Advanced Vocab Words - Set 9

Question 1

Define:

mendacious

(men-dey-shuhs)

Answer 1

adj. dishonest

Phyllis is mendacious yet entertaining; she is fun to talk to at a party, but I wouldn’t believe a word she says.

Root: mendac (from Latin mendax, meaning “lying” or “deceitful”)

Question 2

Define:

consequential

(kon-suh-kwen-shuhl)

Answer 2

adj. important

adj. pompous, self-important

I am not prepared to accept such consequential airs from a journalist 20 years my junior.

Prefix: con- (from Latin, meaning “with” or “together”); Root: sequi (from Latin, meaning “to follow”); Suffix: -al (forming adjectives)

Question 3

Define:

tremulous

(trem-yuh-luhs)

Answer 3

adj. trembling, timid, fearful

He signed the contract with a tremulous hand.

Root: trem (from Latin tremere, meaning “to tremble”); Suffix: -ous (forming adjectives, meaning “full of”)

Question 4

Define:

mendicant

(men-dih-kuhnt)

Answer 4

n. a beggar, a supplicant

There was a large number of mendicants stalking the street.

Root: mendic (from Latin mendicare, meaning “to beg”); Suffix: -ant (forming nouns or adjectives)

Question 5

Define:

egress

(n. ee-grehss; v. ih-grehss)

Answer 5

n. exit

v. to exit

It was thought that the prisoner, seeking egress from his cell before the spreading fire consumed it, had managed to slip out between the warping floorboards.

Prefix: e- (from Latin, meaning “out”); Root: gress (from Latin gradi, meaning “to step”)

Question 6

Define:

preternatural

(pree-ter-nach-er-uhl)

Answer 6

adj. beyond what is normal or natural

Occasionally, people with mental illnesses also exhibit preternatural abilities in mathematics or memorization.

Prefix: preter- (from Latin, meaning “beyond”); Root: natural (from Latin natura, meaning “nature”)

Question 7

Define:

fulminate

(fuhl-muh-neyt)

Answer 7

v. to verbally attack

v. to explode

The crotchety old fool fulminated about every sort of modern improvement while we listened, too stunned to interrupt him.

Root: fulmin (from Latin fulminare, meaning “to flash” or “to strike with lightning”)

Question 8

Define:

gull

(guhl)

Answer 8

v. to fool or deceive

They gulled Akiko so well that she walked right into her own surprise party without suspecting a thing.

Root: gull (of uncertain origin, possibly related to the word “gullible”)

Question 9

Define:

rebus

(ree-buhss)

Answer 9

n. a riddle in which words are represented by pictures

Pictures of bees and eyes are commonly used in a rebus to symbolize the words “be” and “I”.

Root: rebus (from Latin, meaning “by things”)

Question 10

Define:

pedestrian

(puh-dess-tree-uhn)

Answer 10

adj. commonplace, trite, unremarkable

Timothy’s dissertation was lengthy but pedestrian.

Root: ped (from Latin pes, meaning “foot”); Suffix: -ian (forming nouns or adjectives)

Question 11

Define:

distrait

(diss-trey)

Answer 11

adj. distracted as a result of anxiety

The distrait teacher kept pausing mid-sentence to look out the window.

Root: distrait (from Old French, meaning “distracted”)

Question 12

Define:

nefarious

(nih-fair-ee-uhs)

Answer 12

adj. vicious, evil

The nefarious conspirators left nothing in the poor woman’s house.

Prefix: ne- (from Latin, meaning “not”); Root: fas (from Latin, meaning “divine law”); Suffix: -ious (forming adjectives, meaning “full of”)

Question 13

Define:

factious

(fak-shuhss)

Answer 13

adj. inclined to make arguments, divisive, contentious

Many networks purposely select factious personalities to appear in their reality T.V. shows in the hopes that their bickering will attract viewers.

Root: fact (from Latin facere, meaning “to do” or “to make”); Suffix: -ious (forming adjectives, meaning “full of”)

Question 14

Define:

ignoble

(ig-noh-buhl)

Answer 14

adj. dishonorable, disgraceful

The ignoble act of profiteering at someone else’s expense is not to be condoned.

