vocab

Abate (əˈbeɪt)

To decrease in force or intensity; to lessen or diminish. Example: The storm began to __ after several hours of heavy rainfall.

Abstruse

Something deeply complex, intellectually demanding, and difficult for the average person to comprehend

Acrimonious

Speech, arguments, or behavior that are angry, bitter, and full of strong resentment

Alacrity

À cheerful, enthusiastic willingness and quickness to do something

Capricious

Someone or something governed by sudden, impulsive or unpredictable whims rather than by reason, logic or consistency

Deference

Yielding to the judgement, opinion, or wishes of someone else out of respect, reverence, or recognition of their authority

Reticent

To be reserved, quiet, or disinclined to speak freely about one’s thoughts or feelings.

Deride

To express contempt or mock someone or something, often in a harsh, bitter, or scornful way

Disparage

To criticize someone or something in a way that shows a lack of respect, attempting to make them seem less valuable, important or capable

Belligerent (bəˈlɪdʒərənt)

Hostile and aggressive; inclined to fight. Example: His ___ attitude made it difficult to resolve the conflict amicably.

Ephemeral (ɪˈfɛmərəl)

Lasting for a very short time; fleeting. Example: The beauty of the sunrise was _____, disappearing within moments.

Colloquialisms

A word, phrase or expression used in casual conversation or everyday speech generally avoided in formal writing

Wan

Describes: a person who looks pale, exhausted or sickly or dim, weak, faint light

Obsequious

Being excessively eager to please, flatter, or obey someone, usually to gain their favor

Suffuse

To gradually spread through, over, or throughout a space, substance or entity

Baleful adj.

threatening, menacing, foreshadowing evil

Scour

Actively searching a large area or thoroughly cleaning a surface by scrubbing

Furtive (ˈfɜrtɪv)

Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt. Example: He cast a ___glance around the room before speaking.

Contours

The outline, profile, or defining line of a shape or surface, particularly one that curves

Terse

Being brief, concise and to the point

Brooding

The act of thinking deeply about something in a serious, gloomy, or anxious way

Leer

To look at someone in an unpleasant, malicious or unpleasantly sexual way

Gibber

To speak in a rapidly inaccurate and often intelligible manner

Sinuous

To move, bend, or curve in a winding, twisting or graceful manner

Raucous

A sound that is unpleasantly loud, harsh and grating. Behavior that is boisterous, rowdy, or disorderly

Strident

Something loud, harsh, gating or offensively forceful in expression

Temerity

Unreasonable recklessness or boldness. Extreme confidence and disregard for danger and propriety.

Carnage

The violent, large scale slaughter and destruction of people, typically in the context of war, battle or devastating accidents

Garrulous (ˈɡɛrələs)

Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters. Example: Her ___nature made the long bus ride feel shorter.

Hapless (ˈhæplɪs)

Unfortunate; having bad luck. Example: The ___ traveler lost her wallet just before her flight.

Ineffable (ɪˈnɛfəbl)

Too great or extreme to be expressed in words; indescribable. Example: The ____ beauty of the landscape took my breath away.

Juxtapose (ˌdʒʌkstəˈpoʊz)

To place two or more things side by side for comparison. Example: The artist chose to ___light and dark colors to create contrast.

Kowtow (ˈkaʊˌtaʊ)

To act in an excessively subservient manner; to show deference. Example: He refused to ___ to his boss's unreasonable demands.

Subservient

Willingly obeying others unquestioningly, or acting in a secondary subordinate capacity

Subordinate

To be lower in rank, position, or importance

Proclivity

A strong natural or habitual inclination to do or like something

Languid (ˈlæŋɡwɪd)

Weak or tired; lacking energy. Example: The hot weather made her feel ____and unproductive.

Obfuscate (ˈɑːbfəskeɪt)

To deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand. Example: The lawyer tried to ____ the details of the case.

Pernicious (pərˈnɪʃəs)

Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way. Example: The ____influence of social media can affect mental health.

Quintessential (ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl)

Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. Example: She is the ____student, excelling in academics and sports.

Recalcitrant (rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trənt)

Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude. Example: The _____ student refused to complete his assignments.

Sycophant (ˈsɪkəfæn)

A person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage. Example: The ___ flattered his boss to secure a promotion.

Trepidation (ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən)

A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen. Example: She approached the interview with ____, fearing the outcome.

Venerable (ˈvɛnərəbəl)

Highly respected and esteemed, especially because of age. Example: The ___ professor was admired by students and colleagues alike.

Obstinate

Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade them to do otherwise