Diction Quiz Retake

hollow

insincere or false

falseness of an expression or action

• ex: hollow compliments

• “his praise felt hollow, as if he didn’t really mean it”

apathetic

• having or showing little or no emotion

describes a person’s indifference or lack of emotional engagement

• a person who shows a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern

• not interested or concerned; indifferent or unresponsive

• “she remained apathetic about the project, showing no enthusiasm or effort to contribute”

detached

impartial or objective; disinterested; unbiased

emotional distance and neutrality

• not involved or concerned; aloof

• neutral to slightly negative, it suggests a lack of emotional engagement or personal investment but does not necessarily imply cruelty or insensitivity

describes someone who is objective, uninvolved, or maintaining a distance from emotions or situations

• “the scientist maintained a detached demeanor while conducting the experiment”

callous

insensitive; indifferent; unsympathetic

a harsher, more insensitive attitude towards others’ feelings or suffering

• showing a cruel disregard for others; insensitive and unfeeling

• implies a harshness and a lack of empathy that can be perceived as cruel or heartless

• describes someone who is insensitive to the suffering or feelings of others, often acting in a way that is harsh or unkind

“her callous remarks about the accident showed she had no sympathy for the victims“

flippant

frivolously disrespectful, shallow, or lacking in seriousness; characterized by levity

implies a more casual or careless attitude

• this describes a casual or dismissive attitude, often marked by a lack of seriousness or respect

• usually light-hearted or humorous but can come across as rude or inappropriate because because they fail to show the necessary gravity or respect for the situation

ex: making a joke during a serious meeting

insolent

boldly rude or disrespectful; contemptuously impertinent; insulting

implies a more deliberate and openly defiant disrespect

• more overt and deliberate form of disrespect

• insolent behavior is characterized by rudeness, arrogance, and a blatant disregard for authority or social norms

• it often involves direct confrontation or insults

ex: talking back to a teacher in a rude and defiant manner is considered insolent

profane

not devoted to holy or religious purposes

• characterized by irreverence or contempt for God or sacred principles or things

• refers to something that shows disrespect or contempt for sacred things

• often involves language, actions, or behaviors that are vulgar, obscene, or blasphemous

• typically used in a religious or moral context (describes actions or speech that violate the sacredness of something considered holy or deeply respected)

irreverent

showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously

lighter and can simply indicate a humorous or non-serious approach to something traditionally respected

• less intense than profane and is often used to describe a humorous or light-hearted attitude that undercuts solemnity or seriousness

• describes a playful or critical attitude towards conventional norms or established figures

preeminent

superior; surpassing

• used to describe someone or something that is outstanding, distinguished, or superior in a particular field or area

• refers to positive recognition for excellence

notorious

widely and unfavorably known

• publicly or generally known, as for a particular trait

• used to describe someone or something that is well-known for a bad quality or deed

• refers to negative recognition for wrongdoing or undesirable characteristics

famous

having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature; renowned; celebrated

• widely known or recognized by a large number of people

ex: a celebrity who is known for their scandals might be famous, but not necessarily respected

distiguished

made conspicuous by excellence; noted: eminent; famous

• having an air of distinction, dignity, or eminence

• recognized for excellence, having a mark of honor or respect

• implies that the person has achieved something noteworthy and is respected for their accomplishments or qualities

• being distinguished implies that the person has achieved something noteworthy and is respected for their accomplishments or qualities

implies a higher level of respect and honor for notable achievements

obsequious

characterized by or showing servile obedience and excessive eagerness to please: fawning

• excessively eager to please or obey, often to a servile degree

• negative; implies insincerity and a lack of self-respect, suggesting that the person is trying too hard to gain favor or approval, seen as insincere and excessive

reverent

feeling, exhibiting, or characterized by reverence; deeply respectful

• showing deep respect, admiration, or awe

• positive; implies genuine respect and admiration, often towards something or someone worthy of such feelings

pious

having or showing a dutiful spirit of reverence for God or an earnest wish to fulfill religious obligations

• practiced or used in the name of real or pretended religious motives, or for some ostensibly good object; falsely earnest or sincere

• often carries a positive connotation of sincere faith and devotion (but can sometimes be used negatively to suggest hypocritical or overly zealous religiosity)

obedient

obeying or willing to obey; complying with or submissive to authority

• generally neutral or positive, emphasizing compliance and discipline

• it can also be negative if it suggests a lack of independence or critical thinking

• compliance with authority or rules