Prefix: ig- (variant of in-, meaning “not”); Root: noble (from Latin nobilis, meaning “noble”)

Question 15

Define:

epithet

(epp-ih-thet)

Answer 15

n. a characterizing phrase

n. a disparaging word or phrase

Ivan the Terrible’s name was one epithet I do not envy.

Prefix: epi- (from Greek, meaning “upon”); Root: thet (from Greek tithenai, meaning “to place”)

Question 16

Define:

anodyne

(ann-uh-dahyn)

Answer 16

adj. pain-relieving, soothing; bland

n. a distress-reliever

She tried to keep the conversation as anodyne as possible.

Prefix: an- (from Greek, meaning “without”); Root: odyne (from Greek, meaning “pain”)

Question 17

Define:

jejune

(djih-djoon)

Answer 17

adj. uninteresting, dull

adj. immature

adj. lacking in nutrition

It may be said that her verse is jejune, but I happen to find a sage sensibility in her later poems.

Root: jejun (from Latin jejunus, meaning “empty” or “barren”)

Question 18

Define:

conciliatory

(kuhn-sill-ee-uh-tawr-ee)

Answer 18

adj. agreeable; overcoming distrust or hostility

Karen’s conciliatory attitude helped her to move up in the business.

Root: concili (from Latin conciliatus, meaning “to bring together”); Suffix: -ory (forming adjectives, meaning “relating to”)

Question 19

Define:

diaspora

(dahy-ass-per-uh)

Answer 19

n. a dispersion of people from their homeland (esp. Jews)

n. a community of dispersed people

The African diaspora throughout the world has settled into certain traditions, some of which are not actually African in origin.

Prefix: dia- (from Greek, meaning “through” or “across”); Root: spora (from Greek speirein, meaning “to sow”)

Question 20

Define:

welter

(well-ter)

Answer 20

v. to writhe, toss about; to be in turmoil

The lake weltered in the storm, tossing the boat all over.

Root: welter (from Middle English, meaning “to roll” or “to writhe”)

Question 21

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. dishonest

Answer 21

mendacious

(men-dey-shuhs)

synonyms: deceptive, false, untruthful, misleading

The politician’s mendacious statements eroded public trust.

Question 22

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. important

adj. pompous, self-important

Answer 22

consequential

(kon-suh-kwen-shuhl)

synonyms: significant, considerable; egotistic, weighty, substantial

The discovery was consequential for the advancement of medical research.

His consequential air made him unpopular with his peers.

Question 23

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. trembling, timid, fearful

Answer 23

tremulous

(trem-yuh-luhs)

synonyms: quivering, cowardly, nervous, shaky, apprehensive

Her tremulous voice revealed her nervousness during the presentation.

Question 24

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. a beggar, a supplicant

Answer 24

mendicant

(men-dih-kuhnt)

synonyms: panhandler, pauper, vagrant, street person

The mendicant sat by the church, asking for spare change.

Question 25

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. exit v. to exit

Answer 25

egress | (n. **ee**-grehss; v. ih-**grehss**) ## Footnote synonyms: departure, escape, withdrawal, outflow, exit The fire alarm signaled the need for a quick _egress_ from the building. Once the meeting ended, everyone began to _egress_ from the room.

Question 26

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. beyond what is normal or natural

Answer 26

preternatural | (pree-ter-**nach**-er-uhl) ## Footnote synonyms: anomalous, irregular, bizarre, extraordinary, supernatural Her _preternatural_ ability to predict the weather amazed everyone.

Question 27

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to verbally attack v. to explode

Answer 27

fulminate | (**fuhl**-muh-neyt) ## Footnote synonyms: berate, condemn; blast, blow up, detonate, erupt The critics began to _fulminate_ against the new policy. The faulty engine caused the car to _fulminate_ on the highway.

Question 28

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to fool or deceive

Answer 28

gull | (**guhl**) ## Footnote synonyms: mislead, hoodwink, dupe, trick, con The scammer tried to _gull_ people into giving away their personal information.

Question 29

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a riddle in which words are represented by pictures

Answer 29

rebus | (**ree**-buhss) ## Footnote synonyms: puzzle, enigma, visual puzzle, picture puzzle The puzzle enthusiast enjoyed solving the intricate _rebus_.

