to the theater”
Guess or be aware of (what will happen) and take action in order to be prepared
“Analysts and economists failed to anticipate how badly the economy would preform”
and/or
Either or both of two stated possibilities
“Audio and/or video components”
Cliche
A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought
“The old cliche “one man’s meat is another man’s poison”
Representative
Typical of a class, group, or body of opinion
“These courses are representative of those taken by most Harvard undergraduates”
Similar: typical, characteristic, illustrative, indicative
Patience
The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
“You can find bargains in you have the patience to sift through the dross”
Similar: forbearance, tolerance, restraint
Dross
Something regarded as worthless; rubbish’
Similar: debris, trash, rubbish
Anecdotal
(Of an account) not necessarily true or reliable, because based on personal accounts rather than facts or research.
“While there was much anecdotal evidence there was little hard fact”
Similar: informal, unreliable,
Wonderment
A state of awed admiration or respect
“Corbett shook his head in silent wonderment”
Retinue
A group of advisers, assistants, or others accompanying an important person
“The rock star’s retinue of security guards and personal cooks”
Similar: entourage, escort, company,
Conjure
Call upon (a spirit or ghost) to appear, by means of a magic ritual.
“They hoped to conjure up the spirit of the their dead friend”
Pedant
A person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning.
Similar: purist, formalist,
Parsimony
Extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources
“He had a reputation for parsimony in his lifetime but left several charitable bequests in his will”
Similar: meanness, miserliness
Scruples
A feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action.
“I had no scruples about eavesdropping”
Similar: qualms, compunction, hesitation
Qualm
An uneasy feeling or doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one’s own conduct; a misgiving
“Military regimes generally have no qualms about controlling the press”
Similar: misgiving, doubt, reservation
Lest
With the intention of preventing (something undesirable); to avoid the risk of.
“He spent whole days in his room, headphones on lest he disturb anyone”
Turbulent
Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm
“The country’s turbulent 20-year history”
Similar: tempestuous, stormy, unstable, unsettled
Preclude
Prevent from happening; make impossible
“The secret nature of his work precluded official recognition”
Similar: prevent, rule out
Contend
Assert something as a position in an argument
“He contends that the judge was wrong”
Untenable
(Especially of a position or view) not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection
“This argument is clearly untenable”
Similar: indefensible, unarguable, insupportable
Intractable
hard to control or deal with
“Intractable economic problems”
Similar: unmanageable, uncontrollable,
Despondent
In low spirits from loss of hope or courage
“She grew more and more despondent”
Similar: disheartened, discouraged, dispirited
Presuppose
(Of an action, process, or argument) require as a precondition of possibility or coherence
“His relationship did not permit the degree of self-revelation that true intimacy presupposes”
Similar: require, necessitate, imply, entail,
Synopsis
A brief summary or general survey of something
“A synopsis if the accident”
Similar: summary, abstract, outline
Recalcitrant
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline
Insolent
Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect
“She hated the insolent tone of his voice”
Similar: impertinent, impudent
Allegory
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
“Pilgrims Progress is an allegory of the spiritual journey”
Similar: parable, analogy, metaphor
Unfathomable
incapable of being fully explored or understood
“Her gray eyes were dark with some unfathomable emotion”
Similar: inscrutable, incomprehensible, enigmatic, incalculable, indecipherable
Peculiar
Strange or odd; unusual
“His accent was a peculiar mixture of Cockney and Irish”
Similar: strange, unusual, odd
Ingenious
(Of a person) clever, original, and inventive
“He was ingenious enough to overcome the limited budget”
Similar: inventive, creative, imaginative, original
Subvert
Undermine the power and authority of (an established system or institution)
“The case involved an attempt to subvert the rule of law”
Similar: destabilize, unsettle, overthrow
Incongruous
Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something
“The duffel coat looked incongruous with the black dress she wore underneath”
Similar: out of place, out of keeping, unsuited
Advantageous
Involving or creating favorable circumstances that increase the chances of success or effectiveness; beneficial
“The scheme is advantageous to your company”
Similar: superior, dominant, important
Inimical
Tending to obstruct or harm
“Actions inimical to our interest”
Similar: harmful, injurious, detrimental, deleterious
Doctrine
A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group
“The doctrine of predestination”
Similar: creed, credo, dogma
Dogma
A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as inconvertibly ture
