inoculate
to treat with vaccine to produce immunity against a disease
elucidation
clarification; explanation that makes something clear
malapropism
the mistaken use of a word in a place of a similar-sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect
tepid
showing little enthusiasm; lukewarm
emaciated
abnormally thin or weak, especially because of illness or a lack of food
finesse
intricate and refined delicacy; to do something in a subtle and delicate manner
kismet
destiny, fate
imbroglio
an extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation
bemuse
to puzzle, confuse, bewilder
excoriate
to censure or criticize severely; (in medicine) to damage or remove part of the surface of the skin
extol
to praise enthusiastically
aplomb
self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation
Having studied hard for the exam, Diana passed with aplomb.
flippant
not showing a serious or respectful attitude
poignant
evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
They read aloud the poignant letter written by the victims’ relatives.
vociferous
vehement or clamorous
stentorian
describing a person’s voice that is loud and powerful
imbibe
to drink alcohol; to absorb or assimilate ideas or knowledge
regurgitate
to repeat information without analyzing or comprehending it; to bring swallowed food up again to the mouth
trepidation
a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen
imperturbation
freedom from agitation; calmness, quietude
visceral
relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect
His campaign was fueled by the voters’ visceral fear of change.
diaphanous
light, delicate, and translucent
egregious
outstandingly bad; shocking
ochlocracy
mob rule
oligarchy
a small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution
scintillation
a flash or sparkle of light
elucidate
to make something clear; to explain
disquietude
a state of uneasiness or anxiety
surreptitious
kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of
For two decades, they carried on a surreptitious affair, at times meeting up in foreign country to avoid discovery.
impinge
to have an effect or impact, especially a negative one; to advance over an area belonging to someone or something else
She was determined to make the tragedy impinge as little as possible on her son’s life.
abnegating
to renounce or reject something desired or valuable
excogitate
to think out, plan, or devise
embolden
to give someone the courage or confidence to do something or to behave in a certain way
Emboldened by robust passenger traffic, the airlines put through major fare increases.
ineptitude
a lack of skill, ability, or compedtence
trireme
an ancient Greek or Roman war galley with three banks or oars
abstemious
not self-indulgent, especially eating and drinking
consummate
showing a high degree of skill and flair; complete or perfect
affable
friendly, good-natured, easy to talk to
unctuous
excessively or ingratiatingly flattering; oily
He seemed anxious to please, but not in an unctuous way
sonorous
capable of producing a deep or ringing sound