vocab lesson 11

abstemious (adj.)

moderate, sparing (as in eating and drinking); characterized by abstinence and self-discipline

heresy (n.)

an opinion different from accepted belief; the denial of an idea that is generally held sacred

pernicious (adj.)

extremely harmful; deadly, fatal

gauche (adj.)

awkward, lacking in social graces, tactless, clumsy

contingent (n.)

a representative group forming party of a larger body

salient (adj.)

leaping, jumping, or springing forth; prominent, standing out, conspicuous

denizen (n.)

an inhabitant, resident; one who frequents a place

contingent (adj.)

likely but not certain to happen, possible; dependent on uncertain events or conditions; happening by chance

sear (v.)

to make or become dry and withered; to char or scorch the surface of; to harden or make unfeeling; to parch, singe

corroborate (v.)

to confirm, make more certain, bolster, substantiate, verify

dowdy (adj.)

poorly dressed, shabby; lacking smartness and good taste

florid (adj.)

highly colored, reddish; excessively ornate, showy

discursive (adj.)

passing aimlessly from one place or subject to another, rambling, roving, nomadic

palpable (adj.)

capable of being touched or felt; easily seen, heard, or recognized

perceptive (adj.)

having sympathetic insight or understanding, capable of keen appreciation

inculcate (v.)

to impress on the mind by repetition, teach persistently and earnestly

disseminate (v.)

to scatter or spread widely

salient (n.)

a projection or bulge, a land form that projects upward or outward

specious (adj.)

deceptive, apparently good or valid but lacking real merit

satiate (v.)

to satisfy completely; to fill to excess

censurable (adj.)

deserving of blame or correction

satiate (adj.)

full, satisfied

foist (v.)

to impose by fraud; to pass off as worthy or genuine; to bring about by stealth, dishonesty, or coercion