Question 30

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. commonplace, trite, unremarkable

Answer 30

pedestrian | (puh-**dess**-tree-uhn) ## Footnote synonyms: everyday, dull, uninteresting, ordinary, mundane His _pedestrian_ speech failed to inspire the audience.

Question 31

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. distracted as a result of anxiety

Answer 31

distrait | (diss-**trey**) ## Footnote synonyms: preoccupied, engrossed, scatterbrained, absent-minded, unfocused She was so _distrait_ from worry that she forgot her own appointment.

Question 32

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. vicious, evil

Answer 32

nefarious | (nih-**fair**-ee-uhs) ## Footnote synonyms: atrocious, malevolent, wicked, sinful The villain’s _nefarious_ plot was foiled by the heroes.

Question 33

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. inclined to make arguments, divisive, contentious

Answer 33

factious | (**fak**-shuhss) ## Footnote synonyms: conflicting, warring, belligerent, disputatious, quarrelsome The _factious_ members of the group constantly disagreed on trivial matters.

Question 34

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. dishonorable, disgraceful

Answer 34

ignoble | (ig-**noh**-buhl) ## Footnote synonyms: corrupt, lewd, petty, shameful, base His _ignoble_ actions brought shame to his family.

Question 35

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a characterizing phrase n. a disparaging word or phrase

Answer 35

epithet | (**epp**-uh-thet) ## Footnote synonyms: nickname, title, designation, label, descriptor He earned the _epithet_ "The Brave" after his courageous deeds. The politician was hurt by the _epithet_ hurled at him by the crowd.

Question 36

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. pain-relieving, soothing; bland n. a distress reliever

Answer 36

anodyne | (**ann**-uh-dahyn) ## Footnote synonyms: curative, dull, toothless, painkiller, balm The _anodyne_ music helped calm her after a stressful day. Laughter served as an _anodyne_ for the weary workers.

Question 37

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. uninteresting, dull adj. immature adj. lacking in nutrition

Answer 37

jejune | (dji-**djoon**) ## Footnote synonyms: empty, banal, childlike, sophomoric, insipid His _jejune_ explanation failed to capture the students' attention. The _jejune_ behavior of the children disrupted the event. The _jejune_ diet left her feeling weak and tired.

Question 38

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. agreeable; overcoming distrust or hostility

Answer 38

conciliatory | (kuhn-**sill**-ee-uh-tawr-ee) ## Footnote synonyms: appeasing, pacifying, reconciling, placating His _conciliatory_ tone helped resolve the conflict between the two sides.

Question 39

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a dispersion of people from their homeland (esp. Jews) n. a community of dispersed people

Answer 39

diaspora | (dahy-**ass**-per-uh) ## Footnote synonyms: dispersion, exodus, scattering, migration The _diaspora_ of refugees from the war-torn country was a tragic event. The Jewish _diaspora_ has a rich cultural history.

Question 40

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to writhe, toss about; to be in turmoil

Answer 40

welter | (**well**-ter) ## Footnote synonyms: commotion, tumble, sway, flounder, struggle The boat began to _welter_ in the stormy seas, causing panic among the passengers.

Question 41

# Define: ruminate | (**roo**-muh-neyt)

Answer 41

v. to meditate at length; to muse v. to chew cud ## Footnote The monk _ruminated_ over the moral dilemma.

Question 42

# Define: maudlin | (**mawd**-lin)

Answer 42

adj. overly sentimental ## Footnote The teacher insisted on taking a _maudlin_ picture with each one of her students every year.

Question 43

# Define: convoke | (kuhn-**vohk**)

Answer 43

v. to convene or call together ## Footnote He _convoked_ a meeting of the nation's top CEOs and Vice Presidents.

Question 44

# Define: effluence | (**eff**-loo-uhns)

Answer 44

n. the act of flowing out n. something that flows out ## Footnote An _effluence_ of people from the stadium crowded the streets.

Question 45

# Define: eschew | (ess-**choo**)

Answer 45

v. to shun or avoid ## Footnote Most vegetarians _eschew_ fur coats as well as consuming meats.

Question 46

# Define: ambulatory | (**am**-byuh-luh-tawr-ee)

Answer 46

adj. of walking, adapted for walking ## Footnote The _ambulatory_ excursion drew few people because of the poor weather.

Question 47

# Define: rigmarole | (**rig**-muh-rohl)

Answer 47

n. an extremely tedious and complicated process ## Footnote The _rigmarole_ I am subjected to every time I visit the DMV would be funny were it not so depressing.

Question 48

# Define: forswear | (fuhr-**swair**)

Answer 48

v. to renounce, disavow, repudiate ## Footnote The young nation _forswore_ entangling alliances.

Question 49

# Define: gastronomy | (gahss-**trawn**-uh-mee)

Answer 49

n. the science of good eating or cooking n. cooking particular to a region ## Footnote Jim was studying Japanese _gastronomy_ along with his mandatory classes.

Question 50

# Define: jibe | (**jahyb**)

Answer 50

v. to be in accord; to agree; to suddenly shift from one side to another ## Footnote His story _jibed_ with mine.

Question 51

# Define: stentorian | (sten-**tawr**-ee-uhn)

Answer 51

adj. extremely loud and powerful ## Footnote Even without a microphone, the principal's _stentorian_ voice filled the auditorium and commanded everyone's attention.

Question 52

# Define: lachrymose | (**lak**-rih-mowss)

Answer 52

adj. sad, tearful ## Footnote The opera's _lachrymose_ final scene has tested the dramatic range of generations of sopranos.

Question 53

# Define: abrogate | (**ab**-ruh-geyt)

Answer 53

v. to abolish or annul by authority ## Footnote The court ruling _abrogated_ his rights to any profits.

Question 54

# Define: bemuse | (bih-**myooz**)

Answer 54

v. to puzzle or confuse ## Footnote The _bemused_ expression on his face was priceless.

Question 55

# Define: expurgate | (**ek**-spurr-gehyt)

Answer 55

v. to censor, esp. obscenity ## Footnote The _expurgated_ version of the album had a more family-friendly rating.

Question 56

# Define: tumid | (**too**-mid)

Answer 56

adj. swollen ## Footnote The river banks were _tumid_ from the spring rain.

Question 57

# Define: natty | (**nah**-tee)

Answer 57

adj. trim, neat, or tidy ## Footnote She was a _natty_ dresser, with never a seam out of place.

Question 58

# Define: sentinel | (**sehn**-tih-null)

Answer 58

n. one who keeps guard v. to watch over ## Footnote The _sentinel_ at the city gates watched over the city.

Question 59

# Define: winsome | (**win**-suhm)

Answer 59

adj. charming, happy, engaging ## Footnote Mei's _winsome_ smile won her many friends.

Question 60

# Define: reconnoiter | (ree-kuh-**noy**-ter)

Answer 60

v. to engage in reconnaissance, to make a preliminary inspection of ## Footnote We sent him to _reconnoiter_ the party before we arrived, in case it turned out to be a dud.

Question 61

# Define: malfeasance | (mal-**fee**-zuhnss)

Answer 61

n. misconduct or wrongdoing (esp. by a public official) ## Footnote Joel was studying _malfeasance_ in the Panamanian government.

Question 62

# Define: halcyon | (**hal**-see-uhn)

Answer 62

adj. calm and peaceful, prosperous ## Footnote The _halcyon_ days of summer are here again.

Question 63

# Define: plenipotentiary | (plen-ih-poh-**ten**-shee-air-ee)

Answer 63

adj. representing a country or other body with complete authority to act as its proxy ## Footnote The ambassador is _plenipotentiary_; he does not need to consult with his home country to sign accords on its behalf.

Question 64

# Define: filch | (**filch**)

Answer 64

v. to steal, esp. something unimportant ## Footnote The girl was caught _filching_ chalk from all the classrooms but would not say why she had done it.

Question 65

# Define: fastness | (**fast**-niss)

Answer 65

n. a safe, fortified place ## Footnote The guerrillas retreated to their mountain _fastness_ in order to regroup and consolidate their battered forces.

Question 66

# Define: bellwether | (**bell**-weth-ur)

Answer 66

n. an indicator, esp. one that predicts future outcomes ## Footnote The Midwest is considered a _bellwether_ for the political tide of the nation, since trends often become apparent there sooner than in other states.

