English Vocab 3

Distinctio

Writer elaborates on the definition of a word in order to avoid confusion. Tells reader exactly what the writer was trying to say

Simile

Comparison of two things that are somewhat related

Ecclesiastic

Priest or member of a clergy/ church related matters/ religious/church like

Esoteric

When a writer disguises his or her true idea/argument with common ideas or language, in order to secretly appeal to a specific audience/ information only understood by a certain group of people

cleric

Priest or religious leader

lay-person

"Non-ordained member of a church

Procatalepsis

rhetorical device used when a writer addresses possible objections to his/her argument

didactic

"Type of literature that is meant to instruct or teach something" (teachy, preachy = in an extensive way)

disseminate

To spread out or give something out, like ideas, news, information etc., to a bunch of people

edict

An official order or proclamation made by a person of authority

penance

an act of self-abasement, mortification or devotion performed to show sorrow or repentance for sin (noun)

apathy

The lack of any kind of emotion such as interest, enthusiasm, or concern

ambiguous

open to interpretation/ has more than one meaning

fervent

having or displaying a passionate intensity

vagrant

A homeless person that wanders from place to place and lives off of begging

undermine

lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually or insidiously.

oblivious

not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one

indifferent

having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned/having no specific opinion

obscure

not clearly seen or easily distinguished/not readily understood or clearly expressed

objective

(of a person or their judgment) not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts

revere

to feel deep respect or admiration for (something) (verb)

embellish

make (something) more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features

innovate

make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products

denounce

to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy/wrong/ or evil/publicly reject

stagnant

showing no activity; dull and sluggish, stationary

candid

Truthful and straightforward, frank

impartial

Treating all people and situations equally, fairly, and justly

discern

to detect with senses other than vision/to recognize or identify as separate and distinct(right from wrong)/

ostentatious

Vulgar or pretentious in order to draw attention

contentious

Causing or likely to cause an argument, controversial

reprove

To reprimand or censure someone

pessimism

an inclination to emphasize adverse (act against) aspects, conditions, and possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome

cursory

Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed

profligate

completely given up to dissipation (sensual pleasures) and licentiousness (lacking legal/moral restraints), shamelessly immoral/Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources

Miser

Person who hoards wealth and spends as little as possible, stingy