Vocab Midterm Units 1-8

Assuage

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

Synonyms: Mitigate, Alleviate, Slake, Allay

Antonyms: Intensify, Aggravate, Exacerbate

Coalition

(n.) A combination, union, or merger for some specific purpose.

Synonyms: Alliance, League, Federation, Combine

Antonyms: Splinter Group

Elicit

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

Synonyms: Call Forth, Evoke, Extract, Educe

Antonyms: Repress, Quash, Squelch, Stifle

Hackneyed

(adj.) Used so often as to lack freshness or originality.

Synonyms: Banal, Trite, Commonplace, Corny

Antonyms: New, Fresh, Novel, Original

Innuendo

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

Synonyms: Insinuation, Intimation

Antonyms: Direct Statement

Intercede

(v.) To plead on behalf of someone else; to serve as a third part or go-between in a disagreement.

Synonyms: Intervene, Mediate

Jaded

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

Synonyms: Sated, Surfeited, Cloyed

Antonyms: Unspoiled, Uncloyed

Petulant

(adj.) Peevish, annoyed by trifles, easily irritated and upset.

Synonyms: Irritable, Testy, Waspish

Antonyms: Even-Tempered, Placid, Serene, Amiable

Transcend

(v.) To rise above or beyond, exceed.

Synonyms: Surpass, Outstrip

Unctuous

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

Synonyms: Mealymouthed, Servile, Fawning, Greasy

Antonyms: Gruff, Blunt

Ameliorate

(v.) To improve, make better, correct a flaw or shortcoming.

Synonyms: Amend, Better

Antonyms: Worsen, Aggravate, Exacerbate

Aplomb

(n.) Poise, assurance, great self-confidence; perpendicularity.

Synonyms: Composure, Self-Possession, Levelheadedness

Antonyms: Confusion, Embarrassment, Abashment

Bombastic

(adj.) Pompous or overblown in language; full of high-sounding words intended to conceal a lack of ideas.

Synonyms: Inflated, Highfalutin, High-Flown, Pretentious

Antonyms: Unadorned, Simple Plain, Austere

Callow

(adj.) Without experience; immature, not fully developed; lacking sophistication and poise; without feathers.

Synonyms: Green, Raw, Unfledged, Inexperienced

Antonyms: Mature, Grown-Up, Polished, Sophisticated

Drivel

(n.) Saliva or mucus flowing from the mouth or nose; foolish, aimless talk or thinking; nonsense.

(v.) To let saliva flow from the mouth; to utter nonsense or childish twaddle; to waste or fritter away foolishly.

Synonyms: (n.) Balderdash, Hogwash, Tommyrot; (v.) Slaver

Ingratiate

(v.) to make oneself agreeable and thus gain favor or acceptance by others (sometimes used in a critical or derogatory sense).

Synonyms: Cozy Up To, Curry Favor With

Antonyms: Alienate, Humiliate Oneself, Mortify Oneself.

Interloper

(n.) One who moves in where he or she is not wanted or has no right to be, an intruder.

Synonyms: Trespasser, Meddler, Buttinsky

Intrinsic

(adj.) Belonging to someone or something by its very nature, essential, inherent; originating in a bodily organ or part.

Synonyms: Immanent, Organic

Antonyms: Extrinsic, External, Outward

Lassitude

(n.) Weariness of body or mind, lack of energy.

Synonyms: Fatigue, Lethargy, Torpor, Languor

Antonyms: Energy, Vitality, Animation, Liveliness

Surmise

(v.) To think or believe without certain supporting evidence; to conjecture or guess.

(n.) Likely idea that lacks definite proof.

Synonyms: (v.) Infer, Gather; (n.) Inference, Presumption

circuitous

(adj.) roundabout, not direct

SYNONYMS: indirect, meandering, winding

ANTONYMS: straight, direct, as the crow flies

commiserate

(v.) to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress

SYNONYMS: feel sorry for, empathize

ANTONYMS: feel no sympathy for

nominal

(adj.) existing in name only, not real; too small to be considered or taken seriously

SYNONYMS: titular, token, trifling, inconsequential

ANTONYMS: real, actual, exorbitant, excessive

peculate

(v.) to steal something that has been given into one's trust; to take improperly for one's own use

SYNONYMS: embezzle, defraud, misappropriate,

proclivity

(n.) a natural or habitual inclination or tendency (especially of human character or behavior)

SYNONYMS: natural, bent, penchant, propensity

ANTONYMS: inability or incapacity

sangfroid

(n.) composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances

SYNONYMS: poise, self-assurance, equanimity

ANTONYMS: excitability, hysteria, flappability

seditious

(adj.) resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government

SYNONYMS: mutinous, rebellious, subversive

ANTONYMS: supportive, loyal, faithful, allegiant

tenuous

(adj.) thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance or significance; lacking a sound basis, poorly supported

SYNONYMS: flimsy, insubstantial, vague, hazy

ANTONYMS: strong, solid, substantial, valid

vitriolic

(adj.) bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid)

SYNONYMS: withering, acerbic, mordant

ANTONYMS: bland, saccharine, honeyed, sugary

wheedle

(v.) to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end

SYNONYMS: cajole, inveigle, soft-soap, sweet-talk

ANTONYMS: coerce, browbeat, intimidate, strong-arm

Aggrandize

(v.) To increase in greatness, power or wealth; to build up or intensify; to make appear greater.

