Mistborn Era 1 Flashcards
(229 cards)
1
Q
Linchpin
A
noun
1. a person or thing vital to an enterprise or organization.
“nurses are the linchpin of the National Health Service”
2. a pin passed through the end of an axle to keep a wheel in position.
2
Q
Slovenly
A
adjective
(especially of a person or their appearance)
untidy and dirty.
“a fat, slovenly ex-rock star”
3
Q
Pertinent
A
adjective
relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite.
“she asked me a lot of very pertinent questions”
4
Q
Gazetteer
A
noun
a geographical index or dictionary.
“a gazetteer of place names of the Aegean”
5
Q
Derelict
A
adjective
1. in a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect.
“a derelict Georgian mansion”
2. shamefully negligent of one’s duties or obligations.
“he was derelict in his duty to his country”
noun
1. a person without a home, job, or property.
“derelicts who could fit all their possessions in a paper bag”
2. a ship or other piece of property abandoned by the owner and in poor condition.
“she had been a derelict recommissioned for this journey”
6
Q
Emaciated
A
adjective
abnormally thin or weak, especially because of illness or a lack of food.
“she was so emaciated she could hardly stand”
7
Q
Adroit
A
adjective
clever or skilful.
“he was adroit at tax avoidance”
8
Q
Accede
A
verb FORMAL
1. agree to a demand, request, or treaty.
“the authorities did not accede to the strikers’ demands”
2. assume an office or position.
“Elizabeth I acceded to the throne in 1558”
9
Q
Ostentatious
A
adjective
1. attracting or seeking to attract attention, admiration, or envy often by gaudiness or obviousness.
2. overly elaborate or conspicuous.
3. characterized by, fond of, or evincing ostentation.
“an ostentatious display of wealth/knowledge”
10
Q
Coronet
A
noun
1. a small or relatively simple crown, especially as worn by lesser royalty and peers or peeresses.
2. a ring of bone at the base of a deer’s antler.
11
Q
Chagrin
A
noun
annoyance or distress at having failed or been humiliated.
“to my chagrin, he was nowhere to be seen”
verb
feel distressed or humiliated.
“he was chagrined when his friend poured scorn on him”
12
Q
Squalor
A
noun
the state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect.
“they lived in squalor and disease”
13
Q
Malady
A
noun LITERARY
1. a disease or ailment.
“an incurable malady”
2. a serious problem.
“the nation’s maladies”
14
Q
Frivolous
A
adjective
1. not having any serious purpose or value.
“frivolous ribbons and lacy frills”
2. (of a person) carefree and superficial.
“the frivolous, fun-loving flappers of the twenties”
15
Q
Placate
A
verb
make (someone) less angry or hostile.
“they attempted to placate the students with promises”
16
Q
Overture
A
noun
1. an orchestral piece at the beginning of an opera, play, etc.
“the overture to Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’”
2. an introduction to something more substantial.
“the talks were no more than an overture to a long debate”
17
Q
Tenuous
A
adjective
1. very weak or slight.
“the tenuous link between interest rates and investment”
2. very slender or fine; insubstantial.
“a tenuous cloud”
18
Q
Malign
A
verb
speak about (someone) in a spitefully critical manner.
“don’t you dare malign her in my presence”
19
Q
Levity
A
noun
the treatment of a serious matter with humour or lack of due respect.
“as an attempt to introduce a note of levity, the words were a disastrous flop”
20
Q
Incongruity
A
noun
the state of being incongruous; incompatibility.
“the incongruity of his fleshy face and skinny body disturbed her”
21
Q
Transient
A
adjective
lasting only for a short time; impermanent.
“a transient cold spell”
noun
1. a person who is staying or working in a place for a short time only.
2. a momentary variation in current, voltage, or frequency.
22
Q
Merlon
A
noun
the solid part of a crenellated parapet between two embrasures.
23
Q
Diligence
A
noun
careful and persistent work or effort.
“few party members challenge his diligence as an MP”
24
Q
Ascribe
A
verb
1. regard something as being due to (a cause).
