Key Terms Group 3

Question 1

acumen (n)

Answer 1

Keen, accurate judgement or insight

Question 2

aver (v)

Answer 2

To state as a fact; to declare or assert

Question 3

bombastic (adj)

Answer 3

pompous; grandiloquent

Question 4

diatribe (n)

Answer 4

A harsh denunciation

Question 5

fervent (adj)

Answer 5

greatly emotional or zealous

Question 6

germane (adj)

Answer 6

Relevant to the subject at hand; appropriate in subject matter

Question 7

grandiloquence (n)

Answer 7

Pompous speech or expression

Question 8

halcyon (adj)

Answer 8

Calm and peaceful

Question 9

iconoclast (n)

Answer 9

One who attacks or undermines traditional conventions or institutions

Question 10

idolatrous (adj)

Answer 10

Given to intense or excessive devotion to something

Question 11

impassive (adj)

Answer 11

Revealing no emotion

Question 12

imperturbable (adj)

Answer 12

Marked by extreme calm, impassivity, and steadiness

Question 13

implacable (adj)

Answer 13

Not capable of being appeased or significantly changed

Question 14

inchoate (adj)

Answer 14

In an initial stage; not fully formed

Question 15

infelicitous (adj)

Answer 15

Unfortunate; inappropriate

Question 16

insipid (adj)

Answer 16

Lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge

Question 17

loquacious (adj)

Answer 17

Extremely talkative

Question 18

mendacity (n)

Answer 18

The condition of being untruthful; dishonesty

Question 19

obdurate (adj)

Answer 19

Unyielding; hardhearted; intractable

Question 20

Obsequious (adj)

Answer 20

Exhibiting a fawning attentiveness

Question 21

Occlude (v)

Answer 21

To obstruct or block

Question 22

opprobrium (n)

Answer 22

Disgrace; contempt; scorn

Question 23

pedantic (adj)

Answer 23

Overly concerned with the trivial details of learning or education; show-offish about one’s knowledge

Question 24

pine (v)

Answer 24

To yearn intensely OR to languish; to lose vigor

Question 25

pith (n)

Answer 25

The essential or central part

Question 26

pithy (adj)

Answer 26

precise and brief

Question 27

platitude (n)

Answer 27

A superficial remark; especially one offered as meaningful

Question 28

polemical (adj)

Answer 28

controversial; argumentative

Question 29

prodigal (adj)

Answer 29

recklessly wasteful; extravagant; profuse; lavish

Question 30

querulous (adj)

Answer 30

Prone to complaining or grumbling; peevish

Question 31

rancorous (adj)

Answer 31

Characterized by bitter, long-lasting resentment

Question 32

recalcitrant (adj)

Answer 32

obstinately defiant of authority; difficult to manage

Question 33

salubrious (adj)

Answer 33

promoting health or well-being

Question 34

solvent (adj)

Answer 34

Able to meet financial obligations OR able to dissolve another substance

Question 35

spurious (adj)

Answer 35

Lacking authenticity or validity; false; counterfeit

Question 36

tenacity (n)

Answer 36

The quality of adherence or persistence to something valued; persistent determination

Question 37

tirade (n)

Answer 37

A long and extremely critical speech; a harsh denunciation