Vocabulary Study Terms

Vocabulary flashcards featuring key terms and their definitions from the lecture notes.

jubilation

A feeling of great happiness and triumph.

orthodox

Conforming to what is generally or traditionally accepted as right or true.

esoteric

Intended for or understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge.

retrospective

Looking back on or dealing with past events or situations.

stringent

Strict, precise, and exacting.

tenacious

Tending to keep a firm hold of something; persistent or stubborn.

vex

To make someone feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried.

vermin

Wild animals that are believed to be harmful to crops, farm animals, or game, or that carry disease.

rational

Based on or in accordance with reason or logic.

grueling

Extremely tiring and demanding.

whim

A sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained.

garble

To reproduce a message or sound in a confused and distorted way.

clarity

The quality of being coherent, intelligible, or clear.

pallid

Pale, typically because of poor health.

scuttle

To run hurriedly or furtively with short quick steps.

veracious

Speaking or representing the truth; truthful.

laxity

Lack of strictness or care.

avant-garde

New and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts.

partisan

A strong supporter of a party, cause, or person.

maverick

An unorthodox or independent-minded person.

gregarious

Fond of company; sociable.

inimical

Tending to obstruct or harm; unfriendly or hostile.

pragmatic

Dealing with things sensibly and realistically based on practical considerations.

mesmerized

To have one's attention captured entirely.

censure

The expression of formal, severe disapproval.

impinge

To have an effect or impact, especially a negative one.

staid

Sedate, respectable, and unadventurous.

mediocre

Of only moderate quality; not very good.

disgruntled

Angry or dissatisfied.

convocation

A large formal assembly of people.