1 Flashcards
(500 cards)
1
Q
mottled
A
Marked by spots. “His tongue, a mottled fish…”
2
Q
larded
A
Embellished. Covered thickly with. “His speech was larded with Kissinger quotes.”
3
Q
propitious
A
indicative that there’s a good chance of success. > these could be propitious times for ET
4
Q
demiglace
A
a French brown sauce. veal based
5
Q
cacophony
A
harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
6
Q
libretto
A
the text of an opera or other long vocal work»_space;> libro Italian for book from Latin liber
7
Q
stoic
A
a person enduring pain without complaint
8
Q
pugnacious
A
quick to argue.»_space;> mnemonic, like a pug with its chest forward, arguing
9
Q
posse comitatus
A
the ability law enforcement officers to conscript any able-bodied man to assist them in the pursuit of a felon
10
Q
oenophile
A
wine lover
11
Q
jacose
A
(formal) playful or humorous. jacosely
12
Q
cultural counter-signaling
A
two separate cultures in a single identity
13
Q
brinksmanship
A
taking things to an extreme/risk.»_space; political brinksmanship
14
Q
crass
A
lacking refinement or sensitivity.»_space; the crass assumptions
15
Q
audacity
A
rude, disrespectful of the norms. willing to take bold risks
16
Q
pike
A
to withdrawal from a commitment
17
Q
dapper
A
neat in appearance, particularly for a guy
18
Q
disintermediation
A
reduction in the number of intermediaries be tween producer and consumer
19
Q
impressario
A
person financing/organizing plays/operas
20
Q
salubrious
A
health-giving, healthy, pleasant»_space; salubrious weather, salubrious escape
21
Q
perfunctory
A
a half-hearted effort
22
Q
desultory
A
lacking purpose or enthusiasm. unfocused. switching from one thing to another half-heartedly> a desultory conversation (multiple loose threads lacking interest)
23
Q
gingerly
A
carefully. cautiously> he sat gingerly> the preliminaries were taken at a gingerly pace
24
Q
denouement
A
the resolution of the final part of a play, where all the pieces are drawn together
25
vagary
inexplicable change of situation, condition or behavior> the vagaries of weather
26
imprimatur
official sanction from the church to print something>> latin for "let it be printed"> they had the imprimatur from the rating agencies to issue debt
27
risible
laughable>> giving a rise
28
chiaroscuro
painting technique using high contrast with fine strokes to give dimensionality
29
perforce
necessary>> "by force" of necessity. (old french "par force")> amateurs, perforce, had to settle for less expensive solutions
30
bonhomie
The feeling of good natured easy friendliness in a group.>> noun>> french "good person"
31
jingoism
extreme patriotism. hawkishness. war-like foreign policy
32
boisterous
rowdy, noisy, energetic> boisterous conviviality of the tavern
33
contrition
or penitent. feeling of remorse> the court was concerned by her lack of contrition
34
contraindication
medical condition under which a medicine should not be used
35
demur
to raise doubts or show reluctance>> latin completely delay> normally she'd have accepted the challenge, but demurred
36
insouciance
indifference. casual lack of concern>> french, saucier means to worry. insouciance. "no worry"
37
sunder
split apart> split a-sunder> the crunch of bone when it's sundered
38
carom
to strike and rebound; to ricochet
39
magnanimous
very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful>> latin for great (magnum) soul (animus)
40
febrile
feverish illness or nervous excitement> a febrile imagination
41
verdant
green with grass and vegetation>> pronounced as if the a weren't there> the verdant countryside
42
platitude
a trite remark with moral content used too often to be interesting>> plat = flat in French
43
perfidy
infidelity. not trustworthyhe promise of acting in good faith with every intention of breaking once the other side has acted> shocked by the lawyers perfidiousness
44
lingua franca
a bridge language allowing to people speaking other languages to communicate
45
sordid
involving ignoble actions or motivearousing moral contempt. Dirty, dishonest, base, gross, squalid. > a sordid picture of bribes and scams > the sordid conditions of the apartment building
46
louche
disreputable or sordid, often in an appealing way; or, decadence. can also be a verb referring to a drink that's cloudy > the louche world of the art and drugs > the louche neighborhood where people went looking for drugs and prostitutes >> french for squinting.
47
rakish
(rake-ish) dashing, jaunty, slightly disreputable appearancea trim appearance suggestive of speed. carelessly unconventional > a rakish car with streamlined angles >> mnemonic: like a rake, streamlining the leaves in the grass
48
debonair
confident, stylish, charming
49
jaunty
cheerful, happy, lively confident
50
scourge
a person or thing causing great trouble> the scourge of homelessnessor as a verb: to *cause* great trouble> political methods used to scourge and oppress workers
51
fortuitous
a fortunate accident or something happening by chance rather than design> the pairing of the two may not simply be fortuitous
52
aversion
strong dislike or something arousing a strong dislike> an aversion to exercise
53
immiscible
unable to be blended together
54
alacrity
a brisk and cheerful readiness> she accepted the invitation with alacrity
55
bitch-slap
to deliver a stinging blow to someone to humiliate them
56
preternatural
beyond what is normal> autumn arrived with preternatural speed
57
peripatetic
itinerant. nomadic> he led a peripatetic lifestyle
58
talk a blue streak
american idiom. to say a lot rapidly. > he started talking a blue streak about race cars
59
inter alia
among other things
60
ipso facto
implied by some fact alone> the enemy of one's enemy may ipso facto be a friend
61
extant
surviving>> the a is silent.> the original manuscript is no longer extant
62
affidavit
written statement confirmed by oath used as evidence in court
63
plaintiff
the person instigating a claim
64
white knuckled
marked by a tense nervousness
65
boorish
rough and bad-mannered
66
brusque
abrupt and offhanded> she could be brusque and impatient
67
bucolic
relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside> a lovely church in a bucolic setting
68
effulgent
Radiant, shining brightlyOr, emanating joy or goodness
69
anomie
A breakdown in social values and purpose that leads to unrest and instability. Personal unrest
70
petulant
To become angry when not getting your way. Childishly bad tempered and sulky.
