Sadlier Vocabulary Unit #13 Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on Sadlier Vocabulary Unit #13

Abstruse

Extremely difficult to understand. Synonyms: arcane, recondite, occult. Antonyms: simple, straightforward

Affront

An open or intentional insult; a slight; (v.) to insult to one's face; to face in defiance, confront. Synonyms: offense, offend. Antonyms: compliment, praise

Canard

A false rumor, fabricated story. Synonyms: hoax

Captious

Excessively ready to find fault; given to petty criticism; intended to trap, confuse, or show up. Synonyms: faultfinding, carping. Antonyms: uncritical

Cognizant

Aware, knowledgeable, informed; having jurisdiction. Synonyms: acquainted. Antonyms: unaware, unconscious, oblivious

Contrite

Regretful for some misdeed or sin; plagued by a sense of guilt; thoroughly penitent. Synonyms: remorseful, rueful. Antonyms: unapologetic, impenitent

Cynosure

The center of attraction, attention, or interest; something that serves to guide or direct. Synonyms: focus

Decorous

Well-behaved, dignified, socially proper. Synonyms: seemly, becoming, tasteful. Antonyms: unbecoming, improper, tasteless

Deign

To think it inappropriate or suitable to one's dignity to do something; to condescend. Synonyms: deem

Desiccated

Thoroughly dried out; divested of spirit or vitality; arid and uninteresting. Synonyms: dehydrated, shriveled. Antonyms: sodden, waterlogged, drenched

Efficacy

The power to produce a desired result. Synonyms: effectiveness, potency, reliability. Antonyms: impotence

Engender

To bring into existence, give rise to, produce; to come into existence, assume form. Synonyms: generate, cause, form. Antonyms: stop, deter

Ethereal

Light, airy, delicate; highly refined; suggesting what is heavenly (rather than earthbound). Synonyms: heavenly, celestial, gossamer. Antonyms: infernal, hellish, thick, heavy

Facade

The front or face of a building; a surface appearance (as opposed to what may lie behind). Synonyms: exterior, surface, mask. Antonyms: interior

Ghoulish

Revolting in an unnatural or morbid way; suggestive of someone who robs graves or otherwise preys on the dead. Synonyms: barbarous, monstrous

Incongruous

Not in keeping, unsuitable, incompatible. Synonyms: discordant. Antonyms: compatible, harmonious, consistent

Machination

A crafty, scheming, or underhanded action designed to accomplish some (usually evil) end. Synonyms: plot, maneuver

Mesmerize

To hypnotize, entrance; to fascinate, enthrall, bewitch

Opprobrium

Disgrace arising from shameful conduct; contempt, reproach. Synonyms: infamy, dishonor, odium. Antonyms: acclaim, honor, glory, renown

Putative

Generally regarded as such; reputed; hypothesized, inferred. Synonyms: supposed, presumed. Antonyms: corroborated, confirmed