English test

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Archaic 

adjective from Greek arkhaios, “ancient” 

No longer used or applicable; ancient.

*The words thou and thee were once common, but are now archaic 

argot

noun

The informal, specialized vocabulary or expressions of a particular group.

*In the argot of editing and publishing, TK means “to come later,” and stet means “let it stand,” or “do not change as marked.'“

connotation

noun from a Latin com-, “together” + notare, “to mark”

ideas or meanings suggested by a word: association that go beyond a words literal meaning

*whereas the word slender has a positive connotation, the word skinny has a negative one.

denotation

noun for latin de-, “completely +NOTARE, “TO MARK” 

the most direct or specific meaning of a word

*The denotation of the word apartment is a residence located in a building where there are other residences.”

denote. verb A farm denotes a place where crops are grown or animals are raised. 

denoatavie adjective Although the denotavie meaning of hearth is “a fireplace,” its connotative meanig suggests it is found in a hiuse or a warm, comfortable place.

atlas

noun from alas, a mythological green giant.

A book or bound collection of maps.

*we consulted two atlas to chart our trip of the California coast.

epicure

noun from epicure, a Greek philosopher.

A person with refined taste, especially in food and drink.

*The epicure rejected the waiter’s suggestion of a cheeseburger and order a fine steak.

galvanize

verb from luigi Galvani, an Italian scientist

To stimulate or urge into action; to spur

*A recent increase in roadside litter galvanized the keep our town beautiful committee.

jovial

adjective from Latin lovis, “Jupiter,” king of the Roman gods.

jolly; filled with good cheer

*Plenty of food and lots of jokes contributed to the jovial atmosphere at the party.

nemesis 

noun from nemesis, the Greek goddess of righteous revenge. 

a. A source of harm or ruin; an opponent that cannot be defeated. 

A harsh winner proved to be the nemesis of the invading army.

b. One who inflicts retribution or vengeance

*Lucy’s nemesis spread gossip about her every day in a desperate attempt to get back at her.

behold

verb

to gaze at or look upon

*The grand canyon at sunset is truly a sight to behold.

beholder noun because people’s notions of beauty vary, it is often said that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

discernment

noun from latin dis-, “apart”

• cernere, to separate carefully”

• Excellent judgment and insight; skill in perceiving

• *The chess player was known for her keen discernment of opponents’ weakness

• discern verb April taught her nieces to discern which strawberries were ripe enough to pick.

envision

verb from latin- ‘in’ + vision

To picture in the mind; to imagine

*Vivian envisioned how her life would change once she became an actress.

Foresee

verb from old english fore, “in front”  see 

To see or know ahead of time

*City planners were not able to foresee that A hurricane would destroy the new library.