Hans Vocab

portico

a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns at regular intervals, typically attached as a porch to a building.

finial

a distinctive ornament at the apex of a roof, pinnacle, canopy, or similar structure in a building.

dilettante

a person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge.

prima donna

the chief female singer in an opera or opera company.

prodigy

a person, especially a young one, endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities.

reticule

a woman's small handbag, originally netted and typically having a drawstring and decorated with embroidery or beading.

ramificiation

a consequence of an action or event, especially when complex or unwelcome.

retentive

(of a person's memory) having the ability to remember facts and impressions easily.

audacity

a willingness to take bold risks.

sedentary

(of a person) tending to spend much time seated; somewhat inactive.

corpulent

(of a person - fat)

placid

(of a person or animal) not easily upset or excited.

effrontery

insolent or impertinent behavior.

penury

extreme poverty; destitution.

remonstrance

a forcefully reproachful protest.

aplomb

self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation.

inculate

instill (an attitude, idea, or habit) by persistent instruction.

vicegerent

a person exercising delegated power on behalf of a sovereign or ruler.

double entendre

a word or phrase that is open to two interpretations, one of which is usually risqué or indecent.

anomalous

deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected.

august as in “august tribunal”

respected and impressive.

provincial

of or concerning the regions outside the capital city of a country, especially when regarded as unsophisticated or narrow-minded.

indolent

wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy.

fatuities

something foolish or stupid

felicitations

words expressing praise for an achievement or good wishes on a special occasion.

ineffable

too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.

repugnance

intense disgust.

flagrant

(of something considered wrong or immoral) conspicuously or obviously offensive.

citadel

a fortress, typically on high ground, protecting or dominating a city.

innuendo

an allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.

portend

be a sign or warning that (something, especially something momentous or calamitous) is likely to happen.

inexorable

impossible to stop or prevent.

foreboding

fearful apprehension; a feeling that something bad will happen.

guile

sly or cunning intelligence.

apotheosis

the highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax.

patronymic

denoting or relating to a name derived from the name of a father or male ancestor.

inanition

exhaustion caused by lack of nourishment.