Basic 5 Flashcards
maxim
a short saying or general truth
aphoristic
something that is concise and instructive of a general truth or principle
unprecedented
having never been done or known before; novel
destitute
poor enough to need help from others;
completely wanting or lacking (usually “destitute of”)
rash
marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences imprudently incurring risk
embellish
make more attractive by adding ornament, color, etc; make more beautiful
exasperate
to irritate intensely
connive
taking part in immoral and unethical plots
derogative
expressed as worthless or in negative terms
taxing
use to the limit; exhaust
serene
calm and peaceful
impending
close in time; about to occur
exemplify
to be characteristic of
eke
to live off meager resources, to scrape by
ploy
a clever plan to turn a situation to one’s advantage
devolve
pass on or delegate to another, grow worse
discord
lack of agreement or harmony
tout
advertise in strongly positive terms; show off
travail
use of physical or mental energy; hard work; agony or anguish
pastoral
relating to the countryside in a pleasant sense
presumption
an assumption that is taken for granted;
audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to
brusquely
in a blunt, direct manner
quip
a witty saying or remark; to make a witty remark, to say in jest
elude
escape understanding
