English vocab lessons 1 + 2

aegis

protection or sponsorship

altruism

concern for the welfare of others; selflessness

amorphous

without a clear shape or form.

besiege

to overwhelm or surround (with requests, worries, or an army).

boor

a rude or insensitive person.

carrion

decaying flesh of dead animals.

enervate

to weaken or drain energy.

ephemeral

lasting for a very short time.

erotic

relating to sexual love or desire.

factious

causing disagreement or conflict within a group.

fervent

having or showing intense passion or enthusiasm.

ignoble

dishonorable; shameful; of low character.

opulent

wealthy, luxurious, or richly decorated.

perspicacity

the ability to understand things quickly and clearly; insight.

rectify

to correct or make right.

antithesis

the direct opposite of something.

bauble

a small, showy, but useless trinket.

bestial

savage, brutal, or beastlike.

bland

mild, tasteless, or dull.

chagrin

embarrassment or humiliation caused by disappointment.

diaphanous

light, delicate, and see-through (often fabric).

effete

worn out; exhausted; no longer effective.

emendation

a correction or improvement to a text or document.

gloat

to brag or show self-satisfaction at someone else’s loss or your own success.

impediment – something that blocks progress; an obstacle.

impediment – something that blocks progress; an obstacle.

impotent

powerless; lacking strength or ability.

labyrinth

a maze; something very complicated and confusing.

maelstrom

a violent whirlpool or a situation full of chaos and turmoil.

nihilism

belief that life is meaningless and rejects all religious and moral principles.

shard

a sharp piece broken off of glass, metal, or pottery.