Studied by 23 people
obscure
relatively unknown; indistinct
ominous
menacing, threatening, foreboding
ornate
elaborately decorated
paradoxical
a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity
patronizing
condescending
pedantic
an adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish
penitient
expressing remorse for one’s misdeeds; remorseful
philosophical
sensibly composed or calm; characteristic of a philosopher
pious
reverent; respectful to what is sacred or moral
poignant
profoundly moving; touching
polemic
relating to disputes and controversy
portentous
ominous; also pompous or self-important (2 separate meanings)
pragmatic
practical
pretentious
haughty
prosaic
unimaginative, dull
puritanical
austerity, extreme rigidity
regal
of, like or fit for a monarch; splendid
reproachful
marked by shame, disgrace (the one judging another has a reproachful look)
sanguine
confident, optimistic; ruddy (this is where the “blood” origin comes in)
sarcastic
from the Greek for "to tear flesh," involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something
sardonic
disdainfully or ironically humorous; harsh, bitter or caustic
scathing
harsh or caustic
smug
annoyingly self satisfied
solemn
sacred, formal, serious
staid
respectable and unadventurous
stark
desolate, dreary, grim
strident
harsh-sounding, shrill
stoic
indifferent to pleasure or pain; impassive
subjective
instinctive, emotional, subject to personal feelings/prejudices
superficial
concerned only with what is on the surface; shallow
superfluous
extra, unnecessary
tactful
relating to something carefully stated so as not to offend
terse
concise, succinct
trite
not fresh or original, hackneyed
vexed
frustrated
wary
on guard, cautious
whimsical
unpredictable and flighty, but also playful and amusing
wistful
showing or expressing vague yearnings; regretful longing
wrathful
intensely angry, furious, enraged
Note 
Flashcard (42)