Day 1 Flashcards
(20 cards)
auspicious
Adjective - Showing or suggesting that future success is likely; favorable or promising.
The sunny weather on the morning of the wedding was seen as an auspicious sign for the couple’s future together.
After weeks of cloudy skies, the sun finally emerged on the day of the grand opening. The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew a large crowd, and everything ran smoothly. Investors and townspeople alike saw the event as an auspicious beginning for the new community center, believing it marked the start of a prosperous chapter for the neighborhood.
Ascetic
Practicing strict self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious or spiritual reasons.
The monk led an ascetic lifestyle, avoiding all material comforts.
In contrast to the lavish lifestyles of the nobility, the philosopher embraced an ascetic existence, choosing to live in a small hut with no possessions beyond his books and a simple mat. To him, true wisdom could only be achieved through the rejection of worldly pleasures and the cultivation of inner discipline. His daily routine, marked by fasting and meditation, reflected a belief that spiritual clarity required the shedding of all distractions.
Antecedent
A thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another; in grammar, the noun to which a pronoun refers.
The invention of the printing press was an important antecedent to the spread of literacy in Europe.
Historians often examine the antecedents of major revolutions to understand the root causes of societal change. In the case of the French Revolution, widespread inequality, famine, and Enlightenment ideals served as clear antecedents that set the stage for widespread rebellion. By tracing these earlier developments, scholars can better understand how small shifts in thought and circumstance can ultimately lead to transformative events.
Anachronism
Something (such as an object or idea) that is out of place in time, especially something that belongs to an earlier period than the one in which it exists.
A wristwatch on a Roman soldier in the film was a glaring anachronism.
The historical drama captivated audiences with its rich storytelling, but sharp-eyed viewers noticed several anachronisms. One scene, for instance, depicted a character from the 18th century using modern slang and sipping coffee from a disposable cup—items that had not yet been invented. These temporal inconsistencies, though minor, disrupted the otherwise immersive experience and highlighted the challenges of maintaining historical accuracy in period films.
Admonish
To warn or reprimand someone firmly; to advise or urge earnestly.
The teacher had to admonish the students for talking during the exam.
While Mr. Daniels appreciated his students’ enthusiasm, he felt compelled to admonish them when their debates became disruptive. He reminded them that respectful dialogue was essential in a classroom setting. His tone was firm but constructive, reflecting his desire not to punish, but to guide them toward more productive behavior. In doing so, he reinforced the importance of maintaining both passion and decorum in academic discussions.
Acquiesce
To accept something reluctantly but without protest.
Though she disagreed with the decision, she chose to acquiesce to the majority vote.
Faced with mounting pressure from both colleagues and superiors, the committee chair had little choice but to acquiesce to the proposed changes. Though she had reservations about the policy’s long-term effects, resisting would have isolated her and potentially stalled the entire project. Her silent consent highlighted the delicate balance between personal conviction and professional compromise in institutional settings.
Acrimonious
Angry and bitter in tone, typically describing a speech, debate, or exchange.
The once-civil discussion quickly turned acrimonious as both sides refused to compromise.
The town hall meeting, initially intended as a forum for constructive dialogue, devolved into an acrimonious exchange between residents and council members. Accusations flew, voices were raised, and tempers flared over proposed zoning changes. The bitterness in the room underscored how deeply personal and contentious local policy decisions can become when trust in leadership erodes.
Abstemious
Moderate and self-restrained, especially in eating and drinking; not indulgent.
Known for his abstemious lifestyle, the athlete avoided alcohol and junk food entirely.
Unlike his peers who indulged in lavish meals and late-night parties, Marcus maintained an abstemious routine throughout college. His discipline extended beyond his diet to include a strict sleep schedule and daily exercise. Far from being a source of deprivation, his restraint gave him clarity and stamina, which he credited for his academic and athletic success.
Bungler
A person who habitually makes mistakes or handles situations clumsily; an incompetent or clumsy person.
The job required precision and patience—qualities the bungler clearly lacked.
The project’s failure could be traced back to one individual: a well-meaning but hopelessly inexperienced technician. Repeated errors, missed deadlines, and careless oversight marked his contributions. Though his intentions were never in question, his performance was. In the eyes of his team, he had become a bungler, someone whose efforts, however earnest, only complicated the task at hand.
Bowdlerize
To remove material that is considered offensive or inappropriate from a text, often resulting in a weaker or less effective version.
The editor chose to bowdlerize the novel, omitting several passages that contained strong language.
