English Outliers Vocabulary

algorithm

a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.

arbitrary

based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

beneficiaries

a person who derives advantage from something, especially a trust, will, or life insurance policy.

Concerted cultivation

a parenting style, observed primarily in middle-class families, where parents actively foster their children's development through scheduled activities and extensive conversation

confound

cause surprise or confusion in (someone), especially by acting against their expectations.

consequential

Following as a result or effect.

dignitaries

a person considered to be important because of high rank or office.

dismissive

feeling or showing that something is unworthy of consideration.

elite

a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society.

embodiment

a tangible or visible form of an idea, quality, or feeling.

estranged

(of a person) no longer close or affectionate to someone; alienated.

gawky

nervously awkward and ungainly.

guise

an external form, appearance, or manner of presentation, typically concealing the true nature of something.

innate

inborn; natural.

matrices

an environment or material in which something develops; a surrounding medium or structure.

meritocracy

government or the holding of power by people selected based on their ability.

minutiae

the small, precise, or trivial details of something.

nondescript

lacking distinctive or interesting features or characteristics.

novice

a person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation.

orthogonal

of or involving right angles; at right angles.

paradigm

a typical example or pattern of something; a model.

paradox

a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that, when investigated or explained, may prove to be well-founded or true.

precocious

(of a child) having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual.

prestigious

inspiring respect and admiration; having high status.

repugnant

extremely distasteful; unacceptable.

squandered

waste (something, especially money or time) recklessly and foolishly.

subversive

seeking or intended to subvert an established system or institution.

succinctly

in a brief and clearly expressed manner.

typographical

relating to the style or appearance of printed or online material.

virtuosos

a person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit.

patriarch

The male head of a family or tribe.

irascible

having or showing a tendency to be easily angered.

unequivocal

leaving no doubt; unambiguous.

cosmopolitan

including or containing people from many different countries.

revoking

put an end to the validity or operation of (a decree, decision, or promise).

mitigation

the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

prelude

An action or event serving as an introduction to something more important.

Power Distance Index

a cultural measurement that shows how a society accepts and deals with the unequal distribution of power

deferential

showing deference; respectful.

postmortem

An examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.

fatigue

extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness

proficiency

a high degree of competence or skill; expertise.

tycoons

a wealthy, powerful person in business or industry.

squeamish

(of a person) easily made to feel sick, faint, or disgusted, especially by unpleasant images, such as the sight of blood.

proximity

nearness in space, time, or relationship.

embedded

(of an object) fixed firmly and deeply in a surrounding mass; implanted.

disenchantment

a feeling of disappointment about someone or something you previously respected or admired; a state of disillusionment.

bafflement

a feeling of total bewilderment or perplexity.

proclivity

a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing.

proverb

a short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice.

doggedness

tenacity and persistence in pursuing a goal; determination.

borough

a town or district that is an administrative unit.

dingy

gloomy and drab.

pernicious

having a harmful effect, especially gradually or subtly.

inviolate

free or safe from injury or violation.

retention

the continued possession, use, or control of something.

parochial

relating to a church parish.

desultory

lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm.