Improving Vocabulary Skills - Chapter 5

arbitrary

(a) Determined by personal judgement, not rule or reason; based on impulse

Mercenary

(a) Motivated only by financial gain; greedy

Allusion

(n) An indirect reference

Syndrome

(n) A group of symptoms typical of a particular disease or condition

Euphemism

(n) A mild or vague term used as a substitute for one considered offensive or unpleasant.

Appease

(v) To calm, especially by giving in to the demands of

Banal

(a) Lacking originality; overused; commonplace

Taint

(v) To stain the honor of someone or something

Assail

(v) To attack physically or verbally

Altruistic

(a) Unselfishly concerned for the welfare of others; unselfish