Unit 10

Accrue verb-to grow or accumulate over time; to happen as a natural result; collect, accumulate. We allowed the interest to accrue on the account until it turned into a small fortune.

Annotation noun-a critical or explanatory note or comment, especially for a literary work. The novel has almost as many annotations as lines of text.

Bedlam noun-a state or scene of uproar and confusion; chaos; anarchy. Is this the same band that caused mob scenes and virtual bedlam on their first tour? 

Covert adj.-hidden, disguised, purposefully kept secret; sheltered; secluded; noun - a sheltered place, a hiding place. Napoleon was an expert at making covet preparations to attack unsuspecting opponents.

The bear made a lunge from her covert before we realized she was nearby.

Debonair adj.-pleasant, courteous, lighthearted; smooth and polished in manner and appearance; carefree, gracious, suave, urbane. Quite a few debonair young men asked my cousin to dance.

Dun verb-to demand insistently, especially in payment of a debt. Noun-a creditor; Adjective-dark, dull, drab, dingy. Many of Charles Dickens’ characters are dunned by creditors because of their large debts.

Efficacious adjective-effective, producing results; efficient, powerful. Not the most charming of senators, he nevertheless wielded the most efficacious knowledge of statecraft.

Equanimity noun-calmness, composure, refusal to panic; tranquility. Injustice always sent him into a rage, but he could endure misfortune with equanimity.

Fortuitous adj.-accidental, occurring by a happy chance; unintentional; unplanned; random; lucky. Due to a fortuitous drop in oil prices, the shipping company showed healthy profits for the year.

Gist noun-the essential part, main point, core, or essence. Would the talented fellow who keeps the back row in stitches please repeat the gist of what I said?

Gratuitous adjective-freely given; not called for by circumstances; unwarranted; voluntary; unjustified. Though she hoped to leave the lecture early, several members of the audience asked gratuitous questions, delaying her by an hour.

Imperious adjective-overbearing, arrogant; seeking to dominate; pressing, compelling. The Wizard of Oz’s imperious manner failed him when he revealed himself as a fussy little man behind a curtain. 

Invective noun-a strong condemnation; abusive language. Adjective-abusive, vituperative. It was his usual hail of invectives, a sort of furious, harmless shower that left the air a bit clearer. As invective speeches go, this one displayed originality, vigor, and here and there, some wit.

Motley adj-showing great variety; diverse; composed of different elements or many colors; (noun) a jester’s costume; a jester. Tall and short, thick and thin, old and young, we share the family name but are a motley bunch indeed. To “put on motley” is to say what only a king’s jester would dare to say.

Munificent adjective-extremely generous, lavish. Nothing the volunteers said could save the program until our anonymous friend donated a munificent sum. 

Procrastinate verb-to delay, put off until later. We all want to procrastinate when a task is no fun, but some people make delaying a way of life.

Provocative adjective-tending to produce a strong feeling or response; arousing desire or appetite; irritating; annoying. The ideas discussed in the film were so provocative that I thought about them long after I left the theater. 

Recondite adjective-little known; incomprehensible. Difficult to understand; beyond ordinary knowledge. The book is full of recondite information.

Reprobate noun-a depraved, vicious, or unprincipled person, scoundrel; (adjective) wicked, corrupt, or unprincipled; (verb) to disapprove of, condemn. Reprobates are usually more charming, funny, or thrilling in fiction than they are in life.

Sedentary adjective-characterized by or calling for continued sitting; remaining in one place; seated; stationary; static. She exchanged her sedentary job for a position as a swimming instructor.