Synonyms: Augment, Amplify, Enhance, Exalt

Antonyms: Reduce, Decrease, Diminish

Amorphous

(adj.) Shapeless, without definite form; of no particular type or character; without organization, unity, or cohesion.

Synonyms: Formless, Unstructured, Nebulous, Inchoate

Antonyms: Definite, Well-Defined, Clear-Cut

Aura

(n.) That which surrounds (as an atmosphere); a distinctive air or personal quality.

Synonyms: Ambiance, Atmosphere

Erudite

(adj.) Scholarly, learned, bookish, pedantic.

Synonyms: Profoundly Educated, Well-Read

Antonyms: Ignorant, Uneducated, Illiterate

Gossamer

(adj.) Thin, light, delicate, insubstantial.

(n.) A very thin, light cloth.

Synonyms: (adj.) Filmy, Diaphanous, Sheer, Airy, Feathery, Gauzy

Antonyms: (adj.) Thick, Dense, Solid, Massive

Insular

(adj.) Relating to, characteristic of, or situated on an island; narrow or isolated in outlook or experience.

Synonyms: Narrow-Minded, Parochial, Provincial

Antonyms: Catholic, Cosmopolitan, Liberal

Propensity

(n.) A natural inclination or predilection toward.

Synonyms: Natural Bent, Proclivity, Penchant

Antonyms: Natural Incapacity or Inability

Resilient

(adj.) Able to return to an original shape or form; able to recover quickly.

Synonyms: Springy, Elastic, Buoyant, Bouncy

Antonyms: Rigid, Stiff, Inflexible, Unyielding

Scurrilous

(adj.) Coarsely abusive, vulgar or low (especially in language), foul-mouthed.

Synonyms: Obscene, Filthy, Abusive, Vituperative

Antonyms: Decorous, Seemly, Tasteful, Dignified

Sedulous

(adj.) Persistent, showing industry and determination.

Synonyms: Assiduous, Tireless, Indefatigable

Antonyms: Lackadaisical, Listless, Indolent, Otiose

Autonomy

(n.) Self-government, political control.

Synonyms: Home Rule

Antonyms: Dependence, Subjection, Colonial Status

Equitable

(adj.) Fair, just, embodying principle of justice.

Synonyms: Right, Reasonable, Evenhanded

Antonyms: Unjust, Unfair, One-Sided, Disproportionate

Flout

(v.) To mock, treat with contempt.

Synonyms: Scoff at, Sneer at, Snicker at, Scorn

Antonyms: Obey, Honor, Revere, Uphold

Salutary

(adj.) Beneficial, helpful; healthful, wholesome.

Synonyms: Salubrious, Curative

Antonyms: Detrimental, Deleterious, Pernicious

Scathing

(adj.) Bitterly severe, withering; causing great harm.

Synonyms: Searing, Harsh, Ferocious, Savage

Antonyms: Bland, Mild

Sepulchral

(adj.) Funereal, typical of the tomb; extremely gloomy or dismal.

Synonyms: Doleful, Lugubrious, Mortuary

Soporific

(adj.) Tending to cause sleep, relating to sleepiness or lethargy.

(n.) Something that induces sleep.

Synonyms: (n.) Narcotic, Anesthetic

Antonyms: (adj.) Stimulating; (n.) Stimulant, Stimulus

Transient

(adj.) Lasting only a short time, fleeting.

(n.) One who stays only a short time.

Synonyms: (adj.) Impermanent, Ephemeral, Evanescent

Antonyms: (adj.) Permanent, Imperishable, Immortal

Unwieldy

(adj.) Not easily carried, handled, or managed because of size or complexity.

Synonyms: Cumbersome, Bulky, Clumsy, Impractical

Antonyms: Manageable, Easy to Handle

Vapid

(adj. Dull, uninteresting, tiresome; lacking in sharpness, flavor, liveliness, or force

Synonyms: Insipid, Lifeless, Colorless

Antonyms: Zesty, Spicy, Savory, Colorful, Lively

Brusque

(adj.) Abrupt, blunt, with no formalities.

Synonyms: Curt, Tactless, Ungracious, Gruff, Rough

Antonyms: Gracious, Tactful, Courteous, Diplomatic

Cajole

(v.) To coax, persuade through flattery or artifice; to deceive with soothing thoughts or false promises.

Synonyms: Wheedle, Inveigle, Soft-Soap, Sweet-Talk

Antonyms: Coerce, Force, Strong-Arm

Castigate

(v.) To punish severely; to criticize severely.

Synonyms: Chastise, Rebuke, Censure, Upbraid

Antonyms: Reward, Honor, Praise, Laud

Contrive

(v.) To plan with ingenuity, invent; to bring about as the result of a scheme or plan.

Synonyms: Think UP, Devise, Concoct, Fabricate

Ennui

(n.) Weariness and dissatisfaction from lack of occupation or interest, boredom.

