vocab

Coinage

(noun) the invention of new words or an invented word or phrase.

Colloquial

(adj) conversational; informal in style of expression.

Onomatopoeia

(noun) the formation or use of a word that imitates or resembles what it stands for; examples include smack, boing, zap.

Palindrome

(noun) a word, phrase, or sentence that reads the same backwards or forwards; examples include race car, mom.

Portmanteau word

(noun) a word formed by merging the sounds and meaning of two different words; blend examples include brunch, spork, podcast.

Diligence

(noun) constant and earnest effort to accomplish a task; careful attention.

Foresight

(noun) the ability to see what is likely to happen and to prepare for it accordingly.

Meticulous

(adj) (A) extremely careful and precise, (B) excessively concerned with details.

Prudent

(adj) exercising caution, good judgment, or common sense in handling practical matters.

Selective

(adj) careful in choosing; particular; discriminating.

Beguile

(verb) (A) to deceive; trick, (B) to amuse; delight.

Civility

(noun) (A) politeness; courtesy, (B) an act or expression of courtesy.

Demeanor

(noun) the way in which one behaves or conducts oneself.

Foolhardy

(adj) foolishly bold or daring; rash.

Unseemly

(adj) not in good taste; improper; unbecoming.

Conjecture

(noun) the act of forming an opinion from incomplete evidence; guesswork.

Dejected

(adj) depressed; disheartened.

Objectionable

(adj) arousing disapproval; offensive.

Projectile

(noun) an object, such as a bullet or an arrow, that is thrown, fired, or otherwise launched through space.

Subjective

(adj) taking place within an individual’s mind rather than the external environment; personal.

Apprehensive

(adj) anxious and fearful about the future; uneasy.

Dubious

(adj) (A) doubtful; uncertain, (B) questionable as to quality or validity.

Inevitable

(adj) incapable of being avoided or prevented.

Precarious

(adj) dangerously lacking in security or stability; unsafe; risky.

Unequivocal

(adj) leaving no doubt or misunderstanding; perfectly clear.

Bulwark

(noun) (A) a defensive wall; rampart, (B) any protection or defense.

Fortitude

(noun) strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or trouble with courage.

Haven

(noun) (A) a place of rest or refuge; sanctuary, (B) a sheltered harbor or port.

Resilient

(adj) (A) recovering strength or spirits quickly, (B) springing back into position or shape.

Stalwart

(adj) physically strong; sturdy; robust, (noun) a sturdy, strong-willed person.

Accredit

(verb) (A) to recognize as having met official standards, (B) to ascribe or attribute to; credit with.

Credibility

(noun) the quality of deserving confidence; plausibility; reliability.

Credulous

(adj) tending to believe too readily; easily deceived; gullible.

Incredible

(adj) (A) too extraordinary to be possible, (B) astonishing; amazing.

Miscreant

(noun) a person who behaves badly or criminally; villain.

Composure

(noun) control over one’s emotions; steadiness of manner.

Ennui

(noun) listlessness and dissatisfaction resulting from inactivity or lack of interest; boredom.

Indolent

(adj) reluctant to exert oneself; habitually lazy.

Pandemonium

(noun) wild uproar or noise; tumult.

Serenity

(noun) the quality of being untroubled or unruffled; peacefulness.

Docile

(adj) easily managed or taught; gentle.

Intrepid

(adj) courageous; fearless; bold.

Pacific

(adj) promoting peace; peaceful; tranquil; serene.

Reserved

(adj) (A) quiet and restrained in manner, (B) held for a particular person or persons.

Strident

(adj) having a shrill, harsh, and grating sound or effect.

Avert

(verb) (A) to turn away or aside, (B) to prevent from happening.

Inadvertent

(adj) accidental; unintentional.

Invert

(verb) to turn inside out or upside down.

Irreversible

(adj) incapable of being reversed.

Versatile

(adj) (A) capable of doing many things competently, (B) having varied uses or functions.

Flagrant

(adj) extremely or deliberately noticeable; glaring.

Flaunt

(verb) to show off in order to impress others; display.

Salient

(adj) standing out and attracting attention; noticeable; prominent.

Sequester

(verb) to remove or withdraw from public view; seclude; set apart.

Surreptitious

(adj) done or acting in secret; sneaky.

Elucidate

(verb) to make clear or plain.

Explicit

(adj) expressed clearly and precisely, without any possibility of misunderstanding.

Imbue

(verb) to pervade or permeate as if with dye or stain.

Instill

(verb) to introduce gradually.

Pedantic

(adj) marked by a concern for minute, often unimportant or uninteresting details.