Hard words English Flashcards

(99 cards)

1
Q

What does ‘Cognizant’ mean?

A

Having knowledge or being aware of

Cognizant refers to being conscious of something or having awareness.

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2
Q

Define ‘Acrimonious’

A

Bitter in tone or meaning

Acrimonious often describes a sharp, harsh, or severe manner of speaking.

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3
Q

What is the meaning of ‘Belligerent’?

A

Hostile or aggressive

Belligerent can describe a person or a nation that is ready to fight or engage in conflict.

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4
Q

What does ‘Capricious’ mean?

A

Unpredictable

Capricious behavior is often characterized by sudden changes in mood or actions.

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5
Q

What is ‘Circumlocution’?

A

Talking about a subject

Circumlocution involves using many words to describe something when fewer would suffice.

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6
Q

Define ‘Cogent’.

A

Convincing and well-reasoned

Cogent arguments are clear, logical, and persuasive.

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7
Q

What does ‘Deleterious’ refer to?

A

Harmful

Deleterious effects can negatively impact health or well-being.

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8
Q

What does ‘Disparate’ mean?

A

Fundamentally different

Disparate elements are not only different but also distinct in nature.

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9
Q

Define ‘Perfunctory’.

A

Done without care

Perfunctory actions are often routine and lack enthusiasm or attention to detail.

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10
Q

What does ‘Perspicacious’ mean?

A

Having good understanding

A perspicacious person is insightful and able to notice and understand things quickly.

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11
Q

What does ‘Reminiscent’ refer to?

A

Something that reminds you of something

Reminiscent can describe memories or feelings that bring past experiences to mind.

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12
Q

Define ‘Sagacious’.

A

Insightful

Sagacious individuals demonstrate wisdom and good judgment.

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13
Q

What does ‘Salient’ mean?

A

Most important

Salient features are those that stand out and are particularly significant.

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14
Q

What does ‘Supercilious’ mean?

A

Looking down on others in an arrogant way

Supercilious behavior conveys a sense of superiority over others.

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15
Q

Define ‘Vacillate’.

A

Not really being able to choose something

Vacillating often involves indecision or wavering between options.

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16
Q

What does ‘Vex’ mean?

A

Annoy or frustrate

To vex someone is to cause them irritation or distress.

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17
Q

Ad nauseam means?

A

sickening or excessive degree

The term is often used in discussions about topics that are overly discussed.

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18
Q

What is ‘A quid pro quo’?

A

Doing something for someone without asking too much back

This term is often used in legal and business contexts to describe reciprocal arrangements.

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19
Q

Define ‘Abstruse’.

A

Something difficult to understand

Abstruse ideas or concepts may require significant effort to grasp.

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20
Q

What does ‘Contumacious’ mean?

A

Stubbornly rebellious

Contumacious behavior often defies authority or rules.

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21
Q

What is ‘Diaphanous’?

A

Delicate, translucent

Diaphanous fabrics are often sheer and light.

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22
Q

Define ‘Didactic’.

A

Intended to teach

Didactic materials are often educational in nature.

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23
Q

What does ‘Ephemeral’ mean?

A

Lasting for a very short time

Ephemeral experiences are fleeting and often transient.

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24
Q

What is ‘Evanescent’?

A

Fading or disappearing in a very short time

Evanescent moments are often beautiful yet brief.

