vocab 5

cogent (adj.) having power to compel; appealing; convincing

purported (adj.) reputed; alleged

deprecate (v.) to pray against; to express disapproval of; to belittle or disparage

lampoon (n./v.) harsh satire; to ridicule

compendium (n.) a brief summary of a larger work; a compilation

placebo (n.) vespers for the dead; medication that has no physical effect

ancillary (adj.) subordinate; auxiliary; supplementary

specious (adj.) showy; having deceptive attraction or allure; appearing to be true

appellation (n.) an identifying name or title; geographical name; nickname

wane (v.) to decrease in size, extent or degree; dwindle

anomaly (n.) deviation from the common rule; an irregularity; abnormal

endeavor (v.) to strive to achieve or reach; to attempt with vigor

platitude (n.) the quality or state of being dull or insipid; a trite statement

cryptic (adj.) secret; occult; having a hidden meaning; obscure

neophyte (n.) a new convert; a novice; a beginner

immolate (v.) to offer in sacrifice; to destroy by fire

spurious (adj.) of illegitimate birth (bastard); false; not genuine

derision (n.) the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt

caveat (n.) a warning; an explanation to avoid misinterpretation

recalcitrant (adj.) obstinately defiant of authority or restraint

multifarious (adj.) having or occurring in great variety; diverse

impinge (adj.) to strike or hit with a sharp collision

corroborate (v.) to support with evidence; to confirm

propitiation (n.) the act of trying to gain or regain the good favor of; to appease

liminal (adj.) of or relating to a sensory threshold; barely perceptible

catarrh (n.) inflammation of the mucous membrane

proboscis (n.) a long, flexible snout; an especially large nose

anathema (n.) one who is curse, dislike or avoided at all cost

assuage (v.) to lessen the intensity of; ease; pacify

rail (v.) to scold with harsh, abusive language