71
churlish
Impolite. Uncivil. Ungracious. Difficult to work with. Lacking social graces. Like a bumpkin > churlishly complained at the dinner party
72
cabal
a secret clique> a cabal of dissidents
73
cabaret
nightclub or restaurant entertainment (the audience is eating/drinking at tables)> she was in the cabaret
74
capriccio
a short, freeform lively piece of music.a work of art mixing fantasy and reality> he wrote a wonderful capriccio that got airtime
75
catechism
a series of fixed questions and answers used for instruction>> mnemonic from greek kata (down) echein (sound). to sound down, to indoctrinate
76
catharsis
purgation. releasing strong, repressed emotions> the therapy was cathartic
77
chalet
a small wooden house typically found in the alps
78
surly
bad-tempered and unfriendly> he left with a surly expression
79
cognitive dissonance
holding inconsistent thoughts in your mind simultaneously
80
contemptible
despicable, deserving of contempt
81
convalescence
time spent recovering from an illness> I read the entire new yorker during the convalescence> a convalescent home
82
reprise
a repeated passage. or, to repeat >> french to take up again
83
coquette
a flirtatious woman
84
pettifogging
placing undo emphasis on petty details> pettifogging attorneys are the bane of civil society
85
philistine
a person hostile to culture and the arts
86
piety
quality of being religious or reverent. A belief accepted with unthinking reverence> the accepted pieties of our time
87
piquant
pleasantly stimulating or exciting. sharp or appetizing taste. Engagingly provocative. >> from french for bitter or prick
88
platitudinous
hackneyed. too often used to be interesting or thoughtful
89
polemic
noun. a strong verbal or written attack on somethingthe art or practice of controversial debate> a feminist polemic> the history of science has become embroiled with religious polemics
90
officious
Domineering about petty mattersOverly enthusiastic in offering help> an officious bystander.> the officer told them to move on, an officious, spiteful man
91
portentous
A warning or portent, or somethings self-consciously solemn and self-important > his portentous pontification
92
solemn
formal and dignified. serious. deeply sincere.> a solemn procession
93
preening
to congratulate or pride ones's selfderogatorily used -- e.g., preening by primping then admiring your appearance
94
prima facie
based on first impression; accepted as correct until shown otherwise
95
prosaic
lacking poetic beauty. commonplace or unromantic> preoccupied with prosaic day-to-day concerns
96
protean
changing frequently.or, able to do many things -- versatile.> he was a protean composer> hard to comprehend the protean subject
97
prurient
encouraging excessive interest in sexual matters
98
psychosomatic
interaction of body and mind. a physical illness aggravated by a mental condition (like stress)> most of Heinrich's problems were psychosomatic
99
puckish
mischievously playful. naughty> puckish sense of humor
100
purgatory
a place inhabited by sinners to expunge their sins before going to heavencleansing or purifying
101
putative
generally reputed to be> the putative father >> from latin putatus to think
102
quixotic
impractically idealistic> a vast, perhaps quixotic project
103
rapscallion
a mischievous person>> mnemonic, perhaps from rascal
104
ratiocinative
judgment formed through logic> infuriatingly, cold, precise ratiocinating engine of a brain fuelled by a wholly egocentric passion.
105
redoubtable
formidable, esp of an opponent> a redoubtable debater>> mnemonic: an opponent causing you fear or doubt
106
regale
to lavishly supply with food or drink. to entertain or amuse with talk> regaled her with colorful accounts of the west
107
repose
a state of rest or tranquility or harmony. composure.> he'd lost none of his grace or repose> the diamond reposes in the Louvreas a verb, to lie something to rest
108
revue
light theatrical entertainment -- a series of short sketches dealing satirically with topical issues>> mnemonic french for review
109
sagacious
shrewd. having good judgment> sagacious enough to avoid outright confrontation>> mnemonic as a sage
110
salacious
treating sexual matters indecently.conveying undo interest in sex> salacious stories> a salacious grin>> mnemonic: salivate. lust.
