Vocabulary Review Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on key terms from the lecture notes.

What does Aberration mean?

A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome.

What is the meaning of Abstain?

To restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something.

What does it mean to Adulterate something?

To render (something) poorer in quality by adding another substance, typically an inferior one.

What is the definition of Advocate?

To publicly recommend or support.

What does it mean to Aggrandize?

To increase the power, status, or wealth of.

What is the meaning of Alacrity?

Brisk and cheerful readiness.

What does Ambivalent mean?

Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

What does Ameliorate mean?

To make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better.

What is an Anomaly?

Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

What does Apathy mean?

Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

What does it mean to Assuage a feeling?

To make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense; to satisfy (an appetite or desire).

What does Audacious mean?

Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.

What is the definition of Banal?

So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring.

What does it mean to Belie something?

To fail to give a true notion or impression of (something); to disguise or contradict.

What does it mean to Bolster?

To support or strengthen; to prop up.

What is a Cacophony?

A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

What is the meaning of Capricious?

Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

What does it mean to Corroborate?

To confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding).

What does Desiccate mean?

To remove the moisture from (something); cause to become completely dry.

What is Didactic?

Intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.

What does Dogmatic mean?

Inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.

What does it mean to Enervate?

To cause (someone) to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken.

What does Engender mean?

To cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition).

What is an Enigma?

A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

What does Ephemeral mean?

Lasting for a very short time.

What is the meaning of Equivocal?

Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.

What does Erudite mean?

Having or showing great knowledge or learning.

What does Esoteric mean?

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

What does Extant mean?

Still in existence; surviving.

What does Fervid mean?

Intensely enthusiastic or passionate, especially to an excessive degree.

What does Gullible mean?

Easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.

What is the definition of Homogeneous?

Of the same kind; alike.

Who is an Iconoclast?

A person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions.

What does Laconic mean?

Using very few words.

What is a Laudable action?

(Of an action, idea, or goal) deserving praise and commendation.

What does Loquacious mean?

Tending to talk a great deal; talkative.

What does Lucid mean?

Expressed clearly; easy to understand.

What does Mercurial mean?

Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.

What does Mitigate mean?

To make less severe, serious, or painful.

What is Obdurate?

Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.

What does Opaque mean?

Not able to be seen through; not transparent; hard to understand.

What does Ostentation mean?

Pretentious and vulgar display, especially of wealth and luxury.

What is a Paradox?

A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that when investigated may prove to be well founded or true.

Who is a Pedant?

A person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning.

What does Placate mean?

To make (someone) less angry or hostile.

What does Pragmatic mean?

Dealing with things sensibly and realistically based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

What does Precipitate mean?

To cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.

What does Prodigal mean?

Spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.

What is Propriety?

The state or quality of conforming to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals.

What does Prudent mean?

Acting with or showing care and thought for the future.

What does Taciturn mean?

Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.

What does Vacillate mean?

To alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive.

What does Volatile mean?

Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.

What does Zeal mean?

Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.