Vocab Quiz 2

Ambiguity

Quality of being open to more than one interpretation; exact meaning is unclear.

deus ex machina

An unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation.

Euology

A speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly, typically after death.

Ellipses

Set of dots (...) indicating an omission of words or a pause in thought.

Kenning

A conventional poetic phrase used in Old English in place of a noun ('whale-road').

Motto

A short sentence or phrase chosen as encapsulating the beliefs or ideals.

A word, phrase, or sequence that reads the same backward as forward ('racecar').

Palindrome

Obfuscate

To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.

Avid

Having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something.

Repudiate

Refuse to accept or be associated with; deny the truth or validity of.

Penchant

A strong or habitual liking for something or a tendency to do something.

Transgress

Violate a law, command, or moral boundary.

Malign

Speak about someone in a spitefully critical or slanderous manner.

Enmity

The state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone.

Diatribe

A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.

Contrite

Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt.

Pivotal

Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something.

Impede

Delay or prevent someone or something by obstructing them; hinder.

Reconcile

Restore friendly relations between; make consistent or compatible.

Fringe

The border or outer edge of an area, group, or subject.