CHS Argument D-E Vocab

Delineate

To describe; explain; or define something precisely and in detail; to clearly mark or show the boundaries of something

Denounce

To publicly declare something to be wrong; evil; or unacceptable; to condemn or criticize openly and strongly

Deprecate

To express disapproval of or opposition to something; to belittle or criticize something; to express disapproval of oneself or one's own actions

Deterrent

Something that discourages or prevents a person from taking a particular action; something intended to prevent an undesirable action through fear of consequences

Digression

A temporary departure from the main subject or topic being discussed; especially when speaking or writing

Discerning

Having or showing good judgment and the ability to recognize and distinguish subtle differences; qualities; or details

Disdain

A strong feeling of contempt or lack of respect for someone or something considered unworthy; to regard someone or something with contempt

Disparage

To regard or describe someone or something as inferior or unimportant; to speak of someone or something in a disrespectful or belittling way

Disperse

To scatter or spread widely in different directions; to cause a group of people or things to separate and move apart

Dogmatic

Expressing opinions or beliefs as if they are unquestionably true; refusing to consider other viewpoints or evidence

Elusive

Difficult to find; catch; achieve; define; understand; or remember; difficult to grasp or comprehend

Embellish

To decorate or add details to something to make it more attractive or interesting; to add fictional or exaggerated details to a story to make it more entertaining or impressive

Emulate

To imitate or copy the actions; qualities; or achievements of someone or something; especially in an effort to equal or surpass them

Enigma

A person; thing; or situation that is mysterious; puzzling; or difficult to understand or explain

Equivocal

Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous or unclear; deliberately avoiding making a clear or definite statement

Exacerbate

To make a problem; situation; or negative condition more severe; serious; or difficult

Exemplary

Serving as an excellent model or example; worthy of being imitated because of outstanding quality; behavior; or achievement

Exonerate

To officially or completely clear someone from blame; guilt; or responsibility for a wrongdoing; to prove that someone was not responsible for an offense

Extraneous

Coming from outside or unrelated to the matter being considered; irrelevant; unnecessary; or not essential to the subject

Exuberance

A feeling or expression of great energy; enthusiasm; excitement; or happiness; the quality of being lively; energetic; and enthusiastic