Unit 1 Vocab Senior Seminar

abject (adj.): very low in spirit or showing hopelessness: sunk to or existing in a low

state or condition : very bad or severe.

Synonym: Miserable

2. buffer (noun/verb): Noun = something/someone used for reducing shock resulting

from contact: something that serves as a protective barrier. Verb = to lessen the shock or

impact of: cushion.

Synonyms: Noun = mediator. Verb = soften

3. capricious (adj.): impulsive; unpredictable; bound to change suddenly.

Synonyms: unstable; inconsistent

4. catharsis (noun): a purifying or getting rid of that brings about renewal, relaxation, or

release from tension.

Other KEY forms of the word: cathartic (adj.)

5. decimate (verb): to destroy a large part of; cause great destruction or harm to; reduce

significantly in number. Synonyms: destroy, obliterate, wreck

6. devolve (verb): to fall or be passed usually as a responsibility or obligation: to get

worse through a gradual change or evolution.

Synonyms: atrophy, crumble, worsen, decay, decline

7. disabuse (verb): to free from mistakes or false beliefs: to free from error or

misconception.

8. disingenuous (adj.): lacking in honesty or sincerity; false or hypocritical; insincere.

Synonyms: fake, phony

Other KEY form of the word: disingenuously (adv.)

9. expedient (adj): suitable for achieving something in a given situation in a timely and

efficient way.

Synonyms: effective, desirable

10. irascible (adj.): having a hot temper and easily angered.

Synonyms: irritable, grumpy

11. paragon (noun): a model of excellence or perfection.

Synonyms: classic, ideal

12. quirky (adj.): having unique or unusual qualities or behavior, usually in an

interesting or appealing way: non-traditional or non-conforming way of thinking or

acting. Synonyms: outlandish, offbeat, eccentric

Other KEY forms of the word: quirkiness (noun), quirkily (adv.)

13. smug (adj.): highly satisfied with oneself; cocky, complacent due to arrogance.

Synonyms: self-assured, conceited, egotistical

Another KEY form of the word: smugness (noun)

14. tenuous (adj.): having little substance or strength; weak.

Synonym: shaky

15. waft (verb): Verb = to move or be moved lightly, or blown, as if by the action of

wind or waves.