Vocabulary 5 - Quiz 11/14

allusion

An expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference

altruistic

Showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well

appease

To make someone pleased or less angry by giving or saying something desired

arbitrary

Based on or determined by individual preference or convenience rather than by necessity or the intrinsic nature of something

assail

Make a concerted or violent attack on

banal

So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring

euphemism

A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing

mercenary

Primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics

syndrome

A group of symptoms which consistently occur together, or a condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms

taint

A trace of a bad or undesirable quality or substance