111
lecherous
showing offensive sexual desire> she ignored his lecherous gaze
112
sangfroid
composure or coolness (sometimes excessive) in dangerous or trying situations>> mnemonic: French sang (blood) froid (cold)
113
saunter
walk in a slow manner without hurry> Adam sauntered into the room
114
scrivener
a clerk or notary>> mnemonic
115
sententious
moralistic, pompously moralizing > he tried to encourage his troops with sententious rhetoric
116
simulacrum
ersatz. an unsatisfactory imitation or substitute> a bland simulacrum of American soul music>> mnemonic: simulate
117
sine qua non
something absolutely essential. an indispensable ingredient> grammar is the sine qua non of language teaching>> latin "without which not"
118
snootful
enough alcohol to make one drunkas much as one can take of something> they're tongue-tied until they've had a snootful> he'd had a snootful of the role
119
sobriquet
a nicknamea pseudonym is a kind of disguise and is mischievous. a sobriquet is a neutral nickname often bestowed by someone else
120
solecism
a grammatical mistake or breach of good mannerssolecistic> the solecism of asking how much the gift cost
121
solipsism
the philosophy that only one's own existence and mind is for certain
122
soupçon
a small amount of something
123
staid
sedate, respectful, unadventurous> the staid business of law
124
subterfuge
trickery or deceit used to achieve a goal> the propagandists used a photographic subterfuge, using hybrid images and subliminal meanings> the subterfuge that causes unwary employees to open virus-laden emails
125
Kuleshov Effect
juxtaposition of an expressionless face and a set of imagery leading to (1) an inferred causality (he's looking at x) and (2) assignment of an appropriate emotion to the expression (he's angry, sad, lustful, etc.)
126
cant
hypocritical and sanctimonious talk of moral or political subjectOr, as adjective, something that's fashionable or current> the cant word of our day> the cant liberal case against all censorship
127
indolence
laziness. refusal to engage in physical activity
128
pallid
pale, especially because of sickness
129
impudent
Failing to show proper respect. Rude. Not courteous.
130
importunate
Making repeated, annoying requests or demands. Causing annoyance or trouble.
131
stolid
Inexpressive, unemotional. Dull, stupid, impassive
132
irascible
easily angered> an irascible man
133
supercilious
behaving as though one thinks one is superior to others>> mnemonic from latin for eyebrow supersilium
134
surfeit
an excessive amount of something> a surfeit of food and drink
135
surfeited
to no longer desire something for having had too much of it> surfeited with shopping>> mnemonic sur -- super -- feit Latin "do"
136
svelte
slender and elegant
137
svengali
a person who exercises a controlling influence over another, often for a sinister purpose
138
synecdoche
figure of speech where the whole is used to represent a part (Cleveland won by 6 points -- meaning the Cleveland baseball team)>> pronounced synekdekee
139
tendentious
promoting a cause, typically a controversial one> a tendentious reading of history
140
trenchant
cutting, vigorous, incisive expression.Strong, clear and effective.> the minister's trenchant prose
141
umbrage
annoyance> to take umbrage at an unworkable ...
142
veneer
an attractive facade that disguises true feeling or appearance
143
brogue
mens leather shoe with decorative perforations in the leather
144
indignation
anger or annoyance at perceived unfair treatment
145
ribald
Referring to sexual matters in an amusingly rude or irreverent way
146
claque
A group hired to applaud. Hired group of sycophants. Servile flatterers.
147
addlepated
lacking in common sense; having a muddled mind> he made the addlebrained decision to install an uncertain rookie at point guard.
148
decorous
in keeping with good taste and propriety> dancing with decorous separation distance between partners
149
celebrant
a person celebrating something. or the Eucharist performing a rite
150
acolyte
an assistant or follower. in a religious context, assisting the celebrant
151
metier
an activity at which one excels. > her real metier was operaan outstanding characteristic> subtlety is his metier
152
tetchy
irritable and short-tempered>> touchy
153
consigliere
an advisor, especially to the crime boss
154
flophouse
a cheap hotel/hostel
155
frisson
a sudden feeling of fear or excitement>> FREEson
156
inebriate
a drunkard
157
importune
to ask someone persistently to do somethingto offer services as a prostitute
158
disaffected
dissatisfied with people in authority and no longer willing to support the
159
shambolic
in shambles. disorganized, mismanaged
160
pantheon
a group of respected, famous or important people> pantheon of political power players
161
demur
to be reluctant or raise doubts
162
filigree
ornamental work of fine usually precious wire> their filigreed minds
163
tableau
a group of motionless figures/models representing a scene from a story
164
accost
to confront boldly and aggressively
165
lifer
a person spending their life in a particular profession
166
doppelgänger
apparition or a double of a living person
167
apparition
the appearance of something remarkable or unexpecteda ghost
168
biff
to strike roughly and sharply> he biffed me on the nose
169
sui generis
unique. one of a kind> the suis generis nature of animals
170
soliloquy
speaking one's thoughts aloud even if no one is there to hear. often done in a play
171
dissident
one opposed to official policy in an authoritarian state
172
effuse
to give off something (light, smell, etc.)talk in an unrestrained manner> the subject he often effused about
173
showboater
a show-off making public appearances
174
tapenade
finely chopped capers, olives, anchovies
175
gaunt
frail, grim from old age. desolate in appearance
176
doyenne
the most respected/prominent woman in a field
177
patois
the dialect of a common people of a regionjargon or informal speech used by a particular group> the raunchy patois of inner-city kids
178
atelier
a workshop or studio used by an artist or designer
179
crucible
a place or occasion of severe test or trial. or, a ceramic container where metals and other substances are melteda place where different elements interact to produce something new> crucible of combat> crucible of new Romantic movement
180
vicissitude
a change of circumstance or fortune, typically one that's unwelcomeor alternation between something pleasant and unpleasant> it tells you nothing about how they handle the vicissitudes of life
181
malinger
exaggerate or fein illness to escape work
182
zeitgeber
time grabber -- is a process that entrains biological rhythms. music is a bodily zeitgeber
183
acrostics
cross-word style poem or word puzzle. letters in each line form a word
184
jejune
naive, simplistic, superficial. or, dry and uninteresting> predictable and usually jejune opinions> it's a jejune poem brooding about the author
185
rumpus
same as ruckus -- a noisy disturbance
186
travesty
false, absurd, distorted representation of something
187
libretto
the full text and stage directions for a play or opera
188
sequestration
taking legal possession of an asset until a debt is paid
189
solemnity
seriousness, state of being dignified.solemn: formal and dignified
190
lobotomize
to reduce the mental capacity of someone
191
phantasmagoria
a sequence of real or imaginary images like those seen in a dream> an epic phantasmagoria of catastrophe
192
acrimonious
angry or bitter. typically of a debate (an acrimonious debate)
193
opera buffa
Comedic informal Italian opera
194
vamp
upper part of the shoe. Or a woman who seduces and exploits men (vampire)
195
sui generis
one of a kind. >> Mnemonic: *not* french. Latin. literally "of its own kind"
196
rubicon
a point of no return> on the way to political union, we are now crossing the Rubiconoriginally comes from the name of a stream that separated Italy and Gaul that Caesar crossed in 49 BC leading his army to war with Rome.
