English vocab 2

Arrogate

(V.) To claim or take without right

Synonyms: expropriate, usurp, commandeer

Articulate

(V.) to pronounce distinctly; to express well in words; to connect by a joint or joints; (adj.) expressed clearly and forcefully; able to employ language clearly and forcefully; jointed.

Synonyms (v.) pronounce, elucidate; (adj.) eloquent

Belabor

(v.) to work on excessively; to thrash soundly

Synonyms: overwork

Cavort

(V.) to romp or prance around exuberantly; to make merry

Synonyms: gambol

Credence

(N.) belief, mental acceptance

Synonyms: Credit, Trust, Confidence

Decry

(V.) to condemn, express strong disapproval; to officially depreciate

Synonyms: denounce, censure, devalue

Emulate

(V.) to imitate with the intent of equaling or surpassing the model

Synonyms: copy, mimic, rival, match, to measure up

Encomium

(N.) a formal expression of praise, a lavish tribute

Synonyms: panegyric, eulogy, commendation

Gambit

(N.) in chess, an opening move that involves risk or a sacrifice of a minor piece in order to gain a later advantage; any opening move of this type

synonyms: ploy, stratagem, ruse, maneuver

Germane

(Adj.) relevant, appropriate, apropos, fitting

Synonyms: pertinent

Histrionic

(Adj.) pertaining to actors and their techniques; theatrical, artificial, melodramatic

Synonyms: affected, stagy

Invidious

(Adj.) offensive, hateful; tending to cause bitterness and resentment

Synonyms: malicious, spiteful, prejudicial, pejorative

Myopic

(Adj.) nearsighted; lacking a broad, realistic view of a situation; lacking foresight or discernment

Synonyms: shortsighted

Primordial

(Adj.) developed or created at the very beginning; going back to the most ancient times or earliest; fundamental, basic

Synonyms: original, primeval, primal

Propriety

(N.) the state of being proper, appropriateness; (pl.) standards of what is proper or socially acceptable

Synonyms: Fitness, Correctness, Decorum

Sacrilege

(N.) improper or disrespectful treatment of something held sacred

Synonyms: desecration, profanation, defilement

Suppliant

(Adj.) asking humbly and earnestly; (n.) one who makes a request humbly and earnestly, a petitioner, a suitor

Synonyms: petitioner, seeker, solicitor, suitor

Taciturn

(Adj.) habitually silent or quiet, inclined to talk very little

Synonyms: tight-lipped, uncommunicative, laconic

Talisman

(N.) an object that serves as a charm or is believed foto confer magical powers, an amulet, fetish

Viscous

(Adj.) having a gelatinous or gluey quality, lacking in easy movement or fluidity

Synonyms: gummy, sticky, thick