English Vocabulary Review

Absolve (v)

To set free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt

Approbation (n)

An act of approving or praising

Blasphemy (n)

Irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable

Deference (n)

Respect and esteem due to a superior or an elder

Digression (n)

The act or an instance of straying from topic in conversation or in literary work

Equivocate (v)

Use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself.

Heresy (n)

Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious (esp. Christian) doctrine.

Obscure (n)

Not discovered or known about; uncertain

Rescind (v)

Revoke, cancel, or repeal

Squander (v)

Waste (something, especially money or time) in a reckless and foolish manner

Apprehensive (adj)

Anxious or fearful that something bad will happen

Bastion (n)

A fortified area or position; a stronghold

Decadence (n)

Having the quality of appealing to self-indulgence;Marked by decay

Diffident (adj)

Lacking confidence; not comfortable with or very careful when speaking

Ephemeral (adj)

Lasting for a very short time

Hackneyed (adj)

Unoriginal; lacking significance because of overuse

Nebulous (adj)

Unclear, vague, poorly defined

Repudiate (v)

To refuse to accept or be associated with

Soporific (adj)

Tending to cause sleepiness

Zeal (n)

A strong feeling of interest or enthusiasm that makes someone very eager or determined to do something

Acquiesce (v)

to accept, comply, or submit

Ascetic (adj)

characterized by the practice of severe self-discipline and refusal of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. 

Cajole (v)

persuade someone to do something through sustained coaxing or flattery

Demagogue (n)

a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument

Dilatory (adj)

slow to act

Erudite (adj)

having or showing great knowledge or learning

Ignoble (adj)

not honorable in character or purpose; Of low origin or social status; Of low origin or social status

Parsimony (n)

extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources

Resolute (adj)

admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering

Surreptitious (adj)

kept secret; especially because it would not be approved of

Acuity (n)

keenness of perception

Assuage (v)

make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense

Candor (n)

The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness

Denizen (n)

An inhabitant of a particular place

Disdain (v or n)

the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one’s consideration or respect; contempt

Expedient (adj)

(of an action) convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral

Indolence (n)

Avoidance of activity; laziness

Paucity (n)

the presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts; scarcity

Respite (n)

A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant

Taciturn (adj)

(of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little

Adulation (n)

excessive admiration or praise

Astute (adj)

having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage

Capricious (adj)

given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior

Depravity (n)

moral corruption; wickedness

Dogmatic (adj)

inclined to lay down principles or opinions as absolutely true

Expostulate (v)

To attempt to dissuade someone from some course or decision by earnest reasoning (protest)

Ingratiate (v)

To curry favor; to make oneself necessary

Pious (v)

devoutly religious

Reticent (adj)

not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; uncommunicative

Thwart (v)

prevent (someone) from accomplishing something

Aesthetic (adj)

of, relating to, or dealing with the beautiful

Atrophy (n)

A wasting away of the body or of an organ; degeneration.

Censure (adj and v)

express severe disapproval of (someone or something), typically in a formal statement; the expression of formal disapproval

Deprecate (v)

play down; make little of

Dubious (adj)

hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon; suspect

Extol (v)

Praise enthusiastically

Innocuous (adj)

Not harmful or offensive

Prodigal (adj)

spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.

Revere (v)

feel deep respect or admiration for (something)

Torpor (n)

a state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy

Affable (adj)

good-natured, friendly, easy to get along with.

Austere (adj)

severe or strict in manner, appearance, or attitude.

Complacent (adj)

satisfied with how things are or with oneself and not wanting to change them (often unaware dangers or shortcomings).

Derision (n)

use of ridicule to show lack of respect.

Duplicity (n)

deceitfulness; double dealing

Flagrant (adj)

obviously offensive

Insipid (adj)

lacking flavor, interest, or vigor.

Profuse (adj)

given plentifully or in large amounts.

Salient (adj)

most noticeable or important.

Sangfroid (n)

composure or coolness, as shown in danger.

Umbrage (n)

A feeling of offense or annoyance; Shadow or shade

Ameliorate (v)

To make better; to improve

Autonomy (n)

the quality or state of being self-governing; self-directing freedom and especially moral independence

Conciliate (v)

stop (someone) from being angry or discontented; placate; pacify

Desecrate (v)

treat (a sacred place or thing) with violent disrespect; violate.

Eccentric (adj)

(of a person or their behavior) unconventional and slightly strange.

Futile (adj)

incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.

Jaded (adj)

tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something.

Prosaic (adj).

having the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty; ordinary.

Unctuous (adj)

(of a person) excessively flattering; oily.

Apathy (n)

lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern

Avarice (n)

extreme greed for wealth or material gains

Contrite (adj)

feeling or expressing remorse; affected by guilt

Despot (n)

a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who is cruel or oppressive

Enigma (n)

a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand

Guile (n)

sly or cunning intelligence

Languid (adj)

(of a person, manner, or gesture) displaying or having a lack of desire for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed

Provincial (adj)

of or concerning the regions outside the capital city of a country, especially when regarded as unsophisticated or narrow-minded

Scintillating (adj)

sparkling; brilliantly and excitingly clever or skillful

Virulent (adj)

(of a disease or poison) extremely severe or harmful in its effects

Aplomb (n)

self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation

Banal (adj)

so lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring

Dearth (n)

a scarcity or lacking of something

Didactic (adj)

intended to teach, particularly in having in moral instruction as as ulterior motivate

Ennui (n)

a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

Gullible (adj)

easily persuaded to believe something

Laud (v)

praise (a person or their achievements) highly, especially in public context

Redundant (adj)

not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous

Servile (adj)

having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others

Winsome (adj)

attractive or appealing in appearance or character