Vocabulary Flashcards: Key Terms for Advanced English Learners

Ubiquitous

found everywhere

Abhor

to hate

Idiosyncrasy

a way of behavior or thought specific to that individual

Propagate

promote an idea

Caveat

a warning / limitation

Commensurate

corresponding in size or degree; in proportion

Glean

extract information

Tumultuous

confused, disorderly

Cajole

persuade someone to do something through sustained coaxing or flattery

Coerce

persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats

Ostracize

to exclude someone

Omit

to leave something out

Convoluted

extremely complex and difficult to follow

Hierarchy

a system that ranks people or things

Ostentatious

trying to be noticed

Apropos

with reference to; concerning

Impetus

the force that causes something to happen

Insidious

proceeding in a gradual way with very harmful effects

Sycophant

a person who flatters someone in order to gain advantage

Per Se

by or in itself or themselves; intrinsically

Epitome

something or someone that is the perfect example

Clandestine

something done secretively

Quintessential

something or someone that is the perfect example

Disparage

to disrespect someone

Pernicious

proceeding in a gradual way with very harmful effects

Stoic

a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining

Vacuous

lack intelligence

Serendipity

happy accident

Vicarious

experienced through another person

Furtive

attempting to avoid notice, typically because of wrongdoing

Salient

important

Fortuitous

happy accident

Requisite

made necessary due to circumstances

Plethora

a lot

Impertinent

not showing proper respect; rude

Sundry

of various kinds

Nuance

a subtle difference in or shade of meaning