Deck 15 Flashcards
(67 cards)
What does ‘conducive’ mean?
Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible; tending to promote or encourage.
Example: ‘A peaceful environment is conducive to productive work.’
What are some synonyms for ‘conducive’?
- Favorable
- Advantageous
- Helpful
- Supportive
- Beneficial
What does ‘mortify’ mean in its primary sense?
Cause (someone) to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated.
Example: ‘His careless remark mortified her in front of her colleagues.’
What are the synonyms for ‘mortify’ in its primary meaning?
- Embarrass
- Shame
- Humiliate
- Abash
- Chagrin
What does ‘disorient’ primarily mean?
Make (someone) lose their sense of direction; confuse or bewilder.
Example: ‘The maze was designed to disorient visitors and make it challenging to find the exit.’
What are the synonyms for ‘disorient’ in its primary meaning?
- Confuse
- Bewilder
- Baffle
- Confound
- Perplex
What does ‘feeble’ mean?
Lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness; weak.
Example: ‘The elderly man’s feeble arms struggled to lift the heavy box.’
What are the synonyms for ‘feeble’ in its primary meaning?
- Weak
- Frail
- Debilitated
- Infirm
- Puny
What does ‘surly’ mean?
Bad-tempered and unfriendly.
Example: ‘The surly waiter responded to our requests with a scowl.’
What does ‘adulation’ mean?
Excessive admiration or praise.
Example: ‘The actor received adulation from his fans after his outstanding performance.’
What does ‘populous’ mean?
Inhabited by many people; densely populated.
Example: ‘The city is populous, with millions of residents living in its metropolitan area.’
What does ‘pretentious’ mean?
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.
Example: ‘Her pretentious behavior at the art gallery was evident as she criticized the paintings with over-the-top comments.’
What does ‘volatile’ mean?
Easily evaporated at normal temperatures; liable to change rapidly and unpredictably.
Example: ‘Gasoline is a volatile liquid that can ignite with a spark.’
What does ‘nonplussed’ mean?
(Of a person) Surprised and confused so much that they are unsure how to react.
Example: ‘She was nonplussed by the unexpected question and didn’t know how to answer.’
What does ‘languish’ mean?
(Of a person or other living thing) Lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble.
Example: ‘Without proper care, the neglected plants began to languish.’
What does ‘vitality’ refer to?
The state of being strong and active; energy.
Example: ‘Regular exercise and a healthy diet contribute to increased vitality and well-being.’
What does ‘debase’ mean?
Reduce (something) in quality or value; degrade.
Example: ‘The counterfeit money served to debase the entire currency system.’
What does ‘imperturbable’ mean?
Unable to be upset or excited; calm.
Example: ‘Even in the face of a crisis, she remained imperturbable and composed.’
What does ‘latitude’ refer to?
The distance of a place north or south of the equator; freedom from restrictions or limits.
Example: ‘The city’s latitude determines its climate and weather patterns.’
What does ‘brandish’ mean?
Wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement.
Example: ‘He brandished his sword, warning his opponent to stay away.’
What does ‘ossify’ mean?
Turn into bone or bony tissue; cease developing; be stagnant or rigid.
Example: ‘As we age, some of our cartilage ossifies and turns into bone.’
What does ‘affect’ mean in its primary sense?
Have an effect on; make a difference to.
Example: ‘The new policies will affect the company’s profitability.’
What are the synonyms for ‘affect’ in its primary meaning?
- Influence
- Impact
- Change
- Alter
- Modify
What does ‘illiberal’ mean?
Opposed to liberal principles; restricting freedom of thought or behavior.
Example: ‘The illiberal government imposed strict censorship on the media.’
