English Unit 3 Vocabulary

abominable

to have an extreme dislike or hatred of

acculturation

the modification of the social patterns or traits of one group or society by adopting those of another

adventitious

happening from chance rather than by design or inherent (intrinsic) nature

ascribe

to assign or attribute something to; to give credit for something to a specific cause or person

circuitous

not direct; longer than the normal route

commiserate

to sympathize with; to have pity or sorrow for

enjoin

to instruct or urge someone to do something

expedite

to make something easier or make a process go faster

expiate

to make amend or make up for something; to atone

ferment

a state of great excitement or agitation; typically leading to trouble or violence

inadvertent

unintentional; resulting from a lack of attention

nominal

existing in name only; not real

noncommittal

indecisive; (describing a person) not showing commitment to an option or plan

peculate

to embezzle or steal something that has been given in trust

sangfroid

composure or coolness, especially in dangerous or trying circumstances

seditious

resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government

tenuous

thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or strength

vitrolic

bitter or sarcastic

wheedle

to use coaxing or flattery to get some desired results

proclivity

a natural or habitual inclination of tendency