“he ascribed Jane’s short temper to her upset stomach”
2. regard a text, quotation, or work of art as being produced by or belonging to (a particular person or period).
“a quotation ascribed to Thomas Cooper”
3. regard a quality as belonging to.
“tough-mindedness is a quality commonly ascribed to top bosses”
25
Progeny
*noun*
**a descendant or the descendants of a person, animal, or plant; offspring.**
"shorthorn cattle are highly effective in bestowing their characteristics on their progeny"
26
Wanly
*adverb*
**in a weak or pale or languid manner**
“she was smiling wanly”
27
Smock
*noun*
**a dress or top for a woman or girl, gathered at the chest and having a loosely fitting lower part.**
*verb*
**decorate (a garment) with smocking.**
"I had smocked the little pink rosebud dress she wore"
28
Disposition
*noun*
**1. a person's inherent qualities of mind and character.**
"your sunny disposition has a way of rubbing off on those around you"
**2. the way in which something is placed or arranged, especially in relation to other things.**
"the plan shows the disposition of the rooms"
29
Barrette
*noun*
**a typically bar-shaped clip or ornament for the hair; a hairslide.**
30
Piteous
*adjective*
**deserving or arousing pity.**
"a piteous cry"
31
Swatch
*noun*
**a small sample of fabric intended to demonstrate the look of a larger piece.**
"colour swatches"
*verb*
**apply a sample of (paint, makeup, etc.) to a surface or one's skin to test or demonstrate the colour.**
"I got the polishes yesterday, and I've swatched them all"
32
Wizened
*adjective*
**shrivelled or wrinkled with age.**
"a wizened, weather-beaten old man"
33
Scamper
*verb*
**(especially of a small animal or child) run with quick light steps, especially through fear or excitement.**
"he scampered in like an overgrown puppy"
*noun*
**an act of scampering.**
"he heard the squeak and scamper of rats"
34
Bespeckle
*verb*
**mark or cover with a large number of small spots or patches of colour.**
"the designer whose trademark is to bespeckle his dresses with diamonds"
35
Propriety
*noun*
**1. conformity to conventionally accepted standards of behaviour or morals.**
"he always behaved with the utmost propriety"
**2. the details or rules of behaviour conventionally considered to be correct.**
"she's a great one for the proprieties"
**3. the condition of being right, appropriate, or fitting.**
"they questioned the propriety of certain investments made by the council"
36
Presumptuous
*adjective*
**(of a person or their behaviour) failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.**
"I hope I won't be considered presumptuous if I offer some advice"
37
Prudent
*adjective*
**acting with or showing care and thought for the future.**
"no prudent money manager would authorize a loan without first knowing its purpose"
38
Proclivity
*noun*
**a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition towards a particular thing.**
"a proclivity for hard work"
39
Apprehensive
*adjective*
**anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.**
"he felt apprehensive about going home"
40
Constitution
*noun*
**1. a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.**
"Britain lacks a codified constitution"
**2. the composition of something.**
"the genetic constitution of a species"
41
Protracted
*adjective*
**lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual.**
"a protracted and bitter dispute"
42
Sequester
*verb*
**1. isolate or hide away.**
"she is sequestered in deepest Dorset"
**2. another term for sequestrate.**
"their property was sequestered by Parliament"
*noun*
**a general cut in government spending.**
"if the budget deal hadn't gone through, there would have been a sequester of at least $100 billion"
43
Prudence
*noun*
**the quality of being prudent; cautiousness.**
"we need to exercise prudence in such important matters"
44
Reticence
*noun*
