Improving Vocabulary Skills - Chapters 5 and 7

arbitrary

(a) determined by personal judgement, not rule or reason; based on impulse

Mercenary

(a) motivated only by financial gain; greedy

Allusion

(n) an indirect reference

Syndrome

(n) a group of symptoms typical of a particular disease or condition

Euphemism

(n) a mild or vague term used as a substitute for one considered offensive or unpleasant.

Appease

(v) to calm, especially by giving in to the demands of

Banal

(a) lacking originality; overused; commonplace

Taint

(v) to stain the honor of someone or something

Assail

(v) to attack physically or verbally

Altruistic

(a) unselfishly concerned for the welfare of others; unselfish

Flagrant

(a) shockingly obvious; outrageous

Venture

to take the risk of; dare

Comprehensive

(a including all or much)

Rehabilitate

(v) to restore to a normal life through therapy or education

Perservere

(v) to continue with an effort or plan despit difficulties

Turmoil

(n) complete confusion; uproar

Calamity

(n) an event bringing great loss and misery

Fluctuate

(v) to vary irregularly; to go up and down or back and forth.

Ponder

(v) to consider carefully; think deeply about

Conventional

(a) Customary; ordinary