list 7 Flashcards
(10 cards)
Acrimonious
scathing, stinging, or bitter in nature, speech, or behavior.
The word acrid refers to a sharp or biting taste or smell; similarly, an acrimonious personality can be sharp or biting. An acrimonious person is not pleasant to be around. Thus, this word has quite a negative connotation (stronger than peevish, not as extreme as profane). Someone who is acrimonious isn’t just angry or rude; they convey things in a very bitter manner – their words are harsh and insulting in a way that can really cut you to the core and sting. This kind of person is likely perceptive and able to pick out just the right words to hurt your feelings. If you’re speaking in an acrimonious tone, you likely want your audience to feel ashamed, disparaged, or belittled.
blair waldorf
- Sulky
silent and aloof in a sullen or offended manner.
These individuals typically seem downtrodden and depressed; they’re unpleasant to be around because they drag the mood down, and it may seem that everything you say offends them. A sulky individual is likely going to be pessimistic and may be irritated by upbeat, positive individuals.
nwoye
- Vacuous
lacking in ideas or intelligence; inane; stupid
This is not the person you want in your group project. A more general definition for vacuous is empty/without contents – in terms of a character trait, it refers to intelligence: a vacuous person’s head is empty. Clearly, the connotation here is negative, and this word is typically insulting (although the vacuous individual might not realize they are being insulted). While similar in definition, this isn’t quite a synonym for fatuous as it doesn’t really suggest silliness.
- Sagacious
having or showing keen mental discernment, good judgment, and practical sense.
This word is highly positive in connotation. A sagacious person is wise and, therefore, a good person to go to for advice. This term implies great practical and worldly knowledge rather than extensive book learning (although a sagacious person could also be erudite). Sagacious individuals are well-respected by others. It is unlikely that a young person will be sagacious as they probably haven’t had much significant life experience.
- Pensive
often engaged in deep or serious thought
This person is very contemplative and is usually thinking deeply about things. Although generally positive in contemplation, pensive doesn’t carry the same complimentary implications as sagacious as it can beget either positive or negative effects. Some examples of negative effects: someone might be so pensive as to be distracted from reality, or they may overthink things.
- Supercilious
haughtily disdainful or contemptuous; behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others
This word is rather negative in connotation. A supercilious person thinks they’re superior to others and lets everyone else know. They probably think very few people are on their level, and they probably treat those who aren’t poorly.
angela from the office
- Quarrelsome
argumentative; contentious; inclined to hostility
This word is negative in connotation. These individuals are often short-tempered and are likely to react rashly and perhaps violently. They are quick to engage in disputes and do not avoid confrontation. A quarrelsome individual is also likely irascible (although these two words are not synonyms).
Okonkwo
- Taciturn
inclined to silence; reserved in speech; reluctant to join in conversation.
Taciturn individuals don’t say much. This word is pretty straightforward in definition, but what varies from character to character is the reason behind their silence. Are they shy? Disinterested? Overwhelmed? Pensive? Vacuous? A character might remain silent for any number of reasons. In terms of connotation, this word is neutral, neither indicating a weakness nor a strength in personality.
simon from LOTF
- Valorous
boldness in facing great danger, especially in battle.
This word has a highly positive connotation. It implies great bravery, specifically in feats that are physical in nature. It would be unusual to use it to describe someone who displays emotional or mental courage (e.g. someone who isn’t afraid to tell others how they feel or take intellectual risks).
okonkwo
- Tyrannical
unjustly cruel, harsh, or severe; oppressive
This word is negative in connotation and implies extreme cruelty. Saying someone is tyrannical is far worse than saying they’re mean. One has to be in a position of power in order to be considered tyrannical. They use that position to subject people to harsh and unfair rules and punishment.
jack from LOTF
