vocab list 1

Abstract

n. thought of apart from concrete realities, specific objects, or actual instances

Acquiesce

v. submit or comply silently without protest

Acute

adj. sharp or severe in effect; extremely great or serious

Aesthetic

adj. pertaining to a sense of the beautiful; pertaining to, involving, or concerned with pure emotion and sensation as opposed to pure intellectuality

Alleviate

v. to make easier to endure; lessen

Plaintive

adj. expressing sorrow or melancholy; mournful

Platitude

n. a flat, dull, or trite remark, especially one uttered as if it were fresh or profound

Plebeian

adj. belonging or pertaining to the common people

Plethora

n. overabundance; excess

Poignant

adj. keenly distressing to the feelings; pungent to the smell

Polarize

v. to divide into sharply opposing factions, political groups, etc.

Polemic

n. a person who argues in opposition to another; controversialist

Ponderous

adj. of great weight; heavy; massive

Portent

n. an indication or omen of something about to happen, especially something momentous; a prodigy or marvel

Postulate

v. to ask, demand, or claim

Pragmatic

adj. of or pertaining to a practical point of view or practical considerations

Precedent

n. any act, decision, or case that serves as a guide or justification for subsequent situations

Precept

n. a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct

Precipitate

v. to hasten the occurrence of; bring about prematurely, hastily, or suddenly

Precipitous

adj. extremely or impassably steep