Semester 2 Vocab Study Guide

Pedantic

adj. to be excessively scrupulous or concerned with minute details or rules

pedantic example?

My pedantic friend, Kyle, can’t watch a movie without overanalyzing all of the special effects and pointing out the production company’s mistakes

ensconced

v. to settle someone or something securely usually in a secret comfortable place

Ensconced example?

Ensconced in an oversized armchair. the little girl read a book of fairytales

Equivocate

v. to use ambiguous or unclear expressions especially with an intent to secede or avoid committing to an idea or position

equivocate example

During the interrogation, the suspect equivocated about his role in planning the theft

Unmitigated

adj. to be undiminished in intensity or severity; absolute

Unmitigated Example

The school talent show was an unmitigated disaster. The sound system wasn’t working and three acts did not show up.

meritocracy

n. social system or organization in which people are successful because of their skills and ability, rather than on class privilege or wealth

meritocracy example?

In a company known for nepotism the move toward a meritocracy is unlikely.

Patronage

n. The support, encouragement, or financial aid that a person or organization bestows to another person.

Patronage example?

The school’s music program depends on the patronage of the alumni.

Adjure

transitive v. to deny solemnly; renounce or repudiate; to take back what was said especially under oath

Adjure example

The witness adjured his previous testimony because it was false.

Apathy

n. 1.) behavior that shows no interest or energy 2.) behavior that shows someone is unwilling to take action, especially over something important

apathy example

The college student was apathetic about the upcoming election and didn’t vote

Engender

v. to create, produce, or cause; to give rise to

engender example

The op-ed article has engendered a considerate amount of controversy and debate.

reticent

adj. restrained expression presentation, or appearance in order to hide ones thoughts or feelings

reticent example

The reticent young woman insisted on keeping her personal affairs private.

Pragmatic

adj. dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than idealistic considerations

pragmatic example

The business man was able to remain pragmatic even under emotional circumstances

Didactic

adj. designed to instruct or teach

didactic example

Many children’s stories, such as Aesops fables and other fairytales are didactic.

Deference

n. humble submission; yielding to the judgement, opinions, or will of another out of respect

deference example

He showed deference to his mother by doing the chores she gave him.

relegate

v. to sent to an inferior position, place, task, or condition.

relegate example

After offending the King, the servant was relegated to the outskirts of the kingdom.

Disparity

n. a lack of similarity or equality, especially when viewed as being unfair

Disparity example

There is a huge disparity between the crime rates in urban cities and the crime rates in rural areas.

Eschew

v. to deliberately avoid using or abstain from; to shun

Eschew example

For lent, Annie chose to eschew soft drinks.

Loquacious

adj. having the habit of taking freely and excessively; talkative; garrulous

Loquacious example

My loquacious grandmother will spend hours on the phone.

Complement

v. to add to something so that it is enhanced or improved; completing something to make it whole or perfect.

Complement example

The rose colored dress complemented her eye color.

Promulgate

v. to make an idea, belief, etc. known to many people by open declaration; to proclaim formally or publicly

promulgate example

The journalists ideas have been widely promulgated in her online articles.

ubiquitous

adj. existing or being everywhere, especially at the same time; widespread

ubiquitous example

Artificial sugar is a ubiquitous substance in more American snacks.

Alacrity

n. cheerful readiness, willingness , and enthusiasm

alacrity example

The boys alacrity for reading was astonishing.

substantiate

v. to provide evidence or support to prove the truth of something

substantiate example

Despite his great presentation skills, the speaker failed to substantiate any of his claims.

cacophony

n. a harsh discordant mixture of sounds

cacophony example

The cacophonous music gave me a headache.

Cower

v. to crouch, as in fear or shame

cower example

When the fireworks exploded, my dog cowered in fear under the bed.

Beatific

adj. a feeling of blissful happiness and peace

beatific example

A beatific smile appeared on his face when school ended and summer vacation began

Cadence

n. A rhythmic sequence or flow of sounds

Cadence example

The horse trotting along the road to the cadence of tinkling bells on her harness.

Certitude

n. absolute certainty of conviction that something is true

certitude example

The soldier took the oath of enlistment with great certitude.

Filigree

n. ornamental work of fine wire formed into delicate tracery

Filigree example

The gold filigree on the Queen’s crown was beautiful.