Letters E-I Flashcards
(41 cards)
Eclectic (adj)
deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources. Her music taste is eclectic, ranging from classical to hip-hop.
Elaborate (v)
to develop or present in detail. The author elaborated on the proposal in her manifesto.
Elicit (v)
to evoke or draw out (a response or reaction) from someone. The teacher’s question elicited a thoughtful response from the student.
Elusive (adj)
difficult to find or achieve. A cure for Alzheimer’s disease has remained elusive to researchers. Related words: elude (v): to avoid or escape detection.
Employ (v)
to use. The researchers employed an innovative technique to track the migrations of monarch butterflies.
Enfranchise (v)
to give the right to vote. The 15th Amendment enfranchised black Americans.
Entrenched (adj)
firmly established; difficult or unlikely to change. The notion that some races were naturally inferior was deeply entrenched in 19th century society. Related terms: disenfranchised (adj): lacking the right to vote.
Enhance (v)
to improve something. The new software is designed to enhance the performance of the computer. Related words: enhancement (n): an improvement.
Enumerate (v)
to list or mention one by one. The author enumerated the benefits of autonomous vehicles.
Epitomize (v)
to be a perfect example of something. The works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez are said to epitomize the genre known as magical realism. Related words: epitome (n): a person or thing that is a perfect example of something.
Equivocal (adj)
open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous. His equivocal response left everyone in the room confused. Related words: unequivocal (adj): not equivocal.
Evince (v)
to show or demonstrate clearly; to make evident. Her speech evinced a strong commitment to social justice.
Exacerbate (v)
to make a situation, problem, or condition worse. Her comments only served to exacerbate the tension between the two colleagues.
Explicit (adj)
stated clearly and directly. The journalist’s criticism of the president was implicit rather than explicit: the president’s name was not even mentioned in the article, but it was not difficult to read between the lines.
Fabricate (v)
to invent or make up, often in a dishonest way. The defendant fabricated an excuse.
Facilitate (v)
to cause, encourage, or make easier. The internet has facilitated communication between diverse populations.
Feasible (adj)
possible to do easily or without an unreasonable amount of effort. Nathan’s students complained that it wasn’t feasible to learn every term on this list.
Flimsy (adj)
comparatively light and insubstantial; easily damaged. The evidence presented in court was deemed flimsy.
Fluctuate (v)
to rise and fall or change, usually irregularly or unpredictably. My score on the practice tests fluctuates from day to day.
Former (n)
the first item in a list of two. There is a difference between lying and failing to disclose the full truth. The former is punishable by impeachment, while the latter is merely frowned upon.
Foster (v)
to encourage or promote the development (of something). It has been argued that free trade fosters peace, as countries with a mutually-beneficial trading relationship are less likely to attack one another.
Frank (adj)
honest, direct, and blunt. The doctor gave a frank assessment and did not attempt to hide the seriousness of her patient’s condition.
Fundamental (adj)
basic or essential. The fundamental structure of the human brain is similar to that of other primates.
Idealistic (adj)
involving noble or high-minded principles, but often not practical or realistic. The notion that most billionaires will use their wealth and power to benefit society was mocked as idealistic. Related terms: idealist (n); ideal (n/adj).
