Flashcards in List2 Deck (80)
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1
Intricate
Very complicated
- an intricate network of canal
2
Maverick
An unorthodox or independent-minded person
- he's the maverick of the senate
3
Discretion
Circumspection; The quality of behaving in such a way as to avoid causing offence or revealing confidential information
The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation
- she knew she could rely on his discretion
-local authorities should use their discretion in setting the charges
4
Delineate
Describe or portray precisely
Indicate the exact position of
- the law should delineate and prohibit behaviour which is socially abhorrent
5
Proclivity
A tendency to choose or do something regularly; inclination; liking
- a proclivity for hard work
6
Garrulous
Excessively talkative
- a garrulous cab driver
7
Vacillation
Indecision, indecisiveness
- the prime minister's vacillation over the affairs
8
Exuberant
Full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness
Characterised by a vigorously imaginative artistic style
- a noisy bunch of exuberant youngsters
- exuberant, over-the top sculptures
9
Opprobrium
Harsh criticism
Public disgrace arising from shameful conduct
- the critical opprobrium generated by his films
- the opprobrium of being closely associated with gangster
10
Groundless
Not based on any good reason
- your fears are quite groundless
11
Susceptible
Likely to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing
Capable or admitting of
- patients with liver disease may be susceptible to infection
- the problem is not susceptible of a simple solution
12
Receptive
open-minded
Able to receive signal
- a receptive audience
13
Forbearance
Patient self-control; restraint and tolerance
- his unfailing courtesy and forbearance under fear provocation
14
Bombastic
Inflated; pompous
15
Slippery
(A person) unpredictable;not to be relied on
(Words or concepts) elusive in meaning because changing according to one's point of view
- the word "intended" is a decidedly slippery one
16
Paradigm
A typical example or pattern of something
- society's paradigm of "ideal women"
17
Rhetoric
Speech or writing intended to be effective and influence people
18
Elusive
Difficult it find or achieve
Difficult to remember
- success will become ever more elusive
- the elusive thought he had had moments before
19
Fastidious
meticulous, concerned about accuracy and details
- she dressed with fastidious care
20
Congenial
Like-minded, compatible
(things) pleasant or agreeable because suited to one's taste or inclination
- he went back to a climate more congenial to his cold stony soul
- his need for some congenial company
21
Dichotomy
A division or contrast between two things that are opposed or entirely different; division;
- the rigid dichotomy between science and mysticism
22
Exacting
Demanding, hard, tough
- the exacting standards laid down by the organic food industry
23
Aphorism
A pithy observation containing a general truth
A concise statement
-the old aphorism "the child is father to the man"
24
Censure
To express server disapproval of
Condemnation
- two MPs were singled out for censure
25
Prominent
Important, famous
Projecting from something
- she was a prominent member of the city council
- a man with big, prominent eyes like a lobster's
26
Sound
Healthy and reliable
- things are sound
27
Pensive
Engaged in, involving or reflecting deep or serious thought
Thoughtful, reflective, contemplative
- a pensive mood
28
Cynicism
An inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest
- public cynicism about politics
29
Inconsistent
Conflicting with; not compatible
- he has done nothing inconsistent with his morality
30
