Vocabulary Power Plus level 12 Lesson 3&4

axiom

a universal truth; an established rule; fundamental

patronizing

in a condescending manner; with an attitude of superiority; arrogant

atelier

an artist’s or a designer’s workshop

scapegoat

one who bears the blame for others

vacillate

to waver; to sway indecisively; fluctuate; swing

pellucid

transparent; clear

abstemious

using or consuming sparingly; frugal;

iniquity

an evil or wicked act; sin

dulcet

melodious; pleasing to the ear; melodic

peremptory

not allowing refusal or delay, imperative; authoritative; unconditional

arrogate

to claim for oneself without any right or authority; seize

archaic

no longer current or applicable; antiqanted; obsolete

perspicacious

keen; mentally sharp; clever

talisman

a magic charm or superstitious object for protection or luck

expurgate

to remove vulgar or objectionable material; censor

Catharsis

a release of emotional tension; purgation

internecine

mutually destructive

inundate

to overwhelm; to fill beyond capacity; flood

risible

relating to laughter; laughable; comical

kudos

accclaim or praise

efficacious

effective; producing the desired outcome; productive; useful

maxim

an established principle; a truth or rule of conduct

apocryphal

of questionable authenticity, but widely believed

putrid

rottten and foul smelling; rancid

crepuscular

pertaining to twilight

revere

to regard with respect, awe, or adoration; honor

sybaritic

marked by luxury or pleasure; luxurious; grandiose

estrange

to alienate; antagonize

intrinsic

of or relating to a things basic nature; inherent; basic

servile

submissive; slavish; ignoble; subsurvient