IB English IV: Quarter 1 Vocabulary Set (just definitions)

nuance

a subtle distinction, variation or quality in something such as tone or meaning

litany

a usually lengthy recitation or enumeration of something, such as a set of complaints, names or questions ; it can also be used to refer to a sizeable series or set, which may or may not be spoken aloud, as when a drug has "a litany of possible side effects"

immutable

not capable of or susceptible to change

iconoclast

someone who destroys religious images or who opposes their veneration ; it's now used to refer broadly to anyone who attacks widely accepted beliefs or institutions

epitome

a typical or ideal example and a synonym of embodiment

riposte

clever retort or retaliatory measure ; in fencing it refers specifically to a quick return thrust immediately following a successful defensive action

eminently

synonym of very and means "to a high degree"

adjudicate

a dispute between parties is to make an official design about which party is right, also means "to act as a judge"

ineffable

used to describe something that is indescribable or unspeakable and that can't be expressed in words ; also used for things which are taboo and aren't to be uttered

ostentatious

attracting or seeking to attract attention, admiration, or envy ; things that are ostentatious tend to stand out as overly elaborate or conspicuous

alleviate

to make something less painful, difficult or severe to partially remove/correct

dilatory

tending or intended to cause delay, tending to procrastinate

nebulous

indistinct/vague ; something that is related to a nebula

pathos

refers to some element of an experience or of an artistic representation that evokes compassion or pity (feeling of sympathy)

validate

to "recognize, establish, or illustrate" its worthiness or legitimacy

sanction

"to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to" and "to impose a penalty or economically or militarily coercive measures"

behemoth

something of monstrous size power, or appearance ; Behemoth (usually capitalized) is also the name of a mighty animal described in the biblical book of Job

inscrutable

not readily investigated, interpreted or understood ; it often describes what is mysterious or difficult to comprehend

postulate

to assume or claim something (such as an idea or theory as true especially for the purpose of starting a discussion

culminate

"to reach the highest or a climactic or decisive point" or "to reach the end or final result of something"