Untitled Flashcard Set

37. carrion – decaying flesh of dead animals.
Example: The vultures circled above, waiting to feast on the carrion.

38. implacable – unable to be appeased, relentless.
Example: The implacable enemy showed no mercy even after surrender.

39. augur – (v.) to predict or foretell; (n.) a prophet or omen-reader.
Example: Dark clouds augur a storm.

40. entrails – internal organs, especially intestines.
Example: The butcher disposed of the animal’s entrails.

41. hearth – the floor of a fireplace, symbol of home.
Example: The family gathered around the hearth to tell stories.

42. gorge (n, v) – (n.) a narrow valley; (v.) to eat greedily.
Example (n.): The hikers looked down into the deep gorge.
Example (v.): After the race, he gorged himself on pizza.

43. aphorism – a short, witty statement expressing truth.
Example: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is a common aphorism.

44. Fury/fury – (cap.) one of the avenging spirits in Greek myth; (lowercase) extreme anger.
Example: The Fury punished oath-breakers.
Example: She unleashed her fury on anyone who crossed her.

45. clement – mild, merciful, or gentle.
Example: The judge gave a clement sentence to the first-time offender.

46. Rapture/rapture – (cap.) the Christian belief of believers taken to heaven; (lowercase) intense joy.
Example: They sang of the Rapture in church.
Example: He gazed at her in rapture as she played the piano.

47. hamartia – a tragic flaw leading to a hero’s downfall.
Example: Othello’s hamartia is his jealousy.

48. hubris – excessive pride or arrogance, often leading to downfall.
Example: His hubris blinded him to his own mistakes.

49. wan – pale, weak, or tired-looking.
Example: After the illness, she looked wan but relieved.

50. languish – to weaken, waste away, or suffer neglect.
Example: The prisoner languished in his cell for years.

51. descry – to catch sight of, discern.
Example: From the hilltop, they descried the distant village.

52. deem – to judge, regard, or consider.
Example: The teacher deemed the essay excellent.

53. scorn – (n.) contempt; (v.) to despise or mock.
Example (n.): His words dripped with scorn.
Example (v.): She scorned their shallow flattery.

54. nativity – birth; often refers to Christ’s birth.
Example: The nativity scene was displayed in the church.

55. transfix – to hold motionless, as with awe or shock.
Example: She was transfixed by the beauty of the sunset.

56. delve – to dig or investigate deeply.
Example: The historian delved into ancient manuscripts.

57. scythe – a tool with a curved blade for cutting crops.
Example: The farmer swung his scythe through the tall grass.

58. pander – to indulge or exploit another’s weaknesses.
Example: The ad panders to people’s fear of missing out.

59. querulous – habitually complaining, whining.
Example: The querulous child annoyed everyone on the trip.

60. propinquity – nearness in place, time, or relationship.
Example: Their friendship grew from the propinquity of living next door.

61. didactic – intended to teach, often moral lessons.
Example: The didactic novel aimed to instruct as well as entertain.

62. opulence – great wealth, luxury.
Example: The palace glowed with opulence.

63. Mecca/mecca – (cap.) holy city for Muslims; (lowercase) a center of activity or attraction.
Example: Mecca is the destination of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Example: Silicon Valley is a mecca for tech entrepreneurs.

64. malediction – a curse or slander.
Example: The witch muttered a malediction under her breath.

65. upbraid – to scold or criticize harshly.
Example: The coach upbraided the team for their lack of effort.

66. abate – to lessen, reduce, or subside.
Example: The storm finally abated after three hours.

67. gall (n, v) – (n.) bold rudeness; (v.) to annoy or irritate.
Example (n.): He had the gall to question the teacher’s knowledge.
Example (v.): It galled her to lose to such an arrogant opponent.

68. sovereign (n, adj) – (n.) a ruler; (adj.) independent, supreme.
Example (n.): The sovereign granted the people more rights.
Example (adj.): Canada is a sovereign nation.

69. dotard – an old person weakened by age; senile.
Example: The king was dismissed as a dotard by his rivals.

70. breach (n, v) – (n.) a gap, violation, or break; (v.) to break or violate.
Example (n.): The hacker created a breach in security.
Example (v.): The soldiers breached the fortress walls.

71. wont (n, adj, v) – (n.) custom; (adj.) accustomed; (v.) to make accustomed.
Example (n.): He rose early, as was his wont.
Example (adj.): She replied with her wont smile.
Example (v.): They were wont to walk together after dinner.

72. couture – high fashion; custom-fitted clothing.
Example: The runway showcased the latest Paris couture.