197
prodigal
adj: spending money (or other resources) in a reckless, wasteful way. adj: having or giving something on a lavish scale. > prodigal habits die hardnoun: prodigal son or daughter is a person who leaves home behaving prodigally, then returns repentant
198
obstreperous
noisy, difficult to control
199
octothorpe
the pound/hash sign
200
descant
talk tediously or at length
201
ossified
Dense, rigid, turned to bone, no longer changing. "The ossified european institutions"
202
mendacity
unthruthfulness> people publicly castigated for past mendacity
203
cloying
to disgust or sicken someone with an excess of sweetness> a romantic, cloying tale
204
cardigan
sweater with buttons
205
callow
insecure, immature. a young person> she toyed with him when he was a callow young man
206
inane
silly or stupid, trivial
207
skeuomorph
A skeuomorph is a derivative object that retains ornamental design cues to a structure that was necessary in the original. Skeuomorphs may be deliberately employed to make the new look comfortably old and familiar, such as copper cladding on zinc pennies or computer printed postage with circular town name and cancellation lines. An alternative definition is "an element of design or structure that serves little or no purpose in the artifact fashioned from the new material but was essential to the object made from the original material."
208
chignon
french "sheenyoh(n)".a knot or coil of hair behind the head -- a "bun"
209
simpatico
congenial. a person who gets along well with others
210
aria
long solo voice in an opera or oratorio
211
prima donna
Lead female singer in an opera. Outside of opera, means a temperpental woman with an inflated sense of importance
212
apres mois le deluge
said by King Louis XV. After him, the french revolutionBecause there's no verb, it has 2 meanings 1. After me there will be a flood 2. After me, let the flood come - it makes no difference to me (or, after I'm gone, I won't care)
213
voyage dans l'imaginare
voyage of the imagination
214
ne'
Born as -- formerly known as.
215
ascerbic
Sharp and forthright, often of a wit
216
gratis
Provided without charge. Adverb (issued gratis) or adjective (gratis issue).
217
triage
the process of determining the most important people or things from amongst a large number that require attention.search words: prioritize. prioritizing. military.
218
super
super is short for superlative. Of the highest quality.
219
pantomime
(pant-eh-mime) Dancers express meaning through gestures accompanied by music, or an absurdly exaggerated behavior. Mnemonic: mime. "he made a pantomime of checking his watch"
220
idiom
A characteristic mode of expression in art or music. The "neo-impressionist idiom." Or a phrase in speech whose meaning differs from the literal word meanings.
221
albatross
an encumbrance or source of frustration (think of the bird and the difficulty of getting rid of it -- the albatross)
222
ingenue
an unsophisticated young woman.
223
sanguine
pronounced SANG-win. optimistic in a bad situation. historically, full of blood/life
224
acrimony
Ill feeling or bitterness. "meeting ended with acrimony on both sides"
225
ne plus ultra
without equal -- the top, cannot go further
226
abstemious
not self-indulgent when eating/drinking.
227
anal-retentive
excessively orderly/fussy.
228
trustafarian
A rich person who adopts a bohemian lifestyle and lives in a less affluent area
229
castigate
to reprimand. > he was castigated for not setting a good example
230
lackey
uniformed manservant
231
diktat
an order imposed without prior consent
232
lark
To do something "on a lark" is to do something mischievous or daring for fun
233
savoir-faire
Ability to speak appropriately in social situations>> mnemonic: savoir=know, faire=do. Know what to do.
234
savoir-vivre
Knowing the ways of the world and polite society. Knowing how to live. Mnemonic: savoir=know, vivre=life. Know how to live.
235
swashbuckler
A person who engages in daring and romantic adventures with bravado and flamboyance.
236
cowed
to cow -- to cause someone to submit by intimidation
237
ephemeral
temporary. impermanent
238
venal
Susceptible to bribery -- quality of being for sale * prostitution of talents or principles for mercenary reasons * hired guns with no particular allegances
239
eidetic
"eye-debt'-ic" an unusually vivid imagery recall -- a photographic memory (eidetic memory) mnemonic: "eye" -- as if you're able to see the thing you're recalling
240
savant
a person who has a high level of expertise in something.
