English Vocab exam

inauspicious

boding ill; unfavorable

physiognomy

display of character based on physical appearance, especially in the face

beadle

a minor church official who ushers or helps preserve order during services

pillory

a wooden framework erected on a post, with holes for securing the hands and head

mien

attitude, outward behavior, demeaner

ignominy

disgrace, dishonor, or shame

contumely

insulting display of contempt in words or action

sagacity

the quality of sound judgement; wisdom; mental sharpness

vie

to strive in competition for; contend for superiority

remonstrance

complaint, objection, or protest

paramour

beloved; a secret love interest

sable

black, sometimes in reference to mourning clothes

efficacy

the ability to produce a desired effect

phantasmagoric

display of optical illusions or fantastical effects

uncongenial

unsympathetic or disagreeable 

gesticulation

animated gestures made with excitement

expostulation

expression of complaint or protest

imperious

urgently commanding; ordering people around

pestilence

deadly epidemic that spreads, something that is harmful or deadly

leech

a parasite; someone who relies on another without offering support in return

ravage

to wreak havoc on; to commit destructive acts on

prodigality

the state of spending or giving lavishly and foolishly

gaudy

marked by extravagance or tasteless showiness

malevolence

intense often vicious ill will or hatred

tantalizing

possessing a quality that arouses or stimulates desire or interest

poignant (more energetic)

deeply affecting feelings; making an emotional impression

innuendo

a veiled hint, suggestion, or allusion

vehemently (more forceful)

characterized by forceful, emotional energy

vacuous

empty, lacking ideas or content

strident

commanding attention with a loud or harsh quality

incessantly

continuing without pause or interruption

corroborate

verify, confirm or give support to

fortuitously

happening by accident or chance

garrulous

excessively talkative

indiscernible

impossible to see or clearly distinguish

commensurate

corresponding in size or degree; equal

superfluous

more than what is needed; unnecessary

transitory

fleeting, temporary, brief

recedes

moves back or further away

adventitious

not innate; coming from the outside or elsewhere