ADV English 2 - All Quiet on the Western Front Terms Review

Aberration

an unusual or unexpected change from what is normal, like a student who usually gets good grades suddenly failing a test

Acrid

a strong, sharp, and unpleasant smell or taste, like the irritating scent of smoke or spoiled food

Banal

something that is dull and unoriginal, often because it’s overly familiar or cliché, like a movie with a predictable plot

Cleave

to split or cut something apart, like using a knife to cleave a piece of wood; it can also mean to stick closely to something, like cleaving to a friend for support

Debauch

to lead someone into excessive indulgence or immoral behavior, like partying too hard or engaging in reckless activities

Decorum

proper behavior, etiquette, or manners in social situations; it means acting in a way that is respectful and appropriate, like dressing well and speaking politely at a formal event

Dissolution

the process of officially ending or breaking apart something, like a marriage or an organization; it can also refer to the melting or dissolving of a solid into a liquid, like sugar dissolving in water

Emanciated

someone who is extremely thin and weak, often due to severe malnutrition or illness; it refers to a state where a person has lost a lot of body weight and looks unhealthy

Exasperate

to annoy or frustrate someone greatly, often by repeatedly doing something irritating; for example, a student might exasperate a teacher by constantly talking during class

Fatuous

someone who is silly or foolish in a way that shows a lack of intelligence or thought; for example, making a fatuous remark during a serious discussion can make you seem out of touch or not taken seriously

Fallible

capable of making mistakes or being wrong; it reminds us that everyone, including experts, can make errors or have flaws in their judgment

Furtively

doing something in a secretive or sneaky way, often because you want to avoid being noticed or caught; for example, someone might furtively glance at their phone during a boring class

Impinge

to have an effect on something, often in a negative way, or to intrude upon someone's rights or space; for example, loud music might impinge on your ability to study in peace

Implacable

someone who is unable to be calmed down or appeased; it refers to a person who remains angry or unforgiving, no matter what is done to try to make things better, like an implacable opponent who won’t back down in a disagreement

Indefatigable

someone who never gets tired or gives up, showing relentless energy and persistence; for example, an indefatigable athlete keeps training hard, no matter how challenging it gets

Insatiable

a desire or appetite that cannot be satisfied, no matter how much is given; for example, someone with an insatiable thirst for knowledge always wants to learn more, no matter how much they already know

Martinet

a strict person who demands obedience and discipline, often enforcing rules rigidly; for example, a teacher who is a martinet might be very tough on students, insisting they follow every rule without exception

Melancholy

a deep, persistent sadness or a feeling of sorrow, often without a clear reason; for example, someone might feel melancholy on a rainy day, reflecting a sense of gloom or wistfulness

Obtuse

someone who is slow to understand or perceive things, often missing obvious points or details; for example, if a person doesn’t get a simple joke, they might be considered obtuse

Pallid

someone or something that is pale, lacking color, or showing little vitality; for example, a pallid face might indicate someone is sick or tired, looking drained of energy

Patronizing

a way of speaking or behaving that shows you think you are better or more important than someone else, often making the other person feel inferior; for example, if someone explains something very simply to you as if you can’t understand, they might be being patronizing

Quixotic

someone who is overly idealistic or romantic, often pursuing unrealistic dreams or goals; for example, a quixotic person might believe they can change the world with just one small action, despite the challenges involved

Voracity

an intense eagerness or hunger for something, especially food; it can also describe a strong desire for knowledge or information. For example, someone with voracity for reading might devour books quickly and eagerly

Remonstrance

a strong expression of disagreement or protest, often formally presented; for example, a group of citizens might submit a remonstrance to their local government to voice their concerns about a new law they oppose

Imperceptibility

something that is so slight or subtle that it cannot be easily noticed or perceived; for example, a tiny change in color might be imperceptible to the naked eye, meaning you wouldn’t be able to see it without close inspection

Restive

a feeling of being restless or unable to stay still, often due to impatience or anxiety; for example, students might become restive during a long lecture, fidgeting and losing focus as they wait for it to end

Conjecture

an opinion or conclusion formed based on incomplete information or guesswork; for example, if you see dark clouds and say it might rain, that’s a conjecture because you’re making an assumption without certain proof

Foreboding

a feeling that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; for example, if you have a sense of foreboding while walking alone at night, you might feel anxious or uneasy about potential danger

Sentry

a guard or soldier who stands watch to keep an eye on a specific area, ensuring safety and security; for example, a sentry might be stationed at a military base to monitor for any intruders or threat

Solace

comfort or relief during times of sadness or distress; for example, spending time with friends can provide solace when you’re feeling down, helping to lift your spirits