Crucible Vocab

1.predilection - a bias in favor of something; a special feeling or preference

noun

It is hard to determine how predilections play into the sentencing of criminals; with anything so subjective, bias tends to play a role.

2. Dissemble
To conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs.
Verb
She tried to dissemble her disappointment, but her expression gave her away.

3. Deference
Respect and submission to the judgment or opinion of someone else.
Noun
The students showed deference to their teacher by listening attentively.

4. Trepidation
A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.
Noun
She felt trepidation as she prepared to deliver her first public speech.

5. Subservient
Prepared to obey others unquestioningly.
Adjective
His subservient behavior made it clear he sought approval from his boss.

6. Prodigious
Remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.
Adjective
The scientist made a prodigious discovery that would change the world.

7. Inculcate
To instill an idea, attitude, or habit by persistent instruction.
Verb
The teacher worked hard to inculcate a love of learning in her students.

8. Lascivious
Inclined to lustfulness; lewd or licentious behavior.
Adjective
The play was criticized for its lascivious scenes.

9. Licentious
Lacking moral discipline or ignoring legal or societal standards, especially in sexual matters.
Adjective
The novel depicted a licentious lifestyle that scandalized readers.

10. Pallor
An unhealthy pale appearance.
Noun
Her pallor suggested she might be feeling ill.

11. Ameliorate
To make something bad or unsatisfactory better.
Verb
Efforts were made to ameliorate the conditions of the workers.

12. Indignant
Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.
Adjective
She gave an indignant reply to the unfair accusation.

13. Pious
Devoutly religious.
Adjective
The pious man attended church every Sunday without fail.

14. Quail
To feel or show fear or apprehension.
Verb
He began to quail at the sight of the towering waves.

15. Lechery
Excessive or offensive sexual desire; lustfulness.
Noun
The character's lechery was evident in his behavior throughout the play.

16. Grapple
To engage in a close fight or struggle without weapons.
Verb
The two wrestlers grappled in the ring for victory.

17. Contentious
Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
Adjective
The new policy became a contentious issue at the meeting.

18. Deposition
The process of giving sworn evidence, typically in a legal context.
Noun
The lawyer presented the deposition as part of the court case.

19. Testament
A person's will, especially the part relating to personal property; or something that serves as evidence of a fact or quality.
Noun
The museum's collection is a testament to the town's rich history.

20. Probity
The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.
Noun
The judge was known for her probity and fairness in court.

21. Laudable
Deserving praise and commendation.
Adjective
Her efforts to help the community were truly laudable.

22. Inauspicious
Not conducive to success; unpromising.
Adjective
The dark clouds were an inauspicious sign for the outdoor wedding.

23. Estrange
To cause someone to no longer be close or affectionate to someone else.
Verb
Years of misunderstandings served to estrange the two friends.

24. Tempestuous
Characterized by strong and turbulent or conflicting emotions.
Adjective
Their tempestuous relationship was marked by constant arguments.

25. Erudite
Having or showing great knowledge or learning.
Adjective
The erudite scholar was respected by all in the academic community.

26. Subjugation
The act of bringing under control or domination.
Noun
The subjugation of the smaller countries caused tension in the region.

27. Abstruse
Difficult to understand; obscure.
Adjective
The professor's lecture on quantum mechanics was abstruse to most students.

28. Vicissitude
A change or variation occurring in the course of something, especially in life.
Noun
The vicissitudes of his career taught him resilience.

29. Imperious
Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering.
Adjective
Her imperious tone made it clear she expected everyone to follow her orders.

30. Talisman
An object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, believed to have magic powers and to bring good luck.
Noun
He always carried a talisman for protection during his travels.