Synonyms: Languor, World-Weariness, Listlessness

Antonyms: Enthusiasm, Liveliness, excitement, intensity

Fetter

(n.) A chain or shackle placed on the feet (often used in plural).

(v.) To chain or shackle; to render helpless or impotent.

Synonyms: (n.) Bond, Restraint; (v.) Bind, Hamper

Antonyms: (v.) Free, Liberate, Emancipate

Immutable

(adj.) Not subject to change, constant

Synonyms: Unchangeable, Unalterable, Fixed, Invariable

Antonyms: Changeable, Inconstant, Variable, Fickle

Insurgent

(n.) One who rebels or rises against authority.

(adj.) Rising in revolt, refusing to accept authority; surging or rushing in or on.

Synonyms: (adj.) Revolutionary, Rebellious, Mutinous

Antonyms: (adj.) Loyalist, Loyal, Faithful

Megalomania

(n.) A delusion marked by a feeling of power, wealth, talent, etc., Far in excess of reality.

Synonym: Delusions or Grandeur

Antonyms: Humility, Modesty, Self-Abasement

Surreptitious

(adj.) Stealthy, secret, intended to escape observation; made or accomplished by fraud.

Synonyms: Furtive, Covert, Clandestine, Concealed

Antonyms: Open, Frank, Aboveboard, Overt

Cadaverous

(adj.) Pale, gaunt, resembling a corpse.

Synonyms: Corpselike, Wasted, Haggard, Emaciated, Ghastly

Antonyms: Robust, Portly, Rosy, The Picture of Death

Concoct

(v.) To prepare by combining ingredients, make up (as a dish); to devise, invent, fabricate.

Synonyms: Create, Fashion, Rustle Up

Desecrate

(v.) To commit sacrilege upon, treat irreverently; to contaminate, pollute.

Synonyms: Profane, Defile, Violate

Antonyms: Revere, Honor, Venerate, Consecrate

Disconcert

(v.) To confuse; to disturb the composure of.

Synonyms: Upset, Rattle, Ruffle, Faze, Perturb

Antonyms: Relax, Calm, Put at Ease

Grandiose

(adj.) Grand in an impressive or stately way; marked by pompous affectation or grandeur, absurdly exaggerated.

Synonyms: Majestic, Bombastic, Highfalutin

Antonyms: Simple, Modest, Unaffected, Humble

Pillage

(v.) To rob of goods by open force (as in war), plunder.

(n.) The act of looting; Booty.

Synonyms: (v.) Ravage, Sack, Loot; (n.) Booty

Punctilious

(adj.) Very careful and exact, attentive to fine points of etiquette or propriety.

Synonyms: Precise, Scrupulous, Exacting, Fussy, Finicky

Antonyms: Careless, Negligent, Lax, Perfunctory

Redoubtable

(adj.) Inspiring fear or awe; illustrious, eminent.

Synonyms: Formidable, Fearsome, Awesome, August

Antonyms: Laughable, Risible, Contemptible

Restitution

(n.) The act of restoring someone or something to the rightful owner or to a former state or position; making good on a loss or damage.

Synonyms: Compensation, Reimbursement, Redress, Restoration

Stalwart

(adj.) Strong and sturdy; brave; resolute; (n.) A brave, strong person; a strong supporter; one who takes an uncompromising position.

Synonyms: (adj.) Sturdy, Stout, Intrepid, Valiant; (n.) Mainstay

Antonyms: (adj.) Weak, Infirm, Irresolute, Vacillating

Acrimonious

(adj.) Stinging, bitter in temper or tone

S: biting, caustic, rancorous, hostile, peevish

A: gentle, warm, mild, friendly, cordial

Bovine

(adj.) Resembling a cow or ox; sluggish, unresponsive

S: stolid, dull, slow, stupid

A: alert, sharp, bright, keen, quick

Consternation

(n.) Dismay, confusion

S: shock, amazement, bewilderment, dismay

A: calm, composure, aplomb

Corpulent

(adj.) Fat; having a large, bulky body

S: overweight, heavy, obese, stout, portly

A: slender, lean, spare, gaunt, emaciated

Expurgate

(v.) To remove objectionable passages or words from a written text; to cleanse, clarify

S: purge, censor, bowdlerize

Gauntlet

(n.) An armored or protective glove; a challenge to combat

S: dare, provocation, trial, punishment

Hypothetical

(adj.) Based on an assumption or guess; used as a tentative idea to direct an investigate

S: assumed, supposed, conjectural, conditional

A: actual, real, tested, substantiated

Ignoble

(adj.) Mean, low, base

S: inferior, unworthy, dishonorable, sordid

A: admirable, praiseworthy, lofty, noble

Odium

(n.) Hatred, contempt; disgrace or infamy resulting from hateful conduct

S:abhorrence, opprobrium, shame, ignominy

A: esteem, admiration, approbation

Subservient

(adj.) Subordinate in capacity or role; serving to promote some end; submissively obedient, serving to promote some end

S: secondary, servile, obsequious, useful

A: primary, principal, bossy, domineering