Vocabulary: Definitions and Latin/Greek Roots

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering definitions from Page 1 and prefixes/examples from Page 2.

approbation

the expression of approval or favorable opinion; official approval.

assuage

to make easier or milder, relieve; to quiet, calm; to put an end to, appease, satisfy, quench.

coalition

a combination, union, or merger for some specific purpose.

decadence

decline, decay, or deterioration; a condition or period of decline or decay; excessive self-indulgence.

elicit

to draw forth, bring out from some source (such as another person).

expostulate

to attempt to dissuade someone from some course or decision by earnest reasoning.

hackneyed

used so often as to lack freshness or originality.

hiatus

a gap, opening, break (in the sense of having an element missing).

innuendo

a hint, indirect suggestion, or reference (often in a derogatory sense).

intercede

to plead on behalf of someone else; to serve as a third party or go-between in a disagreement.

jaded

wearied, worn-out, dulled (in the sense of being satiated by excessive indulgence).

lurid

causing shock, horror, or revulsion; sensational; pale or sallow in color; terrible or passionate in intensity or lack of restraint.

meritorious

worthy, deserving recognition and praise.

petulant

peevish, annoyed by trifles, easily irritated and upset.

prerogative

a special right or privilege; a special quality showing excellence.

provincial (adj.)

pertaining to an outlying area; local; narrow in mind or outlook, countrified in the sense of being limited and backward; of a simple, plain design that originated in the countryside.

provincial (n.)

a person with a narrow point of view; a person from an outlying area; a soldier from a province or colony.

simulate

to make a pretense of, imitate; to show the outer signs of.

transcend

to rise above or beyond, exceed.

umbrage

shade cast by trees; foliage giving shade; an overshadowing influence or power; offense, resentment; a vague suspicion.

unctuous

excessively smooth or smug; trying too hard to give an impression of earnestness, sincerity, or piety; fatty, oily; pliable.

exo- (prefix)

outside; a prefix meaning outside.

exotic

originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country; strikingly unusual or strange.

macro- (prefix)

a prefix meaning large; used to form words describing large size.

macroscopic

visible to the naked eye; large-scale; relating to objects large enough to be seen without a microscope.