Deck 8

Question 1

orator

Answer 1

one recognized as a skillful public speaker

Question 2

ornate

Answer 2

excessively or elaborately decorated

Question 3

ostentatious

Answer 3

trying to attract attention

Question 4

overt

Answer 4

not hidden from view; out in the open

Question 5

pacifist

Answer 5

one opposed to war or any other form of violence

Question 6

paradox

Answer 6

something apparently contradictory in nature; statement that looks false, but is actually correct

Question 7

paragon

Answer 7

model of perfection

Question 8

parody

Answer 8

humorous imitation (of a serious literary or musical work, a person, an event)

Question 9

partisan

Answer 9

committed to a particular party or cause

Question 10

patronize

Answer 10

(1) provide support for
(2) act superior toward
(3) be a customer of

Question 11

paucity

Answer 11

smallness of quantity or number

Question 12

pedantic

Answer 12

overly concerned with small details, especially when teaching; tending to show off one’s learning

Question 13

pedestrian

Answer 13

performed in an unimaginative manner

Question 14

perfunctory

Answer 14

lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; not thorough

Question 15

peripheral

Answer 15

related to the surface or outer part; of minor importance

Question 16

pernicious

Answer 16

very destructive

Question 17

perpetuate

Answer 17

make something last; preserve from extinction

Question 18

pervasive

Answer 18

spread throughout every part

Question 19

pessimism

Answer 19

belief that things will turn out badly; tendency to expect the worst

Question 20

phenomena

Answer 20

observable facts; subjects of scientific investigation

Question 21

philanthropist

Answer 21

one who actively attempts to further human welfare

Question 22

piety

Answer 22

religious devotion

Question 23

pithy

Answer 23

terse and to the point

Question 24

placate

Answer 24

make (someone) less angry or hostile; pacify

Question 25

plausible

Answer 25

appearing to be worth believing (but often not)

Question 26

polarize

Answer 26

spilt into opposed extremes or camps

Question 27

polemical

Answer 27

aggressive in verbal attack

Question 28

ponderous

Answer 28

very heavy; awkward because of its heaviness; tedious and lacking fluency or grace

Question 29

pragmatic

Answer 29

concerned with the practical worth or impact of something; dealing with facts

Question 30

precarious

Answer 30

dependent on unknown conditions or circumstances, and therefore dangerous

Question 31

preclude

Answer 31

keep from happening; exclude the possibility

Question 32

precocious

Answer 32

advanced in development

Question 33

precursor

Answer 33

someone or something that precedes another

Question 34

predator

Answer 34

creature that seizes and devours another; person who robs or exploits others

Question 35

predecessor

Answer 35

former occupant of a position or office now held by another

Question 36

predilection

Answer 36

tendency to regard something favorably

Question 37

presumptuous

Answer 37

taking liberties; excessively forward

Question 38

pretentious

Answer 38

making an exaggerated show, to attract attention; making unjustified claims

Question 39

prevalent

Answer 39

generally accepted

Question 40

prodigal

Answer 40

reckless with money

Question 41

profane

Answer 41

treat in an unworthy manner

Question 42

profound

Answer 42

having depth (especially intellectual); coming from far below the surface

Question 43

profusion

Answer 43

abundant quantity; lavish expenditure

Question 44

proliferation

Answer 44

rapid increase in numbers

Question 45

prolific

Answer 45

highly productive

Question 46

proponent

Answer 46

one who advocates or argues for something

Question 47

prosaic

Answer 47

dull and unimaginative

Question 48

provincial

Answer 48

pertaining to a province; lacking urban sophistication; limited in outlook

Question 49

proximity

Answer 49

state of being close

Question 50

prudent

Answer 50

shrewd in handling practical matters; showing wisdom