fith Flashcards
(10 cards)
fathom
To Understand Deeply: If you “fathom” something, you fully grasp its meaning, complexity, or mystery. It’s like seeing through something complicated to truly understand it.
Measure Depth: Less commonly, it’s an old unit used to measure how deep water is.
-I can’t fathom why he would betray his closest friends like that
-Scientists are still trying to fathom the vastness and mysteries of the universe.
devious
If someone is devious, they’re sneaky and crafty, often using tricky or dishonest ways to get what they want. They might not be direct or straightforward, preferring to use clever but dishonest tactics.
-The politician was known for his devious tactics to win elections, often spreading false rumors about his opponents
-The detective uncovered a devious plot to steal the priceless diamonds from the museum.
ascertain
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When you ascertain something, you’re figuring out the truth or making sure about a fact. It’s about getting to the bottom of something so you’re absolutely sure about it.**
-The police are trying to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.”
-Before making a decision, it’s important to ascertain all the relevant facts.
allegiance
If you have allegiance to something, you are very loyal and committed to it. It’s like having a strong bond or promise to support a leader, a country, a team, or a belief.
-Citizens are expected to show allegiance to their country.
-His unwavering allegiance to the revolutionary cause inspired many.
hurld
“Hurled” is the past tense of the verb “hurl.” It means to throw something with great force, often with a wide, sweeping motion. It can also figuratively mean to send out strong words or accusations with force.
-During the heated debate, insults were hurled from both sides of the aisle
-The angry protestor hurled a stone at the police car
Herald
think of a “herald” as a messenger who announces important news, often someone who comes before a king or a big event. It can also be a sign that something else is about to happen.
-In ancient times, a herald would often be sent to announce the arrival of a king.
The first robin of spring is often considered a herald of warmer weather-
hypocritical
A hypocrite is a person who pretends to have moral standards or beliefs that they do not actually possess, or who behaves in a way that contradicts their own stated principles. They say one thing but do another, often to appear good or moral to others.
-He’s a hypocrite; he always talks about environmental protection but drives a gas-guzzling SUV
-it was pure hypocrite behavior to criticize others for what he himself did.
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pledge
When you pledge something, you’re making a very serious promise or a strong commitment. It’s like saying “I guarantee I will do this” or “I am completely loyal to this.” It can also be an item you leave as a guarantee, like at a pawn shop.
-The new president made a pledge to improve the country’s economy within his first term
-Recruits take a pledge of allegiance to defend their country.
dismantel
To “dismantle” something means to take it apart, piece by piece. It’s like disassembling a machine or breaking down a structure into its components. Figuratively, it can also mean to gradually break down or put an end to a system, organization, or idea.
-he engineers carefully began to dismantle the old bridge, section by section.
-The new government promised to dismantle the corrupt old bureaucracy.