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25
Define 'Inexorable'.
Something unpreventable ## Footnote Inexorable events are inevitable and cannot be altered.
26
What does 'Laconic' mean?
Using very few words ## Footnote Laconic speech is often concise and to the point.
27
What does 'Magnanimous' mean?
Generous or forgiving ## Footnote Magnanimous individuals often show kindness and understanding.
28
What is 'Mellifluous'?
Sweet or musical in tone ## Footnote Mellifluous sounds are often pleasing to the ear.
29
Define 'Obstreperous'.
Difficult to control ## Footnote Obstreperous individuals or situations can be unruly.
30
What does 'Ostensible' mean?
Appearing true but not necessarily being true ## Footnote Ostensible reasons may not reflect the actual motivations.
31
What does 'Sanguine' refer to?
Blood ## Footnote The term often describes a cheerful or optimistic disposition.
32
Define 'Ubiquitous'.
Present everywhere ## Footnote Ubiquitous elements are found in all places at once.
33
What does 'Vociferous' mean?
Loud and forceful ## Footnote Vociferous arguments are often passionate and outspoken.
34
What is 'Ebullient'?
Cheerful and full of energy ## Footnote Ebullient people often express enthusiasm and joy.
35
Define 'Ineffable'.
Too great or extreme to be expressed in words ## Footnote Ineffable experiences are often profound and beyond description.
36
What does 'Adroit' mean?
Skillful or clever ## Footnote Adroit individuals often excel in tasks requiring dexterity.
37
What is 'Ameliorate'?
To improve or make better ## Footnote Ameliorate actions aim to enhance situations or conditions.
38
Define 'Asinine'.
Very foolish ## Footnote Asinine decisions often lack common sense.
39
What does 'Defenestrate' mean?
To throw something out of a window ## Footnote The term is often used in a humorous or exaggerated context.
40
What does 'To call dibs' mean?
To claim ## Footnote Calling dibs indicates a desire to reserve something for oneself.
41
What is 'Nomophobia'?
Fear of being without your mobile phone ## Footnote Nomophobia reflects the anxiety associated with losing connection.
42
Define 'Abjure'.
Renounce a claim or belief ## Footnote Abjuring beliefs often involves a formal rejection or disavowal.
43
What does 'Girth' refer to?
The circumference of something ## Footnote Girth is commonly used to describe the measurement around the waist.
44
What does 'To whale on someone' mean?
To repeatedly attack someone ## Footnote This expression can refer to physical or verbal aggression.
45
What is 'Equanimity'?
Mental calmness ## Footnote Equanimity involves maintaining composure in stressful situations.
46
Define 'Effulgent'.
Shining brightly ## Footnote Effulgent light is often radiant and illuminating.
47
What does 'Fatuous' mean?
Silly and pointless ## Footnote Fatuous remarks often lack seriousness or depth.
48
What is 'Maladroit'?
Clumsy and lacking skill ## Footnote Maladroit actions can lead to mistakes or awkward situations.
49
Define 'Munificent'.
Being very generous ## Footnote Munificent donations are often substantial and altruistic.
50
What does 'Quotidian' mean?
Everyday or ordinary ## Footnote Quotidian tasks are routine and typical of daily life.
51
What is 'Adequate'?
Good enough for a certain requirement ## Footnote Adequate resources meet minimum standards.
52
Define 'Curriculum'.
A set of courses by a school ## Footnote The curriculum outlines the educational framework for students.
53
What does 'Abstemious' mean?
Self-disciplined with food and drink ## Footnote Abstemious individuals exercise moderation in consumption.
54
What is 'Apotheosis'?
The highest point in the development of something ## Footnote Apotheosis often refers to the elevation of a subject to divine status.
55
What does 'Asphodel' refer to?
A flower ## Footnote Asphodels are often associated with mythology and symbolism.
56
Define 'Pompously'.
Self-important and careless way of speaking ## Footnote Pompous speech often conveys arrogance.
57
What does 'Caliginous' mean?
Dark, dim, or misty ## Footnote Caliginous environments can evoke feelings of mystery.
58
What is 'Campanulate'?
Bell-shaped ## Footnote Campanulate flowers have a distinct bell-like appearance.
59
Define 'Capitonym'.
A word that changes meaning when capitalized ## Footnote Examples include 'Polish' (from Poland) and 'polish' (to make shiny).
60
What does 'Catachresis' mean?
Misuse of a word ## Footnote Catachresis can occur when a word is used in a context that is not appropriate.
61
What is a 'Cenotaph'?
A monument to someone buried elsewhere ## Footnote Cenotaphs serve as memorials in honor of the deceased.
62
Define 'Ceraunophilia'.
A love of thunder and lightning ## Footnote Ceraunophilia describes an appreciation for stormy weather.
63
