Verbal Group 10

Acumen

Quickness and keenness in understanding

Antithesis

The direct opposite or contrast

Ascribe

Attribute something to a particular cause

Befuddled

Confused, bewildered, or perplexed

Eschew

Intentionally avoid or abstain from

Esoteric

Understood by few or a small group of people

Evasive

Indirect; avoiding confrontation

Exculpate

Clear from blame or guilt

Expedite

Accelerate or speed up a process or action

Fastidious

Showing great attention to detail; hard to please

Feign

Pretend or simulate; mislead

Furtive

Sneaky or secretive, especially due to guilt

Hamper

Obstruct or hinder progress

Indispensable

Completely necessary; essential

Lament

Express deep sorrow or regret

Myopic

Shortsighted; lacking creativity

Nonchalant

Appearing casually calm or indifferent

Partial

Prejudiced or biased toward one side; part of something

Impartial

Unbiased, fair, and unprejudiced

Pensive

Deep in thought

Portend

Warn that something, often unpleasant, is about to happen

Provincial

Narrow in perspective; not sophisticated

Rudimentary

Basic or elementary; in the earliest stages of development

Salutary

Beneficial, especially in promoting health

Sever

Cut off or put an end to

Slight

Treat with disrespect or neglect; insult

Stoic

Unaffected by pain; showing no emotion

Tout

Promote or praise energetically

Wane

Decrease in power, size, or intensity