Vocabulary and Etymology Lecture Notes

A collection of vocabulary terms, definitions, and etymological origins derived from the lecture transcript.

Troglodyte

A member of any of various peoples (especially in antiquity) who lived or were reputed to live chiefly in caves; a person characterized by reclusive habits or outmoded or reactionary attitudes.

Epithet

A characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing.

Aphorism

A concise statement of a principle; a terse formulation of a truth or sentiment; an ingeniously terse style of expression.

Sobriquet

A descriptive name or epithet; a nickname.

Apothegm

A short, pithy, and instructive saying; an aphorism.

Adage

A saying, often metaphorical, that embodies a common observation.

Maxim

A general truth, fundamental principle, rule of conduct, or proverbial saying.

Adulation

Extreme or excessive admiration or flattery.

Languor

Weakness or weariness of body or mind; listless indolence or inertia.

Salvo

A simultaneous discharge of weapons; a sudden burst; a spirited attack.

Precipitous

Very steep; characterized by suddenness or rashness.

Bellertrist

A writer of belles lettres (literature valued primarily for its artistic quality).

Aperçu

A brief survey or sketch; an immediate impression or insight.

Ç

A diacritical mark placed under "c" to indicate an "s" sound rather than a hard "k."

Autocrat

A person ruling with unlimited authority; one with undisputed influence or power.

Dilettante

A person with only a superficial interest in an art or branch of knowledge; a dabbler.

Sophist

A philosopher; one of the ancient Greek teachers of rhetoric; a captious or fallacious reasoner.

Erudite

Having or showing knowledge gained through study.

Proustian

Relating to Marcel Proust; marked by intricate detail or the recall of forgotten memories.

Parenthetic

Relating to or expressed in a parenthesis; enclosed in parentheses.

Progenitor

An ancestor; a biologically ancestral form; a precursor or originator.

Engram

A hypothetical memory trace or change in neural tissue accounting for memory persistence.

Quotidian

Occurring every day; everyday; commonplace or ordinary.

Strident

Characterized by a harsh, discordant sound; loud or obtrusive.

Orthograph

The art of correct spelling and writing; the representation of speech by written symbols.

Predation

The killing of one organism by another for food; exploitation or plundering for personal gain.

Hegemony

Dominance or influence of one group over others, especially socially, culturally, economically, or politically.

Rectitude

Straightness; moral integrity; correctness in judgment or procedure.

Irresolute

Uncertain how to act or proceed.

Missish

Appropriate to or characteristic of a young girl.

Inimical

Hostile or adverse; having the disposition of an enemy.

Laconic

Using very few words; concise to the point of seeming rude.

Taciturn

Temperamentally disinclined to talk.

Tacit

Expressed without words; implied but not stated.

Deportment

The manner in which one conducts oneself.

Ichor

A watery or blood-tinged discharge; the ethereal fluid in the veins of the Greek gods.

Sonorous

Producing sound when struck; full, loud, or impressive in sound or style.

Patent

Open to public inspection; protected by legal patent; obvious; unobstructed.

Profligate

Wildly extravagant; shamelessly immoral; a person given to reckless self-indulgence.

Licentious

Lacking legal or moral restraints, especially sexual ones; disregarding strict rules of correctness.

Recalcitrant

obstinately defiant of authority or restraint : stubbornly uncooperative or disobedient

Plaintive

Expressive of suffering or melancholy.

Baleful

Threatening harm or evil; deadly or pernicious.

Pernicious

Highly destructive, often in a subtle way; wicked (archaic).

Desultory

Lacking a definite plan or purpose; disconnected; disappointing in quality.

Perfunctory

Done routinely or superficially; lacking enthusiasm.

Autocatalysi

Catalysis of a reaction by one of its own products.

Epistolary

Relating to letters; written in the form of letters.

Acerbic

Sharp, biting, or sarcastic in tone.

Sacrosanct

Extremely sacred; treated as immune from criticism or violation.

Non sequitu

A statement or conclusion that does not logically follow from what came before.

Gregarious

Sociable; enjoying the company of others; tending to associate with others.

Virtuoso

A person with exceptional artistic or technical skill.

Estuary

A partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers mixes with seawater.

Laureate

A person honored for outstanding achievement; to honor with distinction.

Scion

A descendant of a notable family; a young shoot used for grafting.

Probity

Complete honesty and moral integrity.

Propitiate

To regain favor; appease.

Propitious

Favorable; indicating success or good fortune.

Expiate

To make amends for; atone for.

Proprietary

Relating to ownership; protected by exclusive legal rights; privately owned.

Largesse

liberal giving (as of money) to or as if to an inferior

Leitmotif

A recurring theme or associated melodic phrase.

Paean

A song or expression of praise or triumph; a tribute.

Encomium

Glowing, enthusiastic praise.

Panegyric

A formal speech or piece of writing praising someone or something.

Loquacious

Given to excessive talking; talkative.

Fecundity

Fruitfulness; productivity; fertility; richness of imagination.

Obeisance

A bow or gesture of respect; acknowledgment of another's superiority.

Didactic

Intended to teach or instruct, sometimes in an overly moralizing way.

Sagacious

Having keen judgment and wisdom; discerning.

Simulacrum

An image or representation; an insubstantial imitation or semblance.

Triumvir

One of a commission or ruling body of three.

Eponymous

Being the person or thing for whom something is named; named after a particular person or thing.

Enthymeme

A syllogism in which one of the premises is left unstated or implied.

Dialectic

The art or science of logical reasoning through dialogue; the Socratic method of discovering truth; systematic reasoning involving opposing ideas; in philosophy, the process by which opposing forces or ideas interact and develop.

Proletariat

The laboring class, especially industrial workers who do not own the means of production and therefore sell their labor; the lowest social or economic class.