Vocabulary Flashcards - P Words

A collection of vocabulary flashcards focusing on words beginning with the letter P.

pedantic

Overly concerned with minute details or formalisms, especially in teaching.

pejorative

Having a disparaging, derogatory, or belittling effect or force.

pertinent

Pertaining or relating directly and significantly to the matter at hand; relevant.

pervasive

Thoroughly penetrating or permeating; not just affecting one thing but many.

perverse

Willfully determined to go counter to what is expected; contrary; rejecting what is right.

peter

To fail or lose power, efficiency, or value; to diminish gradually to nothing.

petulant

Moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, especially over trifling annoyance.

philanthropy

Altruistic concern for human welfare, usually manifested by donations or other generous acts.

pique

To affect with sharp irritation and resentment; to excite interest or curiosity.

plutocracy

A wealthy class that controls the government by means of their money.

prisoner of the moment

A person who loses perspective due to distraction from current events.

proliferation

A rapid and often excessive spread or increase.

proverb

A short popular saying that expresses some commonplace truth or useful thought.

proxy

The agency or power of a person authorized to act as a substitute for another.

purge

To rid, clear, or free from something.

purgatory

Any condition or place of temporary punishment or suffering.