Vocabulary: Key Words and Definitions for Advanced English Learners

choler

N. an irritable petulant feeling. I was feeling choler after losing my game knowing I could I have won us the game.

valiant

adj. having or showing heroism or courage. My valiant self charged into battle.

pernicious

adj. exceedingly harmful Your pernicious actions are hurting the team greatly

profane

V. violate the sacred character of a place or language

He was being profane by swearing in the temple.

forfeit

V. lose the right to or lose by some error, offense, or crime. We forfeited the game.

adversary

N. someone who offers opposition. The other team was a great adversary.

augment

v. enlarge on increase. My pride was augmented after I made the game winning shot.

portentous

adj. ominously prophetic. The monk was portentous.

transgression

N. the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle. I had a traffic transgression.

Propagate

V. multiply through reproduction. The dandelions multiplied in the spring.

purge

V. rid of impurities. The Holy Water purged the man's sins

vex

V. disturb, especially by minor irritations. The children vexed everywhere they went.

assail

V. attack someone physically or emotionally. We set assail.

posterity

N. All future generations. This achievement is good for all of posterity

Bliss

N. a state of extreme happiness. I felt bliss after buying my first car.

forswear

V. formally reject or disavow. I forswear you from marrying him.

Poised

adj. Marked by balance or equilibrium and readiness for action. I came into my Shark Tank pitch poised and ready for a big debate.

Nimble

adj. moving quickly and lightly. The runner was nimble.

Inconstant

adj. Likely to change often without apparent reason. My interviewer was very inconstant when scheduling my interview.

untimely

adj. Uncommonly early. I am always untimely to class.

disparagement

n. the act of speaking contemptuously of. I was getting lots of disparagement because of my bold idea.

semblance

n. the outward or apparent appearance or form of something

wax

V. To grow

Prodigious

great in size, force, extent, or degree