4.5-4.8 Flashcards
(24 cards)
Iconoclast
a person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions
Homily
a religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction; a sermon OR a tedious moralizing discourse (Spoken or written advice)
Impunity
exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action
Magisterial
having or showing great authority
Meretricious
apparently attractive but having in reality no value or integrity
Menagerie
A menagerie is a collection of captive animals, frequently exotic, kept for display; or the place where such a collection is kept
Supposition
an uncertain belief
Supersede
take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use); supplant
Invective
insulting, abusive, or highly critical language
Inure
to accept something undesirable
Idiom
a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words
(Like “raining cats and dogs” or “I can see the light”)
Decorous
in keeping with good taste and propriety; polite and restrained
Droll (Adj.)
curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement
Ebullient
cheerful and full of energy OR (of liquid or matter) boiling or agitated as if boiling
Insidious
proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects; treacherous or crafty
Modish
conforming to or following what is currently popular and fashionable
Punctilious
showing great attention to detail or correct behavior
Effete
affected and overly refined
Wanderlust
a strong desire to travel
Acrimony
bitterness or ill feeling
Altruistic
showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others, without care for one’s own interests; unselfish
Malefactor
a person who commits a crime or some other wrong
Microcosm
a community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristic qualities or features of something much larger
Palpable
(of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to seem almost tangible OR plain to see or comprehend
