Vocabulary Flashcards: Key Words and Definitions for Language Learning

Candor

honesty, openness

Augment

to increase or add to

Consecration

making something sacred/dedicated

Arduous

difficult, tiring

Flashback

a scene that goes back in time

Dubbed

named/called

Foreshadow

hint at what will happen later

Bolster

to support or strengthen

Irony

opposite of what is expected

Anecdote

short personal story

Paradox

statement that seems contradictory but has truth

Empirical

based on observation/evidence

Rhyme Scheme

pattern of rhymes in a poem

Imbue

to fill with a feeling/quality

Simile

comparison using like/as

Metaphor

direct comparison

Impetuous

acting quickly without thinking

Theme

central message/lesson

Lucrative

profitable, makes money

Demise

death, downfall, end

Dictatorial

controlling like a dictator

Disdain

strong dislike/disrespect

Domineering

bossy, overly controlling

Excavation

digging up, uncovering

Mongrel

mixed breed, often a dog

Nicety

small detail or polite behavior

Novelty

newness or something unusual

Primary Source

original, firsthand source

Secondary Source

source that analyzes/explains primary sources

Stamina

endurance, ability to keep going

Travail

painful or difficult work/struggle

Twinge

sudden small pain or feeling

Vista

wide, beautiful view

Want (noun)

lack or need