“The rejection of political dogma”
Similar: conviction, tenet, principle
Antiquity
The ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages
“The great civilization of antiquity”
Stultifying
Tending to stifle enthusiasm, initiative, or freedom of action
“The corporate environment, with its relentless emphasis on results, has become stultifying”
Gift economy
A gift economy is a system of exchange where vulnerable are not sold, but rather given without an explicit agreement for immediate or future rewards
Averse
having a strong dislike of or opposition to something
“As a former CIA director, he is not averse to secrecy”
Similar: opposed to, against
Bastion
An institution, place, or person strongly defending or upholding particular principles, attitudes, or activities
“The last bastion of male privilege”
Similar: stronghold, bulwark, defender
Affinity
A spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something
“He has an affinity for the music of Berlioz”
Similar: empathy, rapport, sympathy
Subsist
Maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level
“Thousands of refugees subsist on international handouts”
Similar: survive, live, exist
Voracious
Having a very eager approach to an activity
“His voracious reading of literature”
Compelling
Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way
“His eyes were strangely compelling”
Similar: enthralling, captivating, gripping,
Systems of oppression
Racial, economic, class-based, gender, religious, authoritarian, social oppression in general can intersect in many different ways and co-exist.
Evolve
Develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form
“The company has evolved into a major chemical manufacturer”
Similar: develop, progress
Unassuming
Not pretentious or arrogant; modest
“He was an unassuming and kindly man”
Similar: modest, self-effacing, humble
Concede
admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it
Admit (defeat) in a contest
Impermissible
Too bad to be allowed
“The prosecution made impermissible use of the testimony”
Aspiration
A hope or ambition of achieving something
“He had nothing tangible to back up his literary ambitions”
Similar: desire, hope, longing
Endeavor
try hard to do or achieve something
“He is endeavoring to help the Third World”
Similar: try, attempt, venture, undertake
Reason
think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic.
“humans do not reason entirely from facts”
Similar: think rationally, think logically
encomium
a speech or piece of writing that praises someone of something highly.
Similar: eulogy, panegyric, paean
dialectic
the art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions
Similar: reasoning, argumentation, contention
opacity
obscurity of meaning
Similar: obscurity
Colonialism
is a practice by which a country controls people or areas, often by establishing colonies, generally for strategic and economic advancement.
Imperialism
is the practice, theory or attitude of maintaining or extending power power over foreign nations, particularly through expansionism, employing not only hard power (economic and military power), but also soft power (cultural and diplomatic power). Imperialism focuses on establishing or maintaining hegemony and a more or less formal empire.
Postcoloialism
the critical academic study of the cultural, political and economic legacy of colonialism and imperialism, focusing on the impact of human control and exploitation of colonized people and their lands.
Algerian War
The Algerian War was a major armed conflict between France and the Algerian Liberation Front from 1954 to 1962, which led to Algeria winning its independence from France. An important decolonization war.
Colonialism v. Imperialism
Colonialism is where one country physically exerts complete control over another country and Imperialism is formal or informal economic and political domination of one country over the other. In an nutshell, colonialism can be thought of as the practice of domination and imperialism as an idea behind the practice.
Technocracy
A form of government in which the decision-makers are selected based on their expertise in a given area of responsibility, particularly with regard to scientific or technical knowledge. This system explicitly contrasts with representative democracy, the notion that elected representatives should be the primary decision-makers in government.
Retinue
a group of advisers, assistants, or others accompanying an important person.
“the rock star’s retinue of security guards”
Similar: entourage, company
Pretense
An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.
Similar: “putting on an act”
Asperity
harshness of tone or manner
“he pointed this out with some asperity”
Similar: harshness, sharpness, roughness
Approbation
Approval or praise
“the opera met with high approbation”
Similar: approval, acceptance, endorsement
Austere
Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance.
“an austere man, with a rigidly puritanical outlook”
Similar: severe, stern, strict
Austerity (Economics)
A set of economic policies, usually consisting of tax increases, spending cuts, or a combination of the two, used by governments to reduce budget deficits (when money going out, spending, exceeds money coming in, revenue).
