Vocabulary Energizers II, Chapter 2

Spartan

adj. severe, rigorous, disciplined

gadfly

n. a person who continually annoys others

homage

n. action showing respect and honor

spurn

v. scornfully refuse or reject

pedigree

n. ancestry or record of ancestry, line of descent

pittance

n. small amount or portion, especially of money

preposterous

adj. ridiculous, obviously absurd, contrary to reason

macabre

adj. gruesome, horrible, causing fear, suggesting the horror of death

farce

n. ridiculous, light comedy; slapstick comedy; absurd thing; mockery

bombast

n. speech or writing that sounds grand or important but has little meaning

perogative

n. exclusive or special right or privilege

derogatory

adj. tending to make a person or thing seem lower or of less value; belittling; negative; discrediting

interrogate

v. question formally, closely, systematically

arrogant

adj. showing an excessive and unpleasant sense of superiority; overbearingly proud; haughty

abrogate

v. abolish, repeal, cancel, legally do away with