Vocabulary Building: Advanced English Words and Definitions

Somnolent (adj.):

of a kind likely to induce sleep

Sophism (n.):

an argument apparently correct in form but actually invalid; especially : such an argument used to deceive

Expedient (adj.):

suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance

Posterity (n.):

the offspring of one progenitor to the furthest generation

Alacrity (n.):

cheerful readiness

Whit (n.):

the smallest part or particle imaginable : bit

Unscrupulous (adj.):

not scrupulous : unprincipled

Reminisce (v.):

to indulge in the process or practice of thinking or telling about past experiences

Tyranny (n.):

oppressive power; especially : oppressive power exerted by government

Redress (v.):

to set right; to remedy; to relieve from, and sometimes to indemnify for; as, to redress wrongs

Countenance (n.):

face, visage; especially : the face as an indication of mood, emotion, or character

Feeble (adj.):

markedly lacking in strength

Demagogue (n.):

a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power

Virile (adj.):

having traditionally masculine traits especially to a marked degree

Insurrection (n.):

an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government

Penitent (adj.):

feeling or expressing humble or regretful pain or sorrow for sins or offenses : repentant

Homage (n.):

respect or reverence paid or rendered

Convulse (v.):

to shake violently; to cause to undergo convulsions

Foist (v.):

to force onto or impose fraudulently or unjustifiably

Despondent (adj.):

feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression