General Flashcards
(243 cards)
Having a very harmful effect, especially in a subtle way.
Pernicious
A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.
Nuance
“Our eyes and facial expressions can communicate virtually every subtle nuance of emotion.”
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
Allegory
Very weak, uncertain, or slight.
Tenuous
- Having the same meaning as another word or phrase in the same language.
- Closely associated with or suggestive of something.
Synonymous
“Eating out does not have to be synonymous with unhealthy food.”
A thing tacitly assumed beforehand at the beginning of a line of argument or course of action.
Presupposition
Assumption
Presumption
Set the boundaries or limits of.
Demarcate
Not harmful or offensive.
Innocuous
“It was an innocuous question.”
Excessively harsh and severe (of laws or their application).
Draconian
A person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority in a matter.
Arbiter
Adjudicator
Judge
Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
Contentious
“Age has been a particularly contentious issue for social workers.”
Causing one to feel unsettled.
Disconcerting
Appearing or stated to be true, though not necessarily so; alleged.
Purported
Claimed
professed
“the purported marriage was void.”
The rejection of all religious and moral principles, in the belief that life is meaningless.
Nihilism
Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.
Indifferent
Cavalier
Be in the position of authority in a meeting or other gathering.
Preside
Chair
Conduct
spread (something, especially information) widely.
Disseminate
“Health authorities should foster good practice by disseminating information.”
A general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a direct decision.
Referendum
“he called for a referendum on the death penalty.”
(of spoken or written language) expressed in an incomprehensible or confusing way; unclear.
Incoherent
Unintelligible
Disjointed
The theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, and validity, and the distinction between justified belief and opinion.
Epistemology
Formal politeness and courtesy in behaviour or speech.
Civility
Unable to be affected by.
Impervious
Immune
The likelihood of something being true; plausibility.
Credence
“being called upon by the media as an expert lends credence to one’s opinions.”
To be completely and directly in opposition to something.
Diametrically opposed