VU 11-14

contingent(adj)(n)

contingent(adj)(n)

ikely but not certain to happen, possible; dependent on uncertain events or conditions; happening by chance; a representative group forming part of a larger body 

Corroborate (v)

 to confirm, make more certain, bolster, substantiate, verify 

Discursive(adj)

passing aimlessly from one place or subject to another, rambling, roving, nomadic 

Disseminate(v)

to scatter or spread widely 

Dowdy(adj)

poorly dressed, shabby; lacking smartness and good taste 

Guache(adj)

awkward, lacking in social graces, tactless, clumsy

Heresy(n)

an opinion different from accepted belief; the denial of an idea that is generally held sacred 

Perceptive(adj)

having sympathetic insight or understanding, capable of keen appreciation 

Palpable(adj)

capable of being touched or felt, easily seen, heard, or recognized 

Salient(adj)(n)

 leaping, jumping, or springing forth; prominent, standing out, conspicuous; a projection or bulge, a land form that projects upward or outward

Absolve(v)

to clear from blame, responsibility, or guilt 

Contiguous (adj)

side by side, touching; near; adjacent in time 

Enhance(v)

to raise to a higher degree; to increase the value or desirability of 

Enthrall(v)

to captivate, charm, hold spellbound; to enslave; to imprison

Implicit(adj)

 implied or understood though unexpressed; without doubts or reservations, unquestioning; potentially contained in 

Incisive(adj)

sharp, keen

Paragon(n)

a model of excellence or perfection 

Redundant(adj)

extra excess, more than is needed; wordy, repetitive; profuse, lush 

Politic(adj)

prudent, shrewdly conceived and developed, artful, expedient 

Scintillating(adj)

sparkling, twinkling, exceptionally brilliant (applied to mental or personal qualities) 

Abet(v)

 to encourage, assist, aid, support (especially in something wrong or unworthy) 

Blatant(adj)

noisy in a coarse, offensive way; obvious or conspicuous, especially in an unfavorable sense 

Broach(v)(n)

to bring up or begin to talk about (a subject); to announce, introduce; to break the surface of the water; to turn sideways to the wind and waves; to pierce (a keg or cask) in order to draw off liquid; a spit for roasting; a tool for tapping casks

Buttress(v)(n)

1. to support, prop up, strengthen; a supporting structure

Connoisseur(n)

an expert; one who is well qualified to pass critical judgements, especially in one of the fine arts 

Encumber(v)

to weigh down or burden (with difficulties, cares, debt, etc.); to fill up, block up, hinder 

Foment(v)

to promote trouble or rebellion; to apply warm liquids to, warm

Inauspicious(adj)

unfavorable, unlucky, suggesting bad luck for the future 

Opportune(adj)

suitable or convenient for a particular purpose; occurring at an appropriate time. 

Prolific(adj)

abundantly productive; abundant, profuse 

Amendable(adj)

willing to follow advice or authority, tractable, submissive; responsive; liable to be held responsible 

Berate(v)

 to scold sharply

Carnage(n)

large-scale slaughter or loss of life 

Deplete(v)

to use up as a result of spending or consumption; to diminish greatly 

Extraneous(adj)

coming from the outside, foreign; present but not essential, irrelevant 

Inception(n)

 the beginning, start, earliest stage of some process, institution,etc. 

Infirmity(n)

 a weakness or ailment (physical, mental, moral, etc.)

Potpourri(n)

a collection of diverse or miscellaneous items; a general mixture; petals mixed with spices for scent 

precocious(adj)

showing unusually early development (especially in talents and mental capacity) 

Sadistic(adj)

delighting in cruelty, excessively cruel