vocab list 2

abominate

to have an intense dislike or hatred for

acculturation

the modification of the social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact w/ those of another

adventitious

resulting from chance rather than from an inherent cause or character; accidental, not essential

ascribe

to assign or refer to (as a cause or source), attribute

circuitous

roundabout, not direct

commiserate

to sympathize w/, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress

enjoin

to direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way; to prohibit

expedite

to make easy, cause to progress faster

expiate

to make amends, make up for; to avert

ferment

a state of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence

inadvertent

resulting from or marked by lack of attention; unintentional, accidental

nominal

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

noncommittal

non decisive or definite; unwilling to take a clear position

peculate

to steal something that has been given into one’s trust; to take improperly for one’s own use

proclivity

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

sangfroid

composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances

seditious

resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government

tenuous

thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance; lacking sound basis, poorly supported

vitriolic

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

wheedle

to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end