Question 67

# Define: camarilla | (kam-uh-**rill**-uh)

Answer 67

n. a group of counselors to a leader, esp. ones who plot or connive ## Footnote The dictator was obsessed with the possibility of foreign attack, but it was his own disgruntled _camarilla_ of aides who did him in in the end.

Question 68

# Define: interregnum | (in-tur-**reg**-num)

Answer 68

n. the interval of time between the reign of a ruler and that of his successor; the time between two leaders' tenures ## Footnote The _interregnum_ that followed the king's deposition ended only when one of the warlords grew strong enough to control the entire nation.

Question 69

# Define: malinger | (muh-**ling**-gur)

Answer 69

v. to pretend to be sick ## Footnote Souheila was known to _malinger_ on test days, so her father insisted on taking her temperature before he would let her stay home from school.

Question 70

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to meditate at length; to muse v. to chew cud

Answer 70

ruminate | (**roo**-muh-neyt) ## Footnote synonyms: think, ponder; chew, gnaw; contemplate, reflect He liked to _ruminate_ on life’s mysteries during his evening walks. The cows _ruminate_ peacefully in the field after grazing.

Question 71

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. overly sentimental

Answer 71

maudlin | (**mawd**-lin) ## Footnote synonyms: overemotional, gushing, mushy; emotional, effusive After a few drinks, he became _maudlin_ and started sharing old stories.

Question 72

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to convene or call together

Answer 72

convoke | (kuhn-**vohk**) ## Footnote synonyms: assemble, gather, summon; mobilize, convene The board decided to _convoke_ an emergency meeting to address the issue.

Question 73

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the act of flowing out n. something that flows out

Answer 73

effluence | (**eff**-loo-uhns) ## Footnote synonyms: outpouring, discharge, gushing; emanation, flux The _effluence_ of water from the dam was carefully regulated. The _effluence_ from the factory was polluting the nearby river.

Question 74

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to shun or avoid

Answer 74

eschew | (ess-**choo**) ## Footnote synonyms: abandon, abstain; evade, steer clear of He made a conscious effort to _eschew_ unhealthy foods.

Question 75

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. of walking, adapted for walking

Answer 75

ambulatory | (**am**-byuh-luh-tawr-ee) ## Footnote synonyms: roaming, afoot, vagrant; mobile, peripatetic After surgery, she was finally _ambulatory_ and could move around the ward.

Question 76

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. an extremely tedious and complicated process

Answer 76

rigmarole | (**rig**-muh-rohl) ## Footnote synonyms: red tape, tedium; hassle, nonsense The _rigmarole_ of applying for the visa was exhausting and time-consuming.

Question 77

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to renounce, disavow, repudiate

Answer 77

forswear | (fuhr-**swair**) ## Footnote synonyms: abandon, deny, reject; repudiate, disown He decided to _forswear_ his bad habits and start fresh.

Question 78

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the science of good eating or cooking n. cooking particular to a region

Answer 78

gastronomy | (gahss-**strawn**-uh-mee) ## Footnote synonyms: cooking, culinary science; cuisine, gastronomy She studied _gastronomy_ in Paris to perfect her culinary skills. Italian _gastronomy_ is known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and simple flavors.

Question 79

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to be in accord; to agree; to suddenly shift from one side to another

Answer 79

jibe | (**jahyb**) ## Footnote synonyms: agree, correspond; conform, align His views didn’t _jibe_ with the rest of the team’s opinion. The boat began to _jibe_, and the crew adjusted the sails accordingly.

Question 80

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. extremely loud and powerful

Answer 80

stentorian | (sten-**tawr**-ee-uhn) ## Footnote synonyms: blaring, booming; thunderous, deafening The sergeant’s _stentorian_ voice could be heard across the training ground.

Question 81

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. sad, tearful

Answer 81

lachrymose | (**lak**-rih-mowss) ## Footnote synonyms: tearful, weepy, mournful; sorrowful, melancholy The _lachrymose_ movie left the entire audience in tears.

