Vocab Semester 2

Ersatz

An artificial substitute; often an inferior copy of something genuine.

Disenfranchise

To deprive the right to exercise a certain privilege, especially to vote.

Imbue

To fill, implant or inspire with feelings, inspiration, motivation, etc.

Anachronistic

Something not in its correct historical/chronological time.

Denizen

Person who regularly frequents a place—not work or home.

Metier

A field of work, trade, occupation or expertise.

Moxie

Courageous spirit and determination with style.

Platitude

Flat, dull remark used as if it were exciting, new, original.

Levity

Lightness of demeanor or behavior; lack of seriousness.

Semantics

The study of meaning in language including context, subtlety, and literal meanings.

Vet

To make a critical examination of something/someone.

Senescence

The natural process of deterioration with age.

Reverie

A pleasant, consuming, insightful thought or memory.

Germane

Suitably related to the topic being discussed.

Bucolic

Relating to the pleasant aspects of countryside or country life.

Kitsch

Art, objects, design considered to poor quality due to an over-abundance of sentimentality.

Ingratiate

To bring oneself into favor by flattery or pleasing them.

Obfuscate

To make something unclear or obscure, especially unnecessarily complicated.

Specious

Deceptively attractive on the surface, but actually of no real interest or value; Appearing to be true, but really false.

Compunction

Feelings of guilt, shame, and regret about doing something wrong. Remorse or uncertainty about a decision or course of action.

Litany

A long and repetitious list of problems, complaints, insults, questions—usually with a negative connotation.

Milieu

The surroundings or environment that someone lives in and is influenced by.

Metafiction

Fiction in which the author self-consciously alludes to the artificiality of a work by parodying or departing from normal/traditional narrative techniques.

Ostensible

Outwardly appearing to be true, but sometimes hiding a different motive or meaning.

Sanguine

Cheerfully optimistic, displaying a positive attitude.

Charlatan

Someone who lies and claims a special talent, skill, or expertise.

Incipient

Beginning to appear or develop; at an early stage of formation.

Mollify

To calm or soothe someone who is upset; to lower the intensity of a situation.

Coy

Artfully or affectedly shy or reserved.

Implacable

Unable to be appeased or pacified.

Anathema

A person or thing detested and loathed.

Knell

A certain occurrence, sign, or signal that signifies the end of something.

Obsequious

Showing servile obedience and an eagerness to please.

Didactic

Intended for instruction, inclined to teach or lecture.

Cajole

To persuade by flattery, promises, humor.

Gregarious

Fond of the company of others, sociable and outgoing.

Hegemony

Leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation or entity over another.

Paucity

Smallness of number; scarcity; insignificance of amount.

Propriety

Socially acceptable behavior and speech.

Abomination

Sources of utter disgust or intense dislike; hateful, disgusting actions.

Intimation

A hint or suggestion.

Subservient

Servile; demeaning manner of one’s behavior in relation to someone superior.

Calumny

The act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations maliciously calculated to damage another’s reputation.

Spurious

Not what it is reported to be; fake or false.

Crucible

A severe searching test or trial.

Junta

A military or political group that rules a country after taking power.

Licentious

Promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters.

Inculcate

To implant or learn by repetition.

Yeoman

Performed, accomplished in a loyal, valiant, useful or workmanlike manner.

Contiguous

Touching along a boundary, point, or border.