vocab notebook

pragmatic

of or relating to a practical point of view or consideration

condescending

showing or implying a patronizing descent from dignity or superiority

delineates

to portray in words; describe or outline with precision

cynical

bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic

sagacious

having or showing acute mental discernment and keen practical sense

raffia

a fiber obtained from the leaves of a raffia palm

commemoration

a memorial

blithely

without much thought, concern, or care

epistle

a letter, especially a formal or didactic one

volition

the act of willing, choosing, or resolving

sibyl

a female prophet or witch

frivolity

characterized by a lack of seriousness or sense

eloquently

movingly expressive

travesty

a grotesque or debased likeness or imitation

beacon

a guiding or warning signal

vigor

active strength or force

absolve

to free from guilt or blame or their consequences

canter

an easy gallop

liturgical

of or relating to a formal public worship or liturgies

rectory

a rector’s house, parsonage

incriminate

to accuse of or present proof of a crime or fault

tyranny

harsh rule over a nation or people

appeasement

giving in to demands in order to keep peace

treachery

act of betrayal

asunder

divided, torn to separate pieces

invective

negative, aggressive language that seeks to harm

belaboring

focusing on something too much

consecrate

to make or declared sacred

hallow

to make holy

detract

to take away a part