New Words (Theory Books)

reading books published in the late 19th and early 20th centuries presents a whole new vocabulary to learn

foible

a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone’s character

rollicking

exuberantly lively and amusing

sycophancy

insincere flattery to gain advantage

demagogy

political activity or practices that seek support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people rather than by using rational argument

savant

a very learned or talented person, especially one distinguished in a particular field

exhortation

an address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something

portents

a sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen

dyspeptic

irritability

travail

painful and laborious effort

shibboleth

any custom or tradition—usually a choice of phrasing or single word—that distinguishes one group of people from another

quixotic

exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical

pauperize

to impoverish

quail

to feel or show fear or apprehension

enigmatic

difficult to interpret or understand

epoch

a period of time in history or a person's life, typically one marked by notable events or particular characteristics

polemical

expressing or constituting a strongly critical attack on or controversial opinion about someone or something

cogency

the quality of being clear, logical, and convincing

castigate

to reprimand severely

trenchant

vigorous or incisive in expression or style; sharp

declivitous

sloping down rather steeply

elucidation

explanation that makes something clear; clarification

importune

harass someone persistently for or to do something

sophistry

the use of fallacious arguments, especially with intention of deceiving