**the quality of being reticent; reserve.**
"the traditional emotional reticence of the British"
45
Prattle
*verb*
**talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way.**
"she began to prattle on about her visit to the dentist"
46
Ostensibly
*adverb*
**as appears or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so; apparently.**
"the party secretary resigned, ostensibly from ill health"
47
Indignant
*adjective*
**feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.**
"he was indignant at being the object of suspicion"
48
Emancipated
*adjective*
**free from legal, social, or political restrictions; liberated.**
"emancipated young women"
49
Austere
*adjective*
**1. severe or strict in manner or attitude.**
"he was an austere man, with a rigidly puritanical outlook"
**2. (of living conditions or a way of life) having no comforts or luxuries.**
"conditions in the prison could hardly be more austere"
**3. having a plain and unadorned appearance.**
"the cathedral is impressive in its austere simplicity"
50
Dreary
*adjective*
**depressingly dull and bleak or repetitive.**
"the dreary round of working, eating, and trying to sleep"
51
Aptitude
*noun*
**1. a natural ability to do something.**
"children with an aptitude for painting and drawing"
ARCHAIC
**2. suitability or fitness.**
"aptitude of expression"
52
Ratify
*verb*
**sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid.**
"both countries were due to ratify the treaty by the end of the year"
53
Exasperation
*noun*
**a feeling of intense irritation or annoyance.**
"she rolled her eyes in exasperation"
54
Incredulous
*adjective*
**(of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something.**
"an incredulous gasp"
55
Proliferate
*verb*
**1. increase rapidly in number; multiply.**
"the science fiction magazines which proliferated in the 1920s"
**2. (of a cell, structure, or organism) reproduce rapidly.**
"cultured cells often proliferate indefinitely"
**3. cause (cells, tissue, structures, etc.) to reproduce rapidly.**
"electromagnetic radiation can only proliferate cancers already present"
56
Stoop
*verb*
**1. bend one's head or body forwards and downwards.**
"he stooped down and reached towards the coin"
**2. lower one's moral standards so far as to do something reprehensible.**
"Craig wouldn't stoop to thieving"
*noun*
**1. a posture in which the head and shoulders are habitually bent forwards.**
"a tall, thin man with a stoop"
**2. the downward swoop of a bird of prey.**
57
Recompense
*verb*
**make amends to (someone) for loss or harm suffered; compensate.**
"offenders should recompense their victims"
*noun*
**compensation or reward given for loss or harm suffered or effort made.**
"adequate recompense for workers who lose their jobs"
58
Ledger
*noun*
**1. a book or other collection of financial accounts.**
"the total balance of the purchases ledger"
**2. a flat stone slab covering a grave.**
"the ledger stone of William Averie"
*verb*
**fish using a ledger.**
59
Forlorn
*adjective*
**1. pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely.**
"forlorn figures at bus stops"
**2. (of an aim or endeavour) unlikely to succeed or be fulfilled.**
"a forlorn attempt to escape"
60
Procession
*noun*
**a number of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion, especially as part of a ceremony.**
"a funeral procession"
THEOLOGY
**the emanation of the Holy Spirit.**
61
Carrion
*noun*
**the decaying flesh of dead animals.**
"a crow wheeled over the hills in search of carrion"
62
Missive
*noun*
OFTEN HUMOROUS
**a letter, especially a long or official one.**
"yet another missive from the Foreign Office"
SCOTS LAW
**a document in the form of a letter exchanged by the parties to a contract.**
63
Castigation
*noun*
**severe criticism or harsh scolding; censure.**
“The speaker segued inexplicably from a calm informational tone into a full-throated castigation of anyone and everyone associated with the administration.”