241
recondite
"REH-con-dite" abstruse, little known.
242
abstruse
obscure, difficult to understand
243
propitious
(pruh-pish'-us) having a good chance of success. propitious circumstances for xyz. Prospected fanatically to find such a propitious site.
244
arcana
(arc-a-na) singular arcanum. secrets or mysteries. "knowledge of the MBS arcana"
245
chanteuse
(french, and pronounced in french "shant-euhz") a woman who sings at nightclubs
246
visceral
deep inward feelings rather than the intellect -- gut feeling a visceral fear of change
247
iconoclast
a disbeliever in cherished beliefs, a skeptic "heretic" -- destroyer of religious symbols and dogmamnemonic: icon (symbol) -- clast (destroy)
248
contrite
having a feeling of remorse or penitence -- a guilty heart contrition (has religious affiliations) mnemonic: rub together, wear down
249
chagrin
embarassment, distress, humiliation at having failed at something.
250
axis mundi
the center of the universe. has a religious meaning where higher and lower realms intersect
251
flitting
moving rapidly & swiftly by
252
reticent
Silent, reluctant or not engaged in something.* not revealing one's thoughts freely
253
travesty
A ludicrous incongruity of style or subject matter in an otherwise serious work. A literary work so inferior in quality as to be grotesque. The law was a travesty
254
portend
* verb: To be suggestive in advance of something happening -- an omen The incident may portend an uprising* verb: a sign or warning that something momentous or calamitous is about to happen
255
embolus
("embuhluhs") blood clots
256
mendacious
lying or dishonest.mnemonic: latin mendax lying
257
vanquish
to thoroughly defeat by superior force. the NY food scene has been vanquished by taco trucks.
258
venereal
relating to sexual desire. mnemonic: venus (which meant sexual love in middle english).
259
touchstone
a standard/criterion by which something is judged or recognized.
260
cumbersome
slow and complicated and therefore inefficient.Or physically large & heavy
261
oncologist
doctor specializing in cancer.considered a more esteemed specialization
262
mantle
A cloak worn around or enshrouding something.
263
tropism
turning all or part of an organism in a direction in response to a stimulus > her tropism toward money
264
scabrous
Indecent, salacious or literally covered with scabs
265
equivocate
to use ambiguous language as a hedge or to conceal the truth. > "not that we're aware of," she equivocated.
266
squalid
extremely dirty and unpleasant, often as a result of poverty or neglect. or, morally contemptuous
267
gaggle
a disorganized group of people > they came in with a gaggle of reporters
268
debouch
To emerge. To discharge. > there had debouched onto the field Albert himself.
269
urbane
Polite, confident and somewhat formal.
270
recondite
Abstruse. Not understood by many
271
outré
unusual and startling. her outré lifestyle. far out
272
prevaricate
To speak or act in an evasive way. >> from Latin to walk astray > he prevaricated when asked pointed questions > investors grew numb to the risk of default after months of prevarication
273
mom de guerre
Pseudonym
274
parochial
Having a limited or narrow outlook
275
pestilence
A fatal epidemic (e.g., the bubonic plague)
276
benighted
Ignorant
277
marquee
can also mean a preeminent or leading
278
anodyne
unlikely to promote offense or pain
279
doggerel
badly written verse
280
cloy
to disgust or sicken with an excess of sweetness, richness, sentiment
281
interred
buried
282
conceit
A fanciful expression in writing, an elaborate metaphor, or an artistic effect or device
283
tempered
made more moderate; subdued
284
manna
an unexpected or gratuitous benefit. religious >> manna from the sky
285
cupidity
greed (for money and possessions) >>> latin cupere to desire
286
zeitgeist
the spirit of the times. intellectual, cultural, political climate
287
cache
to hide away, store, or save something
288
assuage
make an unpleasant feeling less intens
289
patina
impression or appearance of something (also gloss from polishing, oxidation on bronze) >> the patina of old money
290
Charybdis, Scylla
In Greek mythology, a narrow channel whirlpool off the cost of Sicily personified as a female monster. Scylla is another female Greek sea monster. "Between Scylla and Charybdis" is an alternative rock and a hard place
291
sublimate
To elevate something into a more socially acceptable activity > he sublimated anger into humor
292
affective
Related to moods or attitudes > these affective attributes... > an affective disorder
293
reprieve
cancel or postpone punishment. a temporary escape from something undesirable
294
sinecure
position requiring no work but providing financial benefit
295
profligate
recklessly extravagant or wasteful of resources. or, licentious
296
licentious
promiscuous. disregarding accepted social rules. >> mnemonic: license (for freedom)
297
demure
reserved, modest, shy
298
rococo
extravagantly ornate, asymmetrical patterns involving motifs and scrollwork
299
intercede
intervene on behalf of another
300
deposition
process of giving sworn evidence. or an affidavit
301
indelible
not able to be deleted or forgotten
302
tenebrous
dark, shadowy, obscure, difficult to understand, causing gloom. > a moonless, tenebrous night
303
pneuma
Soul, spirit. >> root is pneum- Greek for lung, air, wind
304
chthonic
From or of or concerning the underworld >> from Greek for earth
305
logorrhea
Excessive talkativeness or wordiness. > a logorrheic essay
306
wanton
of a violent or cruel action: deliberate, unprovoked of a woman: sexually immodest, promiscuous
307
bourgeois
characterizing the middle class: materialism or conventional attitudes. also contrasted with communist > bourgeois society tok for granted the sanctity of property
308
plucky
showing determined courage in the face of adversity. > that plucky little Canadian company that makes e-readers
309
interloper
A person who becomes involved in a place or situation where they are not wanted or are considered not to belong. > at first, he was considered an interloper
310
imprecation
a spoken curse > she hurled imprecations > South Korea held live fire drills despite the dire imprecations issued from the Hermit Kingdom
311
recapitulate
recap. summarize
312
outre
outre. outre'. French. unusual & startling -- strange. > with her thick glasses and dyed blue-gray hair (Tavi was sometimes mistaken for an outre granny), she was a petite tastemaker
313
rejoin
to answer (ruh-JOIN) typically in a rude or discouraging way
314
rejoinder
a sharp, witty reply
315
heedless
reckless lack of care and attention
316
plaintive
sad, mournful. > she sang a plaintive Neil Young cover
317
vestibule
a small antechamber or lobby next to the outer door
318
hauteur
disdainful pride. haughtiness of manner >> french haut, high >> "oh-tur"
319
enjoin
the verb form of an injunction -- preventing someone from doing something > enjoined two former employees from operating...