Vacillate
alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive.
“I had for a time vacillated between teaching and journalism”
Similar: dither, be indecisive
Imperious
assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering
“his imperious demands”
Similar: peremptory, domineering, assertive
Peremptory
(especially of a person’s manner or actions) insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a brusquely imperious way.
"”just do it!” came the peremptory reply”
Evanescent
soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing
“a shimmering evanescent bubble”
Similar: vanishing, fading, evaporating
indolence
avoidance of activity or exertion; laziness
“my failure is probably due to my own indolence”
Similar: laziness, idleness, sloth
Unerring
always right or accurate
“an unerring sense of direction”
Similar: unfailing, infallible, perfect
Infallible
incapable of making mistakes or being wrong
“doctors are not infallible”
Ethereal
extremely delicate and light in a way that seems to perfect for this world
“her ethereal beauty”
Similar: delicate, exquisite, elegant
Reverence
deep respect for someone or something
“rituals showed honor and reverence for the dead”
Similar: high regard, great respect
Piety
the quality of being religious or reverent
“acts of piety and charity”
Similar: devoutness, devotion, piousness
Pater familias
pater familias was the oldest living male in a household, and could legally exercise autocratic authority over his extended family.
ephemeral
lasting for a very short time
“fashions are ephemeral”
Similar: transitory, transient, fleeting, passing
immutable
unchanging over time or unable to be changed
“an immutable fact”
Similar: unchangeable, fixed, set, rigid
dissolution
the closing down or dismissal of an assembly, partnership, or official body
“the dissolution of their marriage”
Similar: cessation, conclusion
debauched living; dissipation
“an advanced state of dissolution”
Similar: debauchery, decadence
decadence
moral or cultural decline as characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury
“he denounced Western decadence”
Similar: dissipation,
dissipation
dissipated living
“a descent into drunkenness and sexual dissipation”
The squandering of money, energy, or resources
sojurn
a temporary state; stay somewhere temporarily
“her sojourn in Rome”
Similar: stay, visit, stop
resplendent
attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous
“she was resplendent in a sea-green dress”
Similar: splendid, magnificent, brilliant
effusive
expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.
“an effusive welcome”
Similar: gushing, unrestrained, unreserved
impunity
exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action
“the impunity enjoyed by military officers implicated in civilian killings”
Similar: immunity, indemnity
overt
done or shown openly; plainly or readily apparent, not secret or hidden
“an overt act of aggression”
Similar: undisguised, unconcealed
farce
a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations.
Sham
a thing that is not what it is purported to be
“the proposed legislation is a farce and a sham”
Similar: pretense, fake, fiction
quotidian
of or occurring every day; daily
“the car sped noisily off through the quotidian traffic”
Similar: daily, everyday
indelible
not able to be forgotten or removed
“his story made an indelible impression on me”
Similar: ineradicable, ineffaceable
ineffaceable
unable to be erased or forgotten
“the experience made an ineffaceable impression on his mind”
Capacious
having a lot of space inside; roomy
Similar: roomy, commodious, spacious
inexorable
impossible to stop or prevent
“the seemingly inexorable march on new technology”
Similar: relentless, unstoppable, unavoidable
vitriol
cruel and bitter criticism
“her mother’s sudden gush of fury and vitriol”
tawdry
showy but cheap and of poor quality
“tawdry jewelry”
extant
(especially of a document) still in existence; surviving
“the original manuscript is no longer extant”
Similar: in existence, still existing
quixotic
exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.
“a vast and perhaps quixotic project”
Similar:
idealistic
unbusinesslike
romantic
extravagant
gad·fly
an annoying person, especially one who provokes others into action by criticism.
“always a gadfly, he attacked intellectual orthodoxies”
fealty
a feudal tenant’s or vassal’s sworn loyalty to a lord.
“they owed fealty to the Earl rather than the King”
formal acknowledgement of loyalty to a lord.
“a property for which she did fealty”
deftly
in a way that is neatly skillful and quick in movement.
“her fingers moved deftly, quickly parting the grass”
in a clever way.
“he has deftly handled the flak he’s received”
bereft
deprived of or lacking (something).
