English Vocab - 2nd semester

autocratic

ruling with unlimited power or authority

autonomy

independence; self-determination or self-governance

caste

a social class separated from others by profession, wealth, or hereditary rank

despot

* a ruler with absolute power
* a person who wields power oppressively; a tyrant

feudal

relating to a system in which people were given protection and the use of land, in return for loyalty, payments, and services to a lord

hegemony

dominance, especially that of a country, region, or group over others

oligarchy

* government by a few, especially by a small faction of people or families
* a state governed by a few people or families

sovereign

* self-governing; independant
* having supreme rank or power
* a king, queen, or other noble person who serves as head of state; a ruler or monarch

totalitarian

relating to a form of government with absolute and centralized control over every aspect of people’s lives

usurp

* to take and hold power or rights by force and without legal authority
* to take the place of or occupy without right

diligence

* steady effort; persistent hard work
* attentive care; carefulness

fastidious

* possessing or displaying careful attention to detail
* picky; difficult to please

finicky

difficult to please; insisting on getting exactly what one wants

imprudent

unwise; doing things without careful thought or judgment

judicious

having or exhibiting good, sound judgment

meticulous

extremely careful and precise

minutia

* a small, minor, or trivial detail
* extremely small; tiny

slovenly

* untidy; sloppy in dress or appearance
* marked by carelessness or negligence; shoddy

trepidation

* anxiety; a state of alarm, dread, or fear
* involuntary trembling or quivering

unmindful

failing to give due care or attention; inattentive

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condemn

to pass judgement against, sentenced

culpable

deserving of blame

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exonerate

to free from blame

extort

to obtain by threat

incorrigible

not capable of being reformed

malfeasance

misconduct by an official

misdemeanor

a minor crime

purloin

to steal

ruffian

a gangster/thug

unscrupulous

without moral restraint

august

inspiring awe

condescend

to treat others as inferior

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deference

respectful yielding

grovel

to behave too humbly

lackey

one who does lowly jobs for another

predominate

to be greatest in number/power

slavish

acting like a slave