320
poseur
person acting in an affected manner to impress others
321
nadir
the minimum
322
oblique
not explicit or direct. "an oblique attack" >> (geometrically it's a line that's neither parallel nor perpendicular)
323
sigil
inscribed or painted symbol considered to have magical power > it’s a sigil of your house
324
reprise
a repeated passage, or to repeat. > a reprise of his earlier performance
325
reprieve
verb: cancel or postpone punishment, or pardon. (the governor reprieved him) noun: a temporary escape from something undesirable.
326
sinecure
position requiring little or no work but providing financial benefit (e.g., a seat on the board of most large companies)
327
profligate
recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources. sometimes sexually (licentious)
328
licentious
promiscuous. disregarding accepted rules and (social) conventions.Previously meant grammatically or in literary style.Appropriate for James Joyce.
329
demure
regarding a woman's appearance or her behavior -- reserved, modest shy.
330
rococo
typically for furniture or architecture.ornate, asymmetrical patterns involving motifs and scrollwork.Extravagantly ornate.origin: Adaptation of French rocaille (meaning "rock", for tiny beads)> these are perfect examples of almost rococo vapidity
331
feckless
lacking initiative or responsibility > the feckless bum hasn’t gotten off the couch in 10 days
332
intercede
intervene on behalf of another
333
deposition
* the process of giving sworn evidence* a formal statement (typically written) used as evidencedepose: verb, to give evidence under oath. (also to remove from office forcefully -- e.g., deposed in a military coup)
334
indelible
unable to be forgotten or deleted
335
tenebrous
dark, shadowy, obscure
336
wanton
of a violent or cruel action: deliberate, unprovoked of a woman: sexually immodest, promiscuous (can also be noun)
337
bourgeois
characterized by middle class materialism or conventional attitudes
338
sanctity
holy, sacred, or of ultimate importance
339
interloper
someone involved in a situation or place where they don’t belong
340
imprecation
spoken curse (formal). > hurled imprecations at passers-by
341
rejoin
to respond. rejoinder is a quick, sharp, and witty reply
342
heedless
showing reckless lack of care and attention
343
plaintive
sad, mournful > she sang a plaintive cover
344
eidetic
Unusually vivid mental imagery
345
panjandrum
A powerful/influential person or authority figure
346
iconoclast
One who rejects the traditional thought
347
apostate
One now opposed to a religion they formerly practiced
348
busk
Street performance/entertainment. Busking. Busker.
349
anxiolytic
something that reduces anxiety. Oxytocin is an anxiolytic.
350
lark
Harmless fun or amusement. Or a quest for such
351
travesty
A gross distortion or caricature of realty. A shocking or upsetting parody.
352
clod
(informal) a stupid person> not being sophisticated -- those clods and puritans -- they may not appreciate ...
353
pinafore
An apron-like dress with a tie or buttons in the back, sleeveless
354
traducing
to speak badly of someone so as to damage their reputation. to slander. > traduce a principle of law
355
chafe
Become sore from rubbing in a bound too restrictive
356
gossamer
Light, tenuous, delicate. Often of a fabric > gossamer tweed
357
palazzo
Pants with baggy legs -- almost like a dress
358
twee
Affected my or excessively dainty or quaint
359
Pontius Pilate
Fifth prefect of Judea known for the trial and crucifixion of Jesus
360
scrupulous
Diligent, thorough, detail-oriented and concerned with doing right
361
inveterate
Consistently done a certain way. > inveterate tendency to overlook the obvious
362
gird
to surround or encircle, also to prepare
363
noetic
Relating to the intellect
364
woolgathering
Indulgence in idle daydreaming
365
aporia
From literary deconstruction, the inevitable logical impasse that emerges in a text. Or, uncertainty used for rhetorical effect.
366
imbroglio
(the g is silent: "imbrol-yo") a highly confused, complex or embarrassing situation. ("Watergate imbroglio) italian, imbrogliare -- confuse a confused heap
367
quintessential
most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. prototypical literally latin, fifth essence (quinta essentia)
368
consummate
as a verb (consuh-mate) complete, make perfect, or fuck. as an adjective (cansuhmuht) showing a high degree of skill and flair; complete or perfect.
