Second Form English The Fall of Rome Vocabulary Spring 2026

Vocabulary list including parts of speech and textual context references from The Fall of Rome study materials.

deference

humble submission and respect

spur

give an incentive or encouragement to (someone)

derision

contemptuous ridicule or mockery

discreet

careful and cautious in one's speech or actions to avoid causing offense

callow

immature, juvenile, naïve

decorum

propriety, good taste in conduct or appearance

waning

diminishing, disappearing, dwindling

insolent

showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect, without manners

beneficiary

a person who gains or receives an advantage from something

incumbent (upon)

necessary, obligatory, essential

cynical

believing the worst of human nature, that others are motivated by self-interest

warily

cautiously, carefully

illicit

forbidden by law, rules, or custom

contemptuous

expressing deep hatred or disapproval

fluke

an unexpected stroke of good luck

hideous

ugly and disgusting to look at

exhaustive

complete, all-inclusive

flitted

moved swiftly and lightly

duress

an action applied on someone to do something against their will or better

subtext

the implicit or underlying meaning in a piece of writing or conversation

segued

moved or shift without interruption from one thing to another

relished

enjoyed greatly

guileless

innocent and without deception

diffidence

hesitant in acting or speaking because of a lack of self-confidence

imprimatur

an imprint or guarantee that something is of a good standard

respite

a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant

exploits

a bold or daring feat

callused

having an area of hardened skin

scalded

burning hot

transcendence

going beyond the limits of

stricken

deeply affected by an unpleasant feeling

snorted

make a sudden noise through the nose to express ridicule or indignation

contemptuously

showing disregard or a lack of respect for what one considers worthless

vulnerable

it’s a state of emotional exposure- to be in a position where others can hurt you

rattled

made to feel nervous, worried, or irritated

impassive

not showing or feeling emotion

indulgence

the act of allowing oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something

testament

something that serves as a sign or evidence of a specified fact

wearing

mentally or physically tiring

misogynist

a person who dislikes, has little respect for, or is prejudiced against women

proprietary

relating to ownership

bear out

support or confirm something

erroneous

false, incorrect

wariness

suspicion or caution about possible problems

tedious

boring, dull, long, tiresome

reticence

restraint, reserve, reluctance

searing

being extremely hot and intense

wary

suspiciousness and alertness

ill-conceived

not showing good judgment

residue

a small amount that remains after the main part has been taken or used

opaque

unable to be seen through; not transparent; hard to understand or explain