Cool Words

Ecumenism

Def: The effort to promote unity and cooperation among different religious groups

Context: The movement toward ecumenism aimed to reduce division between Christian denominations.

Pronunciation: ih-KYOO-muh-niz-um

Synonyms: unity, reconciliation

Ignominy

Def: public shame or disgrace

Context: The punishment marked him with lasting ignominy.

Pronunciation: IG-nuh-min-ee

Synonyms: disgrace, humiliation

Odious

Def: extremely unpleasant; deserving hatred

Context: He viewed the task as odious but necessary.

Pronunciation: OH-dee-uhs

Synonyms: detestable, vile

Dandified

Definition: overly concerned with appearance; excessively refined in dress

Context: The dandified man stood out among the crowd.

Pronunciation: DAN-duh-fyd

Synonyms: foppish, flashy

Fortuitously

Definition: happening by chance, often luckily

Context: He fortuitously discovered the journal.

Pronunciation: for-TOO-ih-tuhs-lee

Synonyms: accidentally, luckily

Capricious

Definition: unpredictable; prone to sudden changes

Context: The ruler’s capricious decisions caused instability.

Pronunciation: kuh-PRISH-uhs

Synonyms: impulsive, erratic

Appellations

Definition: names or titles given to someone or something

Context: Different appellations were used for social classes.

Pronunciation: ap-uh-LAY-shunz

Synonyms: names, labels

Recalcitrant

Definition: stubbornly resistant to authority

Context: The recalcitrant prisoner refused to comply.

Pronunciation: rih-KAL-sih-trunt

Synonyms: defiant, uncooperative

Atavistic

Definition: relating to ancient or primitive traits

Context: The violence felt atavistic in nature.

Pronunciation: at-uh-VIS-tik

Synonyms: primitive, ancestral

Brusquely

Definition: in a blunt or abrupt manner

Context: He responded brusquely, ending the conversation.

Pronunciation: BRUSK-lee

Synonyms: curtly, abruptly

Effrontery

Definition: shameless boldness or disrespect

Context: It was sheer effrontery to question authority.

Pronunciation: ih-FRUN-tuh-ree

Synonyms: audacity, nerve

Assiduously

Definition: with great diligence and care

Context: He assiduously recorded every detail.

Pronunciation: uh-SIJ-oo-uhs-lee

Synonyms: diligently, tirelessly

Perfidy

Definition: betrayal of trust; treachery

Context: The act was seen as perfidy against the state.

Pronunciation: PUR-fih-dee

Synonyms: betrayal, treachery

Anachronistic

Definition: out of place in time; outdated

Context: His beliefs seemed anachronistic.

Pronunciation: uh-nak-ruh-NIS-tik

Synonyms: outdated, obsolete

Fecund

Definition: intellectually productive; fertile

Context: It was a fecund period of new ideas.

Pronunciation: FEH-kund

Synonyms: productive, fertile

Vociferously

Definition: in a loud and forceful way

Context: The crowd vociferously protested.

Pronunciation: voh-SIF-er-uhs-lee

Synonyms: loudly, vehemently

Approbation

Definition: approval or praise

Context: His actions were met with public approbation.

Pronunciation: ap-ruh-BAY-shun

Synonyms: approval, endorsement

Iniquitous

Definition: morally unjust; wicked

Context: The iniquitous laws punished the innocent.

Pronunciation: ih-NIK-wih-tuhs

Synonyms: unjust, immoral

Vouchsafe

Definition: granted or given in a gracious or condescending manner

Context: He was vouchsafed a rare opportunity to speak.

Pronunciation: vowch-SAYF

Synonyms: granted, bestowed

Countenance

Definition: (1) a person’s facial expression; (2) support or approval

Context: His countenance revealed no emotion during the trial.

Pronunciation: KOWN-tuh-nuhns

Synonyms: expression, demeanor / approval, support

Obsequious

Definition: excessively obedient or eager to please

Context: The obsequious servant agreed with everything his master said.

Pronunciation: uhb-SEE-kwee-uhs

Synonyms: servile, fawning

Vivacity

Definition: lively energy; enthusiasm and brightness of spirit

Context: Her vivacity stood in contrast to the rigid, controlled society around her.

Pronunciation: vuh-VAS-uh-tee

Synonyms: liveliness, vitality, exuberance