Semester 1 Vocabulary List - 2022/23

Humanities 10 Honors

genesis

(N) an origin, creation, or beginning

extraneous

(A) not relevant or not essential

extrapolate

(V) to guess or estimate

commensurate

(A) equal in measure, time, or proportion

plethora

(N) an overabundance or too many

augment

(V) to make larger; increase

diction

(N) the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing

assuage

(V) to soothe or console

quandary

(N) a predicament, dilemma, or state of uncertainty

infrastructure

(N) the basic framework of a structure or organization

hiatus

(N) a break or interruption in work or an action

blithe

(A) without thought; carefree, glad, cheerful

infallible

(A) absolutely trustworthy or sure; certain

festoon

(V) decorate with hanging strands of material

synopsis

(N) a brief statement giving a general view of some subject

envoy

(N) a representative or messenger (as of a gov.)

niche

(N) a job or activity that is just right for a particular person

tantalize

(V) torment or tease with things out of reach

crass

(A) lacking refinement, delicacy, or sensitivity

demure

(A) modest, reserved

inscrutable

(A) not easily understood, mysterious

magnanimous

(A) generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or person of less power

tacit

(A) expressed or carried out without words; silent

audacity

(N) bold, daring (involving excessive risk)

contrite

(A) remorse or guilt for one's sins or behavior

forlorn

(A) lonely, sad, unhappy or miserable (appearance/condition)

inarticulate

(A) lacking the ability to express oneself (clear or effective words)

implacable

(A) inflexible, unbending; not pacified

bamboozle

(V) deceive or get the better of someone by trickery

cogent

(A) logical, convincing, or believable; relevant

impalpable

(A) unable to be touched physically; difficult to hold onto mentally

gregarious

(A) seeking and enjoying the company of others; sociable

officious

(A) aggressive in offering one's help without asking; meddlesome

leviathan

(N) enormous sea monster or anything huge/powerful

myriad

(N/A) countless or extremely great in number

derisive

(A) expressing contempt or ridicule; mocking

talisman

(N) an object thought to have magic powers or bring good luck

insatiable

(A) incapable of being satisfied

solace

(N) comfort in times of grief or stress

relegate

(V) assign an obscure/lower place, position, or category

teem

(V) swarm; be prolific, or fertile

incursion

(N) a raid or hostile entrance

itinerant

(A) passing or traveling from place to place; wandering

stalwart

(A) strong, sturdy and robust; firm and steadfast

penchant

(N) strong liking or inclination

fathom

(V) to penetrate the truth of, comprehend, understand

hierarchy

(N) the rankings or order within a group from top to bottom

recalcitrant

(A) resistance and defiance of authority or guidance

mundane

(A) lacking interest or excitement; earthly (not spiritual)

decorum

(N) proper behavior and/or good taste

prodigious

(A) remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree

capricious

(A) impulsive or unpredictable

scrutinize

(V) examine or observe with great care

coerce

(V) to compel or force

bastion

(N) a stronghold; fortified area or position

effigy

(N) an image or model of a person (sometimes disliked)

exonerate

(V) clear (from an accusation); free from guilt

exult

(V) showing joy or rejoicing, especially after a success

truculent

(A) quick or eager to argue or fight

perfunctory

(A) performed as a routine task; lacking interest or care

endemic

(A) natural to or characteristic of a specific people or place

acquiesce

(V) submit or comply silently or without protest

precipitous

(A) extremely or impassably steep; done suddenly and without careful consideration