Vocab 4

ataraxia

(noun) a state of contentment, free from mental and emotional anguish. Sought after in certain religious texts, such as Epicurean philosophy and Stoicism.

neurasthenia

(noun) an ill-defined medical condition characterized by irritability, associated with emotional disturbance

imagined reality

(noun) a concept describing how humans can coordinate in larger groups through shared fictions (nations, laws, money) which do not exist objectively, but in our collective imagination

sedulous

(adj) of a person or action, showing dilligence (painstakingly so)

paroxysm

(noun) a sudden attack of emotion

galvanize

(verb) to stimulate someone into taking action

gesticulate

(verb) to use gestures, often dramatically

imminence

(noun) the state of being about to happen

obstinate

(adj) stubbornly refusing to change one’s perception

chary

(adj) cautious and reluctant about doing something 

vicissitudes

(noun) a change of circumstance/fortune, typically unpleasant

ex. the _ of…

denigrate

(verb) to criticize unfairly; disparage but more a malicious attack on reputation

ignominy

(noun) deep public shame or dishonor

derisory

(adj) laughably small, particularly of money, deserving contempt

assiduous

(adj) showing great care and perseverance in tasks or efforts (constant application)

squalor

(noun) the state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, often as a result of poverty or neglect

assiduous

(adj) demonstrating diligence and hard work in completing tasks effectively. Different than studious, which is more about enjoying studies/learning.

protean

(adj) able to change frequently and easily, versatile in nature or behavior

plutocrat

(noun) a person whose power derives from their wealth, often associated with the influence of money on politics

ersatz

(noun) an artificial or inferior substitute to an original

dilettante

(noun) someone who cultivates an area of interest amateurishly as opposed to professionally

frisson

(noun) shivers / aesthetic chills. Triggered by intense emotional stimuli

euphonious

(adj) describing something that is pleasant on the ears

eyrie

(noun) the high lofty nest of a bird of prey such as an eagle or hawk

cosmopolitan

(noun) sophisticated taste as a result of diverse experiences/backgrounds

congenial

(adj) pleasantly suited to ones nature, taste, or outlook

sophist

(noun) a person who uses clever, superficially plausible, but ultimately deceptive or intellectually dishonest arguments to persuade others

repose

(noun) a state of rest, relaxation, or tranquility.

vagrency

(noun) a wandering or transient condition, often associated with a lack of a fixed home or a settled lifestyle.

lucidity

(noun) clarity of thought, expression, or understanding; the quality of being easily understood.

replete

(adjective) filled or well-supplied with something; abundantly supplied.

histrionical

(adjective) overly theatrical or dramatic in character or style; related to actors or acting.

largesse

(noun) extreme generosity in bestowing gifts or money; lavish giving.

Barnum/Forer Effect

(noun) psychological effect where people believe general statements apply uniquely to them

virile

(adj) describing a man with robust health

exculpate

(verb) to clear someone of blame

tautological

(adj) needlessly repetitive, true by definition, not adding any context