Verbal Reference Vocabulary Flashcards

Question and Answer style flashcards covering vocabulary definitions from Chapter 19 Verbal Reference.

What is the definition of the word 'adjunct'?

Something or someone associated with another but in a secondary position.

What is the definition of 'admonish'?

To scold (sometimes in a good-natured way); to urge to duty, remind; or to warn against.

How is the term 'affable' defined?

Pleasantly easy to get along with; friendly and warm.

What is the definition of 'aghast'?

Overcome by surprise, disgust, or amazement; seized with terror; shocked.

What does the word 'alleviate' mean?

To make easier to bear, lessen.

How is 'aloof' defined in the text?

Distant in relations with other people.

What is the definition of 'altruistic'?

Concerned for the welfare of others.

What does it mean to 'amend' something?

To improve; to alter; to add to or subtract from by formal procedure.

What is the definition of 'amorphous'?

Lacking a specific shape.

How is 'animosity' defined?

Feeling of ill will, intense dislike for someone or something.

What is the definition of 'annihilate'?

To destroy completely.

What does 'ardent' mean?

Characterized by passion or desire.

What are the adjective and verb definitions of 'articulate'?

As an adjective: well-spoken, lucidly. As a verb: to pronounce clearly.

What two definitions are provided for the word 'artifice'?

(1) Trickery, clever ruse. (2) Ability to create or imagine.

What is the definition of 'ascertain'?

To find out or discover by examination.

How is 'astute' defined in the text?

Shrewd and perceptive; able to understand clearly and quickly.

What is the definition of 'atrocity'?

Horrible act.

What does 'audacity' mean?

Boldness or daring, especially with disregard for personal safety.

What is the definition of 'banal'?

Boringly predictable.

How is 'beguile' defined?

To delude, deceive by trickery.

What is the definition of 'belligerence'?

Aggressive hostility.

How is a 'benefactor' defined?

Someone giving financial or general assistance.

What is the definition of 'benevolence'?

Inclination to do good deeds.

What does 'bewildered' mean?

Completely confused or puzzled, perplexed.

What are the noun and verb definitions of 'bias'?

As a noun: prejudice, particular tendency. As a verb: to cause prejudice in (a person); to influence unfairly.

How is 'bliss' defined?

Supreme happiness, utter joy or contentment; heaven, paradise.

What is the definition of 'boisterous'?

Loud and unrestrained.

What is the definition of 'bounty'?

Generosity in giving, reward.

What does 'bravado' mean?

Showy and pretentious display of courage.

What is the definition of 'brevity'?

State of being brief, of not lasting a long time.

How is 'cache' defined?

Hiding place for treasures, etc., anything in such a hiding place.

What does it mean to 'cajole'?

To wheedle, persuade with promises or flattery, coax.

What is the definition of 'candor'?

Frankness and sincerity; fairness.

What is the definition of 'caprice'?

Sudden, unpredictable change.