Vocabulary Definitions and Exercises - Lesson 12

abridge

to shorten, to diminish

alacrity

prompt and cheerful response, brisk and cheerful readiness

antipathy

a dislike, distaste, or enmity

augment

to make greater or to supplement

bombastic

using inflated language, pompous, high-sounding but with little meaning; inflated

decry

to speak against, to rail against, to disparage, to publicly denounce or criticize

eclectic

coming from a variety of diverse sources

enhance

to make better, to improve

euphonious

pleasant or agreeable (sound); dulcet

fervid

ardent, burning, impassioned, intensely enthusiastic or passionate

impecunious

without money, having little or no money

ingratiate

to make an effort to gain good favor with someone, to bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them

luxuriant

abundant in growth, very fertile, rich and profuse in growth; lush

paltry

trifling; petty; worthless, small or meager; insignificant

pedantry

act of showing off learning in a manner that is needless and unimaginative, excessive concern for minor details and rules

placid

peaceful, calm

preclude

to make impossible

promontory

land or rock projecting into a body of water, a high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water

raze

completely destroy (a building, town, or other site).

secular

nonreligious, worldly, denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis

static (adj.)

having no motion, showing little change, lacking in movement, action, or change

tact

a keen sense for what is appropriate or tasteful in delicate situations, sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues

torpid

sluggish, inactive, dull

vindicated

cleared of accusations or charges

vindictive

revengeful; spiteful; bitter; unforgiving