“her room was stark and bereft of color”
Similar:
deprived of
robbed of
stripped of
denuded of
jaundiced
having or affected by jaundice, in particular unnaturally yellow in complexion.
affected by bitterness, resentment, or envy.
“they looked on politicians with a jaundiced eye”
Similar:
bitter
resentful
cynical
soured
distorted
idle
(of a person) avoiding work; lazy.
“idle students”
Similar:
lazy
indolent
slothful
work-shy
without purpose or effect; pointless.
“he did not want to waste valuable time in idle chatter”
Similar:
frivolous
trivial
trifling
minor
Serendipity
the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way
“a fortunate stroke of serendipity”
Similar: chance; happy chance; accident
equanimity
mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
“she accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity”
Similar: composure, calmness, calm, level-headedness
dirigiste; dirigisme
economic planning and control by the state. An economic doctrine in which the state plays a strong directive (policies) role, contrary to a merely regulatory interventionist role over a market economy.
pride of place
the most prominent or important position among a group of things.
“the certificate has pride of place on my wall”
redolent
strongly reminiscent or suggestive of.
“names redolent of history and tradition”
Similar: evocative; suggestive; reminiscent
Evocative
bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind
“powerfully evocative lyrics.”
Similar: reminiscent; suggestive; redolent
depredation
an act of attacking or plundering.
“protecting grain from the depredations of rats and mice”
Similar: plundering; plunder; looting; pillaging
generative
relating to or capable of production and reproduction.
“the female reproductive system and its generative cycles.”
assail
make a concerted or violent attack on.
“the Scots army assailed Edward’s army from the rear”
Similar: attack; assault
(of an unpleasant feeling or physical sensation) come upon (someone) suddenly and strongly
“she was assailed by doubts and regrets
Similar: trouble; disturb; worry; plague
criticize someone strongly
Similar: criticize; censure; attack; condemn
venal
showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery
“their generosity had been at least partly venal”
Similar: corrupt; corruptible; bribable; open to bribary
penitence
the action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance
“a public display of penitence”
Similar: repentance; contrition; compunction; regret
explicate
analyze and develop (an idea or principle) in detail
“attempting to explicate the relationship between crime and economic forces”
Similar: explain; explain in detail; make explicit; clarify
moribund
(of a person) at the point of death
“on examination she was moribund and dehydrated”
Similar: dying; expiring; on one’s deathbed
Convalescence
time spent recovering from an illness or medical treatment; recuperation
“a period of convalescence”
Similar: recuperation; recovery; return to health
sanguine
optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation
“he is sanguine about prospects for the global economy”
Similar: optimistic; bullish; hopeful; buoyant
paroxysm
a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity
“a paroxysm of weeping”
Similar: spasm; attack;
admonished
warn or reprimand someone firmly
“she admonished me for appearing at breakfast unshaven”
Similar: reprimand; rebuke; scold; reprove; upbraid
sycophant
a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage
“because he is high-ranking, he’s surrounded by sycophants”
Similar: toady; creep; fawner; flatterer
obsequious
obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree
“they were served by obsequious waiters”
Similar: servile; ingratiating; unctuous
ingratiating
intended to gain approval or favor
propitious
giving or indicating a good chance or success; favorable
“the timing for such a meeting seemed propitious”
Similar: favorable; auspicious; promising;
Contextualize
place or study in context.
“the book contextualizes Melville’s short fiction and poetry”
Protagonist
the leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text.
the main figure or one of the most prominent figures in a real situation.
“in this colonial struggle, the main protagonists were Great Britain and France”
Similar:
chief character
principal
hero/heroine
leading man/lady
title role
Antagonist
a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary.
“he turned to confront his antagonist”
Similar:
adversary
opponent
enemy
foe
nemesis
rival
competitor
Objection
an expression or feeling of disapproval or opposition; a reason for disagreeing.
“they have raised no objections to the latest plans”
Similar:
protest
protestation
demur
demurrer
remonstrance
Futile
incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
“a futile attempt to keep fans from mounting the stage”
Similar:
fruitless
vain
pointless
useless
worthless
ineffectual
Inherently
in a permanent, essential, or characteristic way.
“the work is inherently dangerous”
