purple book 1-25

This set of flashcards contains vocabulary terms and definitions taken from the lecture notes, ideal for studying and exam preparation.

Preamble

An introduction to a text.

Presage

To indicate something (usually bad) is about to happen.

Prescient

Having knowledge of something before it happens.

Predilection

A special fondness.

Precipitate

Rash, acting without thinking.

Predicate

To be based on.

Presentiment

A feeling that something (typically bad) is about to happen.

Precedent

Something that sets an example for how things are done in the future.

Pretentious

Acting more important than others by pretending to know more.

Pretense

A claim or assertion not based on fact.

Predecessor

One that comes before, often a person who previously held a position before passing it on to someone else.

Precursor

Something that comes before another; used only for things, not for people.

Pretext

A reason given for something that is not the actual reason.

Precocious

Developing early (usually in terms of ability).

Preclude

To make it impossible for something to happen.

Tantalize

To torment.

Pyrrhic

A victory that comes with a heavy cost.

Laconic

Using as few words as possible when speaking.

Draconian

Strict laws or rules.

Jeremiad

A speech full of complaints.

Cicerone

A guide.

Nemesis

A rival.

Platonic

A relationship that has no romantic or sexual basis.

Thespian

An actor.

Spartan

Lacking in comfort (describing a lifestyle).

Juggernaut

An unstoppable, destructive force.

Maudlin

Overly self-pitying.

Hector

To bully.

Rapport

Understanding feelings that exist between people.

Passe

No longer in fashion.

Cache

A collection of items.

Raconteur

A skilled storyteller.

Sortie

An attack from a defensive position.

Gauche

Socially awkward.

Sangfroid

Maintain composure.

Liaison

A person who helps two parties communicate.

Envoy

A messenger.

Sans

Another way of saying 'without'.

Filial

Relating to the obligations of a son or daughter.

Droll

Odd and therefore amusing.

Faux pas

An act with embarrassing social consequences.

In lieu of

In place of, substitute.

Enfant terrible

A person whose commentary is aimed to shock.

Tete-a-tete

A private conversation.

Savoir vivre

A familiarity.

Savoir faire

Saying and doing the right thing.

Esprit de corps

The spirit of belongingness.

Poltergeist

A ghost.

Kitsch

Cheap art.

Doppelganger

A person who looks like another.

Kaput

No longer functioning, as a device or machine.

Verboten

Forbidden or prohibited.

Zeitgeist

The mood of a particular time period.

Schadenfreude

Delight taken in another’s misfortune.

Bildungsroman

A coming-of-age story.

Citadel

A fortress standing above and protecting a city.

Burlesque

An exaggerated imitation of something, typically in a dramatic work.

Pastiche

A mixture of elements that typically don’t go together.

Archipelago

A cluster of islands.

Salvo

A simultaneous discharge of guns, often used figuratively to mean a verbal attack.

Imbroglio

A complicated (and embarrassing) situation or mess.

Littoral

Located along the shoreline.

Bravado

A bold act meant to show off.

Manifesto

A document describing the aims of a group or organization.

Ruffian

A person inclined to violence and criminal behavior.

Dilettante

Someone who develops an interest in an area of art or music without being a true expert.

Cognoscenti

Those who are well versed in a particular subject.

Intelligentsia

The intellectuals or highly educated people in a society.

Guru

One who is a master in his or her field.

Bungalow

A low, one-story house, usually with a large porch or veranda.

Pundit

An expert in a specific field.

Karma

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the determination of one’s fate by one’s actions.

Mantra

An oft-repeated phrase or slogan.

Avatar

The embodiment of a certain idea in a person.

Pariah

An outcast.

Wanderlust

A strong and constant desire to travel.

Cosmopolitan

Comfortable and familiar with many different cultures.

Insular

Closed off from the rest of the world, unfamiliar with other cultures.

Provincial

Narrow-minded, unexposed to different cultures or ideas.

Jaunt

A journey taken for pleasure.

Parochial

Having a narrow or limited perspective.

Junket

An extravagant trip, usually funded by the government or some other entity.

Sedulous

Hardworking and attentive.

Restive

Restless, agitated.

Peruse

To read carefully.

Punctilious

Extremely careful about details, to the point of being fussy.

Equivocate

To be intentionally vague and misleading.

Predicament

A difficult situation that isn’t easy to escape.

Prepossessing

Attractive and charming.

Gratuitous

Unwarranted or uncalled for, given the situation.

Intemperate

Given to excess, typically with regard to drinking alcohol.

Burnish

To make shiny.

Quiescent

Describing a state or period of inactivity.

Redress

To make right or correct some wrongdoing.

Remiss

Negligent, derelict, lackadaisical, or neglectful.

Preeminent

The best of its kind.

Mannerism

A way of speaking or behaving that is specific to an individual.

Placid

Tranquil, calm.

Rambunctious

Out of control and overly excited.

Susurrus

A whispering or rustling sound.