English Vocab #3

Abominate

(v.) To have an intense dislike or hatred for.

Acculturation

(n.) the modification of the social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another; the resultant blend

Adventitious

(adj.) resulting from chance rather than from an inherent cause or character; accidental, not essential; (medicine) acquired, not congenital

Ascribe

(v.) to assign or refer to (as a cause or source), attribute

Circuitous

(adj.) roundabout, not direct

Commiserate

(v.) to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress

Enjoin

(v.) to direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way; to prohibit

Expedite

(v.) to make easy, cause to progress faster

Expiate

(v.) to make amends, make up for; to avert

Ferment

(n.) a state of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence; (v.) to be in or work into such a state; to produce alcohol by chemical action

Inadvertent

(adj.) resulting from or marked by lack of attention; unintentional, accidental

Nominal

(adj.) existing in name only, not real; too small to be considered or taken seriously

Noncommittal

(adj.) not decisive or definite; unwilling to take a clear position or to say yes or no

Peculate

(v.) to steal something that has been given into one's trust; to take improperly for one's own use

Proclivity

(n.) a natural or habitual inclination or tendency ( especially of human character or behavior)

Sangfroid

(n.) composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances

Seditious

(adj.) resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government

Tenuous

(adj.) thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance or significance; lacking a sound basis, poorly supported

Vitriolic

(adj.) bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid)

Wheedle

(v.) to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end