13-14 Flashcards
(20 cards)
What does ‘bequeath’ mean?
To leave to another in a will; to hand down.
My father bequeathed to his children a little money and the glorious example of a life well spent in the service of his country.
What does ‘laud’ mean?
To praise highly.
At the testimonial dinner, he was lauded by community leaders for his service to the school.
Define ‘crass’.
Grossly stupid or dull; coarse.
His attempts to argue about a subject far beyond his depth seemed only to reveal his crass ignorance and conceit.
What does ‘complacent’ mean?
Smug; self-satisfied; pleased with oneself.
He had the complacent attitude of a man who considers himself superior to the ‘common herd.’
Define ‘tribulation’.
Great misery or distress; great trouble.
The tribulations which he suffered and overcame have made him a wiser, more compassionate person.
What does ‘cajole’ mean?
To coax or persuade with insincere or false words; to wheedle.
Using rather far-fetched promises, I finally cajoled her into accompanying us to the fair.
What is ‘chagrin’?
Mental distress due to disappointment or humiliation.
When he did not receive an invitation, he tried unsuccessfully to conceal his deep-seated chagrin.
Define ‘docile’.
Easily taught; responsive; tractable.
Since I expected him to be unruly, I was pleasantly surprised by his gentle, docile behavior.
What does ‘vacillate’ mean?
To waver in mind or opinion.
When you have considered all the factors carefully and have decided what is right, act without vacillating.
Define ‘sage’.
Marked by wisdom and good judgment.
His sage advice has helped thousands of people deal with their problems.
What does ‘dupe’ mean?
To deceive.
Only an inexperienced and naive person could be duped into investing money in such a hairbrained scheme.
What is the ‘acme’?
Highest point; pinnacle.
Election to the Presidency was the acme of his long and brilliant career.
Define ‘deter’.
To restrain or discourage from action through fear.
Once he had decided where his duty lay, nothing could deter him.
What does ‘homily’ mean?
A sermon; a discourse emphasizing moral principles.
Instead of those high-flown homilies, we need some good practical plans.
What is an ‘epicure’?
One who cultivates refined tastes, especially in eating and drinking.
The store specializes in delicacies that will please even the most demanding epicures.
Define ‘surfeit’.
Excessive amount.
I have had my surfeit of excuses and evasions; I want action!
What does ‘itinerant’ mean?
Traveling from place to place.
Peter became an itinerant folk singer, traveling to college campuses all over the land.
What is a ‘cache’?
A hiding place.
The conspirators had set up a cache of firearms in the old farmhouse.
Define ‘incite’.
To instigate; to spur on.
Only intolerable living conditions could have incited the peasants to rebellion.
What does ‘appease’ mean?
To bring to a state of peace or quiet; to satisfy by making concessions or giving in to.
The tyrant can be appeased only by absolute submission to his will.