Question 82

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to abolish or annul by authority

Answer 82

abrogate | (**ab**-ruh-geyt) ## Footnote synonyms: cancel, dissolve, negate; repeal, invalidate The government decided to _abrogate_ the outdated law.

Question 83

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to puzzle or confuse

Answer 83

bemuse | (bih-**myooz**) ## Footnote synonyms: addle, bewilder, perplex; confuse, baffle The strange behavior of the character in the film _bemused_ the audience.

Question 84

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to censor, esp. obscenity

Answer 84

expurgate | (**ek**-spurr-gehyt) ## Footnote synonyms: clean up, screen, whitewash; sanitize, purge The editor had to _expurgate_ several inappropriate scenes from the book before publication.

Question 85

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. swollen

Answer 85

tumid | (**too**-mid) ## Footnote synonyms: bloated, enlarged; distended, puffed His ankle was _tumid_ after twisting it during the hike.

Question 86

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. trim, neat, or tidy

Answer 86

natty | (**nah**-tee) ## Footnote synonyms: classy, clean; stylish, dapper He arrived at the event looking _natty_ in a perfectly tailored suit.

Question 87

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. one who keeps guard v. to watch over

Answer 87

sentinel | (**sehn**-tih-null) ## Footnote synonyms: watchman, guard, lookout; sentry, patrol The _sentinel_ stood watch at the entrance of the castle. Soldiers were sent to _sentinel_ the border during the night.

Question 88

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. charming, happy, engaging

Answer 88

winsome | (**win**-suhm) ## Footnote synonyms: alluring, appealing, pleasing; delightful, captivating Her _winsome_ smile instantly put everyone at ease.

Question 89

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to engage in reconnaissance, to make a preliminary inspection of

Answer 89

reconnoiter | (ree-kuh-**noy**-ter) ## Footnote synonyms: examine, inspect, scout; survey, explore The scouts were sent ahead to _reconnoiter_ the area before the main force arrived.

Question 90

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. misconduct or wrongdoing (esp. by a public official)

Answer 90

malfeasance | (mal-**fee**-zuhnss) ## Footnote synonyms: impropriety, delinquency; misconduct, wrongdoing The mayor was accused of _malfeasance_ in the handling of public funds.

Question 91

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. calm and peaceful, prosperous

Answer 91

halcyon | (**hal**-see-uhn) ## Footnote synonyms: gentle, happy, harmonious; tranquil, idyllic The _halcyon_ days of summer were filled with relaxation and joy.

Question 92

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. representing a country or other body with complete authority to act as its proxy

Answer 92

plenipotentiary | (plen-ih-poh-**ten**-shee-air-ee) ## Footnote synonyms: authoritative, competent to represent; empowered, authorized The _plenipotentiary_ ambassador negotiated the terms of the treaty.

Question 93

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to steal, esp. something unimportant

Answer 93

filch | (**filch**) ## Footnote synonyms: take, pilfer; swipe, snatch He was caught trying to _filch_ a candy bar from the store.

Question 94

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a safe, fortified place

Answer 94

fastness | (**fast**-niss) ## Footnote synonyms: stronghold, bunker; fortress, citadel The rebels retreated to their mountain _fastness_ after the attack.

Question 95

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. an indicator, esp. one that predicts future outcomes

Answer 95

bellwether | (**bell**-weth-ur) ## Footnote synonyms: prognosticator, sign; leader, trendsetter The rising prices in real estate are often seen as a _bellwether_ for economic trends.

Question 96

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a group of counselors to a leader, esp. ones who plot or connive

Answer 96

camarilla | (kam-uh-**rill**-uh) ## Footnote synonyms: conspiracy, cabal; faction, clique The king’s _camarilla_ controlled many of the decisions behind the scenes.

Question 97

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the interval of time between the reign of a ruler and that of his successor; the time between two leaders' tenures

Answer 97

interregnum | (in-tur-**reg**-num) ## Footnote synonyms: hiatus, interruption; gap, pause During the _interregnum_, the country faced uncertainty and political turmoil.

Question 98

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to pretend to be sick

Answer 98

malinger | (muh-**ling**-gur) ## Footnote synonyms: evade, play hooky; shirk, dodge He tried to _malinger_ to avoid going to work on Monday.