Many classic works have been bowdlerized to suit more sensitive audiences, but such censorship often alters the original tone and intent of the author. While the sanitized versions may be more palatable, they risk diluting the powerful messages embedded in the unaltered text. Critics argue that this practice undermines artistic integrity and robs readers of authentic literary experiences.
Boon
A timely benefit; a blessing or something helpful.
The new public transportation system was a boon for the city’s commuters.
The invention of the internet proved to be a significant boon to global communication. By connecting people across vast distances instantaneously, it transformed how information is shared and businesses operate. For many developing regions, access to the internet has been a boon that opens doors to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities previously out of reach.
belie
To give a false impression of; to contradict or show to be false.
Her calm expression belied the nervousness she felt inside.
The politician’s confident speeches seemed to belie the uncertainty within her administration. While she projected an image of control and assurance, behind the scenes there were growing divisions and unanswered questions. This contradiction between appearance and reality left many observers skeptical of her true effectiveness.
clandestine
Kept secret or done secretively, especially because it is illicit or unauthorized.
The spies held clandestine meetings to exchange information without being detected.
During times of political turmoil, many activists resorted to clandestine gatherings to avoid government surveillance. These secret meetings allowed them to plan strategies and share sensitive information away from prying eyes. The need for such covert operations highlighted the oppressive nature of the regime and the risks involved in dissent.
Circumspect
Careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences; cautious and prudent.
She was circumspect in her financial decisions, always researching thoroughly before investing.
In the volatile world of international diplomacy, negotiators must be exceptionally circumspect. Every word and action is scrutinized for hidden meanings or implications. One misstep can escalate tensions, so diplomats weigh their options carefully to avoid unintended consequences. Their cautious approach helps maintain fragile peace agreements in uncertain times.
Circuitous
Longer than the most direct way; indirect or roundabout in speech, thought, or action.
We took a circuitous route through the mountains to avoid the traffic on the main highway.
Rather than addressing the issue head-on, the senator gave a circuitous response that wandered through unrelated anecdotes and vague promises. While he spoke at length, his failure to directly answer the question frustrated both the audience and the press. This evasive approach, though tactful, ultimately undermined his credibility and left constituents demanding greater transparency.
Chimerical
Definition:
Highly unrealistic; wildly fanciful or imaginative; existing only as the product of unchecked imagination.
Example Sentence:
His plan to eliminate all pollution within a year was dismissed as chimerical by environmental experts.
SAT-style Paragraph:
The inventor’s pitch for a perpetual motion machine was met with both fascination and skepticism. While his enthusiasm was undeniable, the concept itself was chimerical, defying the laws of physics and lacking practical feasibility. Investors were intrigued by his bold vision, but most recognized it as more of a dream than a viable innovation.
Charlatan
Definition:
A person falsely claiming to have special knowledge or skill; a fraud or impostor.
Example Sentence:
The so-called health guru was exposed as a charlatan who had no medical training at all.
SAT-style Paragraph:
With flashy advertisements and confident rhetoric, the self-proclaimed financial expert quickly gained a following. However, as clients began to lose money and uncover inconsistencies in his credentials, it became clear he was a charlatan. His success was built not on expertise, but on deception, leaving many to question how easily appearance can mask incompetence.
Capricious
Definition:
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior; unpredictable and impulsive.
Example Sentence:
The CEO’s capricious decisions made it difficult for employees to plan long-term projects.
SAT-style Paragraph:
The weather in early spring is notoriously capricious—sunny and warm one moment, then cold and stormy the next. Similarly, leaders who govern in a capricious manner can create uncertainty and instability within an organization or a nation. Without consistency, those affected are left to guess what might come next, undermining confidence and progress.
Callous
Definition:
Emotionally insensitive or unfeeling; showing or having a cruel disregard for others.
Example Sentence:
His callous remarks about the layoffs shocked his coworkers, who had expected more empathy.
SAT-style Paragraph:
The executive’s callous response to the factory closure—calling it a “necessary sacrifice”—angered the community. Families who had relied on those jobs for generations felt dismissed and dehumanized. While tough decisions are often part of leadership, the absence of compassion revealed a troubling lack of emotional intelligence.
Dissembler
Definition:
A person who conceals their true motives, feelings, or beliefs; a deceiver or pretender.
Example Sentence:
Though he appeared trustworthy, he was a dissembler who used charm to manipulate others.
SAT-style Paragraph:
At first glance, the politician came across as genuine and transparent, winning over voters with his polished demeanor. But investigative reports later revealed him to be a dissembler, hiding self-serving intentions behind a facade of integrity. His ability to mask the truth so convincingly served as a reminder that appearances can be dangerously misleading.
