Unit 5 Vocabulary

altruistic

(adj.) unselfish, concerned with the welfare of others

benefactor

(n.) one who does good to others

dearth

(n.) a lack, scarcity, inadequate supply; a famine

embark

(v.) to go abroad; to make a start; to invest

facile

(adj.) easily done or attained; superficial; ready, fluent; easily shown but not sincerely felt

infallible

(adj.) free from error; absolutely dependable

pungent

(adj.) causing a sharp sensation; stinging, biting

repose

(v.) to rest; lie; place

(n.) relaxation, peace of mind, calmness

truculent

(adj.) fierce and cruel; aggressive; deadly, destructive, scathingly harsh

unfeigned

(adj.) sincere, real, without pretense

assent

(v.) to express agreement

(n.) agreement

chivalrous

(adj.) marked by honor, courtesy, and courage; knightly

clemency

(n.) mercy, humaneness; mildness, moderateness

diffident

(adj.) shy, lacking self-confidence; modest, reserved

discrepancy

(n.) a difference; a lack of agreement

indomitable

(adj.) unconquerable, refusing to yield

plod

(v.) to walk heavily or slowly; to work slowly

remiss

(adj.) neglectful in performance of one’s duty, careless

temerity

(n.) rashness, boldness

virulent

(adj.) extremely poisonous; full of malice; spiteful