What does 'Embrangle' mean?
To confuse or entangle ## Footnote Embrangling situations often lead to a lack of clarity.
64
What is an 'Encomium'?
A speech or writing that praises something a lot ## Footnote Encomiums are often delivered at ceremonies to honor individuals.
65
Define 'Ennui'.
A feeling of boredom from lack of interest ## Footnote Ennui can lead to dissatisfaction with one’s circumstances.
66
What does 'Esurient' mean?
Hungry or greedy ## Footnote Esurient behavior may reflect a strong desire for sustenance.
67
What is 'Exsanguinate'?
To drain of blood ## Footnote Exsanguination is often used in medical contexts.
68
Define 'Faineant'.
Lazy, or doing nothing ## Footnote Faineant individuals often avoid exertion or effort.
69
What does 'Furuncle' refer to?
A painful swollen place on the skin ## Footnote Furuncles are often caused by bacterial infections.
70
What is 'Heliotrope'?
A plant that turns towards the sun ## Footnote Heliotropes are known for their light-seeking behavior.
71
Define 'Ineluctable'.
Unavoidable ## Footnote Ineluctable outcomes are certain to occur despite efforts to prevent them.
72
What does 'Kakistocracy' mean?
Government by the worst people ## Footnote Kakistocracy often leads to poor governance and societal issues.
73
What is 'Lethologica'?
The inability to remember a word or a name ## Footnote Lethologica moments can be frustrating during conversations.
74
Define 'Miasma'.
A very bad smell ## Footnote Miasma often refers to unpleasant odors that can be toxic.
75
What does 'Obelus' refer to?
The symbol used to indicate division ## Footnote The obelus (÷) is commonly used in mathematical expressions.
76
What is 'Onomatomania'?
Obsession of finding the right word or name ## Footnote Onomatomania can lead to frustration when trying to articulate thoughts.
77
Define 'Opsimath'.
A person who begins to learn late in life ## Footnote Opsimaths often pursue education or knowledge in later years.
78
What is an 'Orison'?
A prayer ## Footnote Orisons are often associated with spiritual or religious practices.
79
What does 'Petrichor' mean?
The smell of rain ## Footnote Petrichor is a pleasant scent that arises when rain falls on dry soil.
80
Define 'Plenipotentiary'.
A person that has full power to act even though the country they rule has a government ## Footnote Plenipotentiaries often represent their government in diplomatic matters.
81
What does 'Prosopagnosia' refer to?
The inability to recognize faces ## Footnote Prosopagnosia can significantly impact social interactions.
82
What is 'Psithurism'?
The sound of wind going through leaves ## Footnote Psithurism evokes a calming sensation associated with nature.
83
Define 'Pulchritude'.
Physical beauty ## Footnote Pulchritude often refers to attractiveness or aesthetic appeal.
84
What does 'Abjure' mean?
To give up a belief or claim ## Footnote Abjuring a belief typically involves a formal renunciation.
85
What is 'Apogee'?
The highest or most distant point ## Footnote Apogee can refer to the peak of an orbit or a metaphorical high point.
86
What does 'Cacoethes' mean?
An irresistible urge to do something (often bad) ## Footnote Cacoethes can describe compulsive behaviors or actions.
87
Define 'Demiurge'.
A powerful creative force or being ## Footnote Demiurge often refers to a deity or entity responsible for creation.
88
What does 'Horripilate' mean?
To get goosebumps ## Footnote Horripilation often occurs in response to cold or fear.
89
What does 'Inimical' mean?
Hostile or harmful ## Footnote Inimical forces can pose threats or dangers.
90
What is 'Lucubration'?
Extensive studying or writing at night ## Footnote Lucubration often describes late-night scholarly pursuits.
91
Define 'Mendacity'.
Tendency to lie ## Footnote Mendacity can indicate a pattern of dishonesty.
92
What does 'Pulverulent' mean?
Dusty or powdery ## Footnote Pulverulent substances can be fine and easily dispersed.
93
What is 'Arcanum'?
A deep secret or mystery ## Footnote Arcanum often refers to hidden knowledge or esoteric truths.
94
Define 'Cerebrate'.
To think deeply ## Footnote Cerebrating involves engaging in thoughtful contemplation.
95
What does 'Dysania' mean?
Finding it hard to get out of bed in the morning ## Footnote Dysania can affect motivation and daily routines.
96
What is 'Eidetic'?
Extreme photographic memory ## Footnote Eidetic memory allows individuals to recall images and details vividly.
97
What does 'Ensorcell' mean?
To enchant ## Footnote Ensorcellment often refers to magical or captivating charm.
98
What is 'Gerontocracy'?
A government ruled by older people ## Footnote Gerontocracy can reflect a societal bias towards elder leadership.
99
What does 'Hapless' mean?
Unfortunate ## Footnote Hapless individuals often experience bad luck or misfortune.