Lesson 15 Flashcards
wallow
v.
to spend time experiencing or enjoying something without making any effort to change your situation, feelings, etc.
— usually + in
After failing a test, many students wallow in misery, while others are inspired to work harder.
wane
v.
1. of the moon : to appear to become thinner or less full
The moon waxes and then wanes.
- to become smaller or less : to decrease in size, amount, length, or quality
The scandal caused her popularity to wane.
whimsical
adj.
unusual in a playful or amusing way : not serious
She has a whimsical sense of humor that’s hard for many people to understand.
wily
adj.
full of clever tricks; very clever
She turned out to be a wily negotiator and was feared throughout the business world.
wrath
n.
extreme anger
The assassin earned the wrath of the entire country when he killed their president.
— sometimes used figuratively
The city managed to survive the wrath of the hurricane.
vicarious
adj.
experienced or felt by watching, hearing about, or reading about someone else rather than by doing something yourself
He prefers vicarious stunts since they are much safer than doing it yourself.
Vestige
n.
A trace of something that disappearing or no longer exists
The last vestige of colonalism disappeared one century ago.
Verbose
adj.
Using or expressed in more words than are needed
Much academic language is obsecure and verbose.
Renown
n.
The condition of being known or talked about by many people; fame.
They have no cause to feel proud of the valor of our sea-captains, of the renown of our flag.
Reproach
v.
1. Express to (someone) one’s disapproval of or disappointment in their actions.
Her friends reproached her for not thinking enough about her family.
- Accuse someone of.
His wife reproached him with cowardice.
- Censure or rebuke.
The company was heavily reproached by inspectors from the Department of Trade.
n.
1. The expression of disapproval or disappointment.
He gave her a look of reproach.
- (a reproach to) A thing that makes the failings of (someone or something else) more apparent.
His elegance is a living reproach to our slovenly habits.
- (In the Roman Catholic Church) a set of antiphons and responses for Good Friday representing the reproaches of Christ to his people.
The way the monks moved echoed the reproaches of the psalms themselves.
Reservoir
n.
1. a usually artificial lake that is used to store a large supply of water for use in people’s homes, in businesses, etc.
Some hover above fresh water lakes or reservoirs.
- a place (such as a part of a machine) where a liquid is stored
The pen has a large ink reservoir.
- an extra supply of something
Colleges and universities provide reservoirs of talent for job recruiters.
Respite
n.
a short period of time when you are able to stop doing something that is difficult or unpleasant or when something difficult or unpleasant stops or is delayed
The weekend provided a nice respite from the pressures of her job.
renown
n.
the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed.
He was a writer with some renown before.
reproach
n.
a mild rebuke or criticism; disgrace or shame
She had some reproach for you not cleaning up your untidy room.
v.
express criticism towards
Your mother will reproach you for breaking the glass.
