English Vocabulary: List 1-4

valiant

adjective, possessing or showing courage or determination.

Obstinate

adjective, stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.

Shrewd

adjective, having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute.

amiable

adjective, having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.

pestilence

noun, a fatal epidemic disease, especially bubonic plague.

vile

adjective, extremely unpleasant.

hither

adverb, to or toward this place.

malefactor

noun, a person who commits a crime or some other wrong

pernicious

adjective, having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way

revel

verb, enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way, especially with drinking and dancing; noun, lively and noisy enjoyment, especially with drinking and dancing.

Liege

noun, a feudal lord entitled to allegiance and service,

withal

adverb, in addition; as a further factor or consideration

flout

verb, openly disregard (a rule, law or convention).

enfranchise

verb, give the right to vote to.

knave

noun: Rascal, rogue; a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel

Mirth

noun A formal or literary term meaning fun and enjoyment as shown by laughter.

Allegiance

noun, loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause.

disposition

noun, a person's inherent qualities of mind and character.

lechery

noun, excessive or offensive sexual desire; lustfulness.

Effrontery

noun, arrogant behavior that you have no right to

Feckless

adjective

lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible.

fastuous

adjective

silly and pointless.

Fastidious

adjective

very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

Fallacy

noun

a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument.

impervious

adjective

not admitting of passage or capable of being affected

Importune

Verb

beg persistently and urgently

Jaunty

Adjective

having a cheerful, lively, and self-confident air

Jettison

Verb

throw away, of something encumbering

Jingoist

Noun

an extreme bellicose (ready to fight) nationalist

Junta

Noun

a group of military officers who rule a country after seizing power

glib

adj.

showing little forethought or preparation: offhand

halcyon

adj.

characterized by happiness, great success, and prosperity

ignominy

noun

deep personal humiliation and disgrace

gird

verb

prepare oneself for action or a confrontation

harangue

noun

a speech addressed to a public assembly

imbue

verb

inspire or permeate with (a feeling or quality).

gibe

verb

to utter taunting words

heterogeneous

adj.

consisting of dissimilar or diverse ingredients or constituents : mixed

germane

adj.

being at once relevant and appropriate : fitting

histrionic

adj.

deliberately affected : overly dramatic or emotional : theatrical

Knell

(noun)

The sound of a bell, especially when rung solemnly for a death or a funeral

Machination

(noun)

A plot or a scheme

Nebulous

(adjective)

In the form of a cloud or haze; hazy

Obeisance

(noun)

Deferential respect

Palliate

(verb)

make (a disease or symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause

Kaleidoscopic

(adjective)

Having complex patterns of colors

Malign

(adj)

evil in nature or effect; malevolent. (v) speak about (someone) in a spitefully critical manner.

Nefarious

(Adjective)

Wicked, evil, or immoral

Obloquy

(noun)

Strong verbal criticism or abuse

Panegyric

(noun)

A public speech or published text in praise of someone or something

Lacerate

(verb)

Tear or make a ragged cut (in flesh or skin)

Manifest

(adj)

Clear or obvious to the eye or mind

Nominal

(adjective)

(of a role or status) existing in name only

Odium

(noun)

General or widespread hatred or disgust directed toward someone as a result of their actions

Paragon

(noun)

A person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality

Lachrymose

(adjective)

Tearful or given to weeping

Maudlin

(adjective)

Self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness

Neophyte

(noun)

A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief

Officious

(adjective)

assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters

Paramount

(adjective)

more important than anything else; supreme.

Quandary

(noun) a state of uncertainty or confusion, especially about what to do.

Quash

(verb)to reject, suppress, or put an end to (often legally or forcefully).

Querulous

(adj.) complaining in a petulant or whining manner.

Quiescence

(noun)a state of rest, inactivity, or dormancy.

Rancor

(noun)deep-seated bitterness or resentfulness.

Rankle

(verb)to cause continual irritation or resentment.

Raucous

(adj.)loud and harsh; boisterous.

Rebut

(verb)to contradict or oppose with evidence or argument.

Sangfroid

(noun)composure or coolness under pressure.

Sanctimonious

(adj.)making a show of being morally superior to others.

Salient

(adj.)most noticeable or important.

Salacious

(adj.)lewd, indecent, or overly interested in sexual matters.

Talisman

(noun)an object thought to bring good luck or magical protection.

Tantamount

(adj.)equivalent in seriousness; virtually the same as.

Tautological

(adj.)needlessly repetitive; redundant.

Tenebrous

(adj.)dark, shadowy, or obscure.

Umbrage

(noun)offense or annoyance.

Uncouth

(adj.)lacking refinement, manners, or grace; crude.

Unremitting

(adj.)never relaxing or slackening; persistent.

Upbraid

(verb)to scold or criticize sharply.