Academic Vocabulary Master List

A flashcard set covering advanced vocabulary terms from the provided list, organized for student review and exam preparation.

abolish

To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.

adamant

Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind.

affinity

A spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something.

apex

The top or highest part of something, especially one forming a point.

benevolent

Well meaning and kindly; charitable.

cacophony

A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction, or a person/thing that precipitates an event.

cease

Bring or come to an end.

cognizant

Having knowledge or being aware of.

complacent

Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.

conjecture

An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.

conspicuous

Standing out so as to be clearly visible; attracting notice or attention.

convey

To transport or carry to a place; to make an idea or feeling known or understandable.

criteria

Principles or standards by which something may be judged or decided.

curtail

To reduce in extent or quantity; to impose a restriction on.

diminish

To make or become less.

disparate

Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.

divulge

To make known private or sensitive information.

dogmatic

Inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.

egregious

Outstandingly bad; shocking.

ephemeral

Lasting for a very short time.

epitome

A person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type.

exacerbate

To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.

fluctuate

To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount.

garner

To gather or collect something, especially information or approval.

grandiose

Impressive and imposing in appearance or style, especially pretentiously so.

homogenous

Of the same kind; alike.

impair

To weaken or damage something, especially a human faculty or function.

implement

To put a decision, plan, or agreement into effect.

incessant

Continuing without pause or interruption, especially of something regarded as unpleasant.

indigenous

Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.

innate

Inborn; natural.

intrepid

Fearless; adventurous.

lucrative

Producing a great deal of profit.

magnanimous

Very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful than oneself.

malleable

Able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking; easily influenced.

mediocre

Of only moderate quality; not very good.

mundane

Lacking interest or excitement; dull.

obsolete

No longer produced or used; out of date.

opaque

Not able to be seen through; not transparent.

paramount

More important than anything else; supreme.

paucity

The presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts; scarcity.

pragmatic

Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

precarious

Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.

prevail

To prove more powerful than opposing forces; to be victorious.

proficient

Competent or skilled in doing or using something.

profound

(Of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight.

progeny

The descendant or descendants of a person, animal, or plant; offspring.

recant

To say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief, especially one considered unorthodox.

resilient

Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

scrupulous

Diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details; concerned to avoid doing wrong.

stagnant

(Of a body of water or air) having no current or flow and often having an unpleasant smell; showing no activity or growth.

squalid

(Of a place) extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect.

subsequent

Coming after something in time; following.

substantiate

To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of.

subtle

So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe.

tenuous

Very weak or slight.

vacillate

To alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive.

venerable

Accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.

yield

To produce or provide; to give way to arguments, demands, or pressure.