Set 10

acumen

the ability to make good judgments and take quick decisions.

antithesis

1. a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.

2. (in Hegelian philosophy) the negation of the thesis as the second stage in the process of dialectical reasoning.

ascribe

regard something as being due to (a cause)./assign

befuddled

cause to become unable to think clearly.

eschew

deliberately avoid using; abstain from.

esoteric

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

evasive

tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly.

exculpate

show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing.

expedite

make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly.

fastidious

very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

feign

pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury).

furtive

attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive.

hamper

1. hinder or impede the movement or progress of.

2. a basket with a carrying handle and a hinged lid, used for food, cutlery, and plates on a picnic.

indispensable

absolutely necessary.

lament

a passionate expression of grief or sorrow.

myopic

1. short-sighted.

2. lacking foresight or intellectual insight.

nonchalant

(of a person or manner) feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm.

partial

1. existing only in part; incomplete.

2. favoring one side in a dispute above the other; biased.

3. having a liking for.

pensive

engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought.

portend

be a sign of warning that (something, especially something momentous or calamitous) is likely to happen.

provincial

1. of or concerning a province of a country or empire.

2. of or concerning the regions outside the capital city of a country, especially when regarded as unsophisticated or narrow-minded.

rudimentary

involving or limited to basic principles.

salutary

(especially with reference to something unwelcome or unpleasant) producing good effects; beneficial.

sever

1. divide by cutting or slicing, especially suddenly and forcibly.

2. put an end to (a connection or relationship); break off.

slight

1. insult (someone) by treating or speaking of them without proper respect or attention.

2. small in degree; inconsiderable.

3. (of a person or their build) not sturdy; thin or slender.

somnolent

sleepy; drowsy.

stoic

1. a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.

2. a member of the ancient philosophical school of Stoicism.

supersede

take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use); supplant.

tout

1. attempt to sell (something), typically by a direct or persistent approach.

2. attempt to persuade people of the merits of.

wane

1. (of a state or feeling) decrease in vigor or extent; become weaker.

2. (of the moon) have a progressively smaller part of its visible surface illuminated, so that it appears to decrease in size.