369
exasperate
irritate immensely; to infuriate. latin "asper" - rough.
370
dovetail
join together. like a dovetail joint in woodworking
371
byword
a person or thing cited as a notorious and outstanding example or embodiment of something -- "a byword for luxury." A word or expression summarizing a thing's characteristics.
372
underbelly
a hidden, unpleasant or criminal part of society. (also, more biologically, a soft area vulnerable to attack.)
373
superlative
noun: something embodying excellence adjective: something of the highest quality. often used to refer to exaggerated praise -- "they ran out of superlatives to describe him"
374
facile
appearing neat and comprehensive, but in fact doing so only by ignoring the underlying complexities -- superficial. ("a facile theory," "a man of facile intellect") or, easily achieved and effortless -- "a facile victory"
375
nefarious
wicked or criminal (typically action or activity)
376
wan
(not "wane," but wan like wand without the d) Pale, giving the impression of illness or exhaustion. Weak, strained, without luster. pale light of dawn. (also, dark and gloomy -- a wan sea)
377
derelict
* a person without a home or property -- vagabond, hobo. adjective: * abandoned or dilapidated. In poor condition as a result of disuse or neglect. * Shamefully negligent: "he was derelict in his duty"
378
disuse
not being used
379
predicate
verb: depends on or assumes (predicate on) verb: assert something about the subject noun: part of a sentence containing the verb & something to do with the subject. noun: middle term in a syllogism
380
ostentation
pretentious, vulgar display of wealth and luxury intended to impress or attract notice. From Latin ostentare -- stretch out to view.
381
syllogism
deductive reasoning. or, in logic a conclusion drawn from 2 propositions
382
appositive
a noun whose meaning is the same as a previous one. e.g., His primary objective, to write the great American novel, was never realized. The clause "to write the great American novel" is an appositive of "objective".
383
idyll
an extremely happy, peaceful or picturesque scene/episode -- typically idealized and unsustainable. Typically rustic
384
diminutive
adj: unusually small noun: a shortened form of a name (e.g., a nickname)
385
de minimis
adj: too trivial to warrant attention. Latin
386
foregone conclusion
result that can be predicted with certainty
387
corporeal
physical/material/pertaining to the body
388
coterie
clique of people with similar interests
389
cotton to
to quickly begin to like someone/something
390
cretinous
cretin is a stupid person
391
cri de coeur
a protest or passionate appeal
392
de rigueur
required by etiquette or current fashion > It was *de rigeur* for bands to grow their hair long > building from source is also *de rigeur* if you're developing your own Apache modules
393
derisive
contempt or ridicule >> with a harsh, derisive laugh
394
desultory
lacking a plan or purpose, or lacking enthusiasm or going randomly from one subject to another > the desultory conversation faded or *occurring* randomly > the desultory passing of cars
395
detente
easing of hostilities
396
diegesis
a narrative or plot
397
dilettante
person cultivating an area of interest without real commitment
398
dirge
a mournful song. a funeral rite. >> dirges of the wind around the chimney stack
399
disabuse
to persuade that a belief is mistaken >> disabuse you of this idea
400
dross
something considered worthless. scum on the surface of a metal
401
ducat
a ticket or gold coin
402
duplicity
double-dealing, deceitfulness
403
echelon
rank or level in an organization >> upper echelons
404
edify
instruct or improve morally or intellectually
405
effete
over-refined, ineffectual, affected and incapable of action
406
elan
energy, style and enthusiasm
407
en passant
incidentally >> the disbandment was announced almost en passant by the president
408
epistolary
literary works in the form of letters
409
esprit de corps
feeling of camaraderie or pride among members of a group
410
esprit de l'escalier
the idea that a witty remark often comes to mind after the moment for it has passed
411
excise
a tax or as verb to remove surgically
412
farrago
a confused mixture >> a farrago of fact and fiction about Lincoln
413
fatuity
silly and pointless >> a fatuous comment
414
felicity
intense happiness. or, ability to find appropriate expression for one's thoughts
415
fete
a celebration or festival
416
feted
something celebrated
417
forlorn
mournful, pitifully abandoned, unlikely to succeed or be fulfilled > forlorn attempt to escape
418
garrulous
excessively talkative on trivial matters
419
gauche
unsophisticated. socially awkward. mnemonic: gauche. makes you say "gosh" about someone's lack of grace or ease
420
gentrification
renovating to conform to middle-class tastes
421
gerontocracy
governed by the elderly
422
gratuitous
unwarranted, without reason, or free of charge. > gratuitous outrage
423
greenhorn
a person inexperienced at a particular activity
424
guile
one's sly or cunning > used his guile for xyz
425
harrowing
acutely distressing > a harrowing film about the holocaust mnemonic: a harrow is also a farm instrument with a heavy frame and teeth dragged over land (to remove weeds, etc.)
