Unit 1 Vocab Senior Seminar

abject (adj.)

Very low in spirit or showing hopelessness: sunk to or existing in a low state or condition: very bad or severe.

• Synonym: Miserable

buffer (noun/verb)

1. Noun: Something or someone used for reducing shock resulting from contact; something that serves as a protective barrier.

2. Verb: To lessen the shock or impact of: cushion.

• Synonyms:

  • Noun: mediator

  • Verb: soften

capricious (adj.)

Impulsive; unpredictable; bound to change suddenly.

• Synonyms: unstable; inconsistent

catharsis (noun)

A purifying or getting rid of that brings about renewal, relaxation, or release from tension.

• Related Form: cathartic (adj.)

decimate (verb)

To destroy a large part of; cause great destruction or harm to; reduce significantly in number.

• Synonyms: destroy, obliterate, wreck

devolve (verb)

To fall or be passed usually as a responsibility or obligation: to get worse through a gradual change or evolution.

• Synonyms: atrophy, crumble, worsen, decay, decline

disabuse (verb)

To free from mistakes or false beliefs: to free from error or misconception.

disingenuous (adj.)

Lacking in honesty or sincerity; false or hypocritical; insincere.

• Synonyms: fake, phony

• Related Form: disingenuously (adv.)

expedient (adj.)

Suitable for achieving something in a given situation in a timely and efficient way.

• Synonyms: effective, desirable

irascible (adj.)

Having a hot temper and easily angered.

• Synonyms: irritable, grumpy

paragon (noun)

A model of excellence or perfection.

• Synonyms: classic, ideal

quirky (adj.)

Having unique or unusual qualities or behavior, usually in an interesting or appealing way: non-traditional or non-conforming way of thinking or acting.

• Synonyms: outlandish, offbeat, eccentric

• Related Forms: quirkiness (noun), quirkily (adv.)

smug (adj.)

Highly satisfied with oneself; cocky, complacent due to arrogance.

• Synonyms: self-assured, conceited, egotistical

• Related Form: smugness (noun)

tenuous (adj.)

Having little substance or strength; weak.

• Synonym: shaky

waft (verb)

To move or be moved lightly, or blown, as if by the action of wind or waves.