Vocabulary Workshop Level F: Unit 11

abstemious

(adj.) moderate, sparing (as in eating and drinking), characterized by abstinence and self-discipline

censurable

(adj.) deserving of blame or correction

contingent

(adj.) likely but not certain to happen, possible; dependent on uncertain events or conditions; happening by chance; (n.) a representative group forming part of a larger body

corroborate

(v.) to confirm, make more certain, bolster, substantiate, verify

denizen

(n.) an inhabitant, resident; one who frequents a place

discursive

(adj.) passing aimlessly from one place or subject to another, rambling,roving, nomadic

disseminate

(v.) to scatter or spread widely

dowdy

(adj.) poorly dressed, shabby; lacking smartness and good taste

florid

(adj.) highly colored, reddish; excessively ornate, showy

foist

(v.) to impose by fraud; to pass off as worthy or genuine; to bring about by stealth, dishonesty, or coercion

gauche

(adj.) awkward, lacking in social graces, tactless, clumsy

heresy

(n.)an opinion different from accepted belief; the denial of an idea that is generally held sacred

inculcate

(v.) to impress on the mind by repetition, teach persistently and earnestly

palpable

(adj.) capable of being touched or felt; easily seen, heard, or recognized

perceptive

(adj.) having sympathetic insight or understanding, capable of keen appreciation

pernicious

(adj.) extremely harmful; deadly, fatal

salient

(adj.) leaping, jumping, or springing forth; prominent, standing out, conspicuous; (n.) a projection or bulge, a land form that projects upward or outward

satiate

(v.) to satisfy completely; to fill to excess; (adj.) full, satisfied

sear

(v.) to make or become dry and withered; to char or scorch the surface of; to harden or make unfeeling; to parch, singe

specious

(adj.) deceptive, apparently good or valid but lacking real merit