426
houris
young beautiful woman typically in a muslim paradise
427
imperious
assuming power or authority without justification. arrogant or domineering > he became formal and a bit imperious to intimidate the man into ordering and tipping lavishly mnemonic: "emper(or)" -ious
428
implacable
relentless, unstoppable. (not able to be placated)
429
indicia
signs, indications, footnotes
430
ineluctable
not able to be resisted or avoided; inescapable > the ineluctable facts of history
431
inexorable
impossible to stop/prevent > inexorable march
432
insidious
proceeding subtly, but harmfully
433
insouciantly
casual indifference. nonchalance
434
intone
say or recite with a rise of the voice (e.g., 'all rise')
435
intrepid
fearless/adventurous
436
inveigle
persuade by flattery and deception
437
irreverent
showing a lack of respect for things generally taken seriously > an irreverence toward politicians
438
jaundiced
affected by bitterness, resentment, envy
439
jeremiad
a long, mournful complaint
440
jeunesse doree
young people of wealth
441
josh
playfully tease someone
442
junket
an extravagant trip or celebration
443
kitsch
garish/sentimental art, trinkets, etc.
444
livery
uniform
445
lothario
sexually irresponsible wrt women
446
lucid
intelligible, expressed clearly
447
lugubrious
looking/sounding sad or dismal
448
maitre d'
Head waiter
449
manumission
Formal process of emancipation from slavery
450
masticate
To chew on, to ruminate
451
maudlin
Weak or effusively sentimental. Foolish or annoying emotive
452
medici
Medici family. Godfathers of the renaissance and masters of Florence
453
memento mori
Mindfulness of your own demise
454
menage
Household or domestic establishment. Comes from same French root as mansion.
455
mercurial
Emotionally volatile or unpredictable. Also having qualities of eloquence or ingenuity
456
miasma
An atmosphere than fogs and tends to corrupt (believed to cause disease)
457
misapprehension
Misunderstanding
458
mise en scene
Arrangement of actors on stage. The stage itself. The milieu, the environment, the context
459
mordant
showing a sharp or critical quality > a mordant sense of humor mnemonic: from French *mordre* to bite
460
mores
Norms, habits, customs values etc. of a particular group
461
natty
Clean cut, trim, dapper
462
nebbish (noun)
From Yiddish. A timid, weak or ineffectual person
463
nosh
A light meal, or, as a verb, to eat
464
obsequious
Subservient, fawning, over-eager to please > obsequious attendants
465
paean
a thing expressing enthusiastic praise a song of praise or triumph pronounced "'pea-un" > a paean to the iPad > Halo's graphical design -- a monotextural paean to stainless steel -- is a consistent bummer
466
palliative
To reduce the intensity of a disease or source of suffering > palliatives for social unrest
467
palooka
An oaf, a lout or an ineffective boxer. > surrounded by these palookas
468
pan
To criticize harshly. > panned for its erroneous portrayal of the Pharos
469
parismonious
Stingy or restrained > parsimonious Elma
470
pastiche
A hodgepodge or mixture of previous works. Or something echoing or imitating something that was done previously > his building designs were pastiches of classical forms
471
per saltum
Latin for jumping -- to move from one to another without going through the steps between. > per saltum ordination
472
perfunctory
brief. carried out with a minimum of effort. make a half-hearted attempt at something > he gave a perfunctory nod. > a short, perfunctory meeting
473
pestilence
A disease causing death. > after years of war and pestilence, few people remained in the city
474
venerable
Impressive by reason of age. Old and respected
475
venial
religious. a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace. slight or pardonable > in our high school, smoking cigarettes was a venial sin Origin: latin, venia forgiveness Note see word venal Venal means susceptible to being bribed -- corrupt. Venial means a forgivable sin.
476
verisimilitude
the appearance of being true or real > the goal was verisimilitude and to achieve it, nothing was spared mnemonic: veri ("true") similis ("like") -- like true
477
vestigal
A small amount of something, or the last remnant of something that was there before
478
virtuoso
a person highly skilled in some pursuit -- typically music or art -- or with special knowledge or interest in works of art or curios (rare objects) also as an adjective: > virtuoso woodworkers > virtuoso guitar playing
479
vituperative
Characterized by verbal abuse. > vituperative threats of ...
480
voluble
talkative and fluent.
481
vulgarian
A vulgar person
482
writhe
To suffer or move in twists and turns. > Writhing in pain
483
effusive
expressing gratitude and approval in an unrestrained and heartfelt manner
484
apocryphal
a story widely circulated and believed to be true but that is dubious
485
epochal
forming or characterizing an epoch or an era; epoch-making
486
specious
superficially plausible but actually incorrect. misleading; misleadingly attractive
487
moribund
at the point of death, or in terminal decline.
488
torpid
mentally & physically inactive. lethargic; sloth; in hibernation
489
furtive
suggesting guilty nervousness. "furtive eyes" OR attempting to avoid notice out of guilt or belief that discovery would lead to trouble.
490
lacuna
a gap, typically in a book or manuscript or a cavity in a bone.
491
assay
to determine the quality of something. typically used for samples of metals, biochemicals. another use: > angular jaw is an assay of testosterone levels
492
brackish
Salty or not appealing to taste
493
predilection
a bias or preference for something. "a predilection for xyz food"
494
crucible
* A severe searching test or trial * A place where things interact to produce something new. * A container for heating substances to high temperatures (or, a pressure cooker environment)
495
paucity
The presence of something in insufficient amounts; scarcity.
496
indolent
lazy. wanting to avoid activity or engagement
497
intransigent
unwilling to change one's views or agree to something
498
patrician
a nobleman or aristocrat
499
incendiary
inciting, causing fires, stirring up. or, exciting
500
laconic
terse. using very few words. mnemonic: comes from Greek word for Sparta: Lakonia.
