Comp midterm

maverick

nonconformist; one who acts independently

antonym: conformist

acidulous

sour or acid

lothario

rake, seducer, lover

saturnine

sluggish, gloomy, grave

antonym: lively

churlish

boorish; surly

antonym: well mannered

bellicose

warlike; of a quarrelsome nature

antonym: peaceful

hierarchy

arranged by rank

antonym: disorganization

staccato

crisp, sharp attack; disconnected

antonym: smooth

convivial

festive; social

philanderer

unfaithful lover

antonym: faithful husband

internist

doctor who specializes in internal medicine

vendetta

blood feud, bitter quarrel

antonym: friendly relations

craven

cowardly

antonym: heroic

lachrymose

sad; mournful; inclined to shed tears

antonym: happy

elite

the best or most skilled members

antonym: commoner

amanuensis

secretary

libretto

the text of an opera

rapprochement

reestablishing relationships

antonym: breaking off

tawdry

cheap; gaudy; showy

dermatologist

a doctor who specializes in skin problems

bilious

bad-tempered; bitter

antonym: sweet tempered

adagio

slowly

antonym: quickly

debonair

courteous; suave; having sophisticated charm

nemesis

agent of retribution

andante

moderate

antonym: swift in tempo

protean

changeable; taking many forms

antonym: constant

cabal

a clique; a small group joined in a secret intrigue; a conspiracy

genealogy

lineage; studying ones family tree

falsetto

artificial tones

antonym: basso

ornithology

the study of birds

captious

critical; quick to find fault

lapidary

an expert in precious stones

dyspeptic

grouchy; gloomy; a person who suffers from indigestion

antonym: congenial

baleful

deadly; sinister

spoonerism

an unintentional exchange of sounds

philippic

bitter verbal attack

antonym: eulogy