English Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering terms, parts of speech, and definitions from the provided vocabulary list.

abide

To accept, act in accordance with, or tolerate a rule or decision.

antebellum

Occurring or existing before a particular war, especially the American Civil War.

bowdlerize

To remove material considered offensive from a book, play, or movie.

churlish

Rude, unfriendly, or unpleasant in a mean-spirited way.

duplicity

Deceitfulness; double-dealing or speaking in two different ways.

esoteric

Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge.

feckless

Lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible or useless.

hedonist

A person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life.

inculcate

To instill an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction.

kowtow

To act in an excessively subservient manner; to bow down to authority.

mantra

A statement or slogan repeated frequently; a sacred utterance.

nirvana

A state of perfect happiness and peace; transcendent of suffering.

parsimony

Extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources; stinginess.

pugnacious

Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight.

sardonic

Grimly mocking or cynical.

sycophant

A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage; a flatterer.

treachery

Betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature.

vile

Extremely unpleasant; morally bad or wicked.

Abjure

To solemnly renounce A belief cause or claim

Verb

Antidote

A medicine taken, or given to counteract a particular poison or affliction

Noun

Bravado

A bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate

Noun

Circumlocution

The use of many words where fewer would do, especially in an invasive way

Noun

Elan

Energy style and enthusiasm

Noun

Euphemism

A mild or indirect expression substituted for an offensive or harsh tone

Noun

Fiasco

A complete ignominious failure

Noun

Hegemony

Leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others

Noun

Laissez-faire

The policy or attitude of letting things take their own course without interfering

Noun/adjective

maudlin

It’s self pitting or cheerfully sentimental often through drunkenness

Adjective

Non sequitur

A conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument

Noun

Pecuniary

Relating to or consisting of money

Adjective

Quid pro quo

A favor or advantage granted or expected in return for something

Noun

Scintillating

Sparkling or shining brightly, brilliantly, clever, or skillful

Adjective

Tactile

Relating to sense of touch

Adjective

Tryst

A private or romantic meeting between lovers

Noun

Vitality

The state of being strong, active and full of life

Noun