64
Recrimination
*noun*
**an accusation in response to one from someone else.**
"there are no tears, no recriminations"
65
Progenitor
*noun*
**1. a person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is descended or originates; an ancestor or parent.**
"his children were the progenitors of many of Scotland's noble families"
**2. a person who originates a cultural or intellectual movement.**
"the progenitor of modern jazz"
66
Acutely
*adverb*
**1. (with reference to something unpleasant or unwelcome) intensely.**
"the whole situation was acutely embarrassing"
**2. in a way that shows a perceptive understanding or insight.**
"we are all acutely aware of the fragility of our world"
67
Pedigree
*noun*
**1. the record of descent of an animal, showing it to be pure-bred.**
"they are looking for animals with pedigrees"
**2. the recorded ancestry or lineage of a person or family.**
"with a pedigree equal to many of the gentry"
*adjective* BRITISH
**(of an animal) pure-bred.**
"pedigree cats"
68
Dilapidated
*adjective*
**(of a building or object) in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect.**
"old, dilapidated buildings"
69
Wryly
*adverb*
**in a way that expresses dry, especially mocking, humour.**
"he reflects wryly on his life and work"
70
Solemn
*adjective*
**1. formal and dignified.**
"a solemn procession"
**2. not cheerful or smiling; serious.**
"Tim looked very solemn"
**3. characterized by deep sincerity.**
"he swore a solemn oath to keep faith"
71
Saunter
*verb*
**walk in a slow, relaxed manner.**
"Adam sauntered into the room"
*noun*
**a leisurely stroll.**
"a quiet saunter down the road"
72
Congregation
*noun*
**1. a group of people assembled for religious worship.**
"the singing of psalms by the whole congregation"
**2. a gathering or collection of people, animals, or things.**
"large congregations of birds may cause public harm"
73
Precarious
*adjective*
**1. not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.**
"a precarious ladder"
**2. dependent on chance; uncertain.**
"he made a precarious living as a painter"
74
Pilfer
*verb*
**steal (things of little value).**
"she produced the handful of coins she had managed to pilfer"
75
Regal
*adjective*
**of, resembling, or fit for a monarch, especially in being magnificent or dignified.**
"her regal bearing"
*noun* MUSIC
**a small portable reed organ of the 16th and 17th centuries, with a pair of horizontal bellows on top.**
76
Exorbitant
*adjective*
**(of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high.**
"some hotels charge exorbitant rates for phone calls"
77
Veritable
*adjective*
**being in fact the thing named and not false, unreal, or imaginary —often used to stress the aptness of a metaphor.**
“a veritable mountain of references”
78
Prim
*adjective*
**feeling or showing disapproval of anything regarded as improper; stiffly correct.**
"a very prim and proper lady"
*verb*
**purse (the mouth or lips) into a prim expression.**
"Laurie primmed up his mouth"
79
Apprehension
*noun*
**1. anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.**
"he felt sick with apprehension"
**2. understanding; grasp.**
"his first apprehension of such large issues"
80
Fraternize
*verb*
**associate or form a friendship with someone, especially when one is not supposed to.**
"she ignored Elisabeth's warning glare against fraternizing with the enemy"
81
Contrite
*adjective*
**feeling or expressing remorse at the recognition that one has done wrong.**
"a contrite tone"
82
Overt
*adjective*
**done or shown openly; plainly apparent.**
"an overt act of aggression"
83
Decorum
*noun*
**behaviour in keeping with good taste and propriety.**
"he had acted with the utmost decorum"
"he had no idea of funeral decorum"
ARCHAIC
**particular requirements of good taste and propriety.**
plural noun: decorums
84
Rebuff
*verb*
past tense: rebuffed; past participle: rebuffed
**reject (someone or something) in an abrupt or ungracious manner.**
"I asked her to be my wife, and was rebuffed in no uncertain terms"
85
Gusto
*noun*
**1. enjoyment and enthusiasm in doing something.**
"Hawkins tucked into his breakfast with gusto"
ARCHAIC
**2. the style in which a work of art is executed.**
86
Reverent
*adjective*
**feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.**
"a reverent silence"
87
Indomitable
*adjective*
**impossible to subdue or defeat.**
"a woman of indomitable spirit"
88
Respite
*noun*
**a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.**
"the refugee encampments will provide some respite from the suffering"
*verb*
RARE
**postpone (a sentence, obligation, etc.).**
"the execution was only respited a few months"
89
Surly
*adjective*
**bad-tempered and unfriendly.**
"the porter left with a surly expression"
90
Deride
*verb*
**express contempt for; ridicule.**
"the decision was derided by environmentalists"
91
Despondent
*adjective*
**in low spirits from loss of hope or courage.**
"she grew more and more despondent"
92
Faculty
*noun*
**1. an inherent mental or physical power.**
"her critical faculties"
**2. a group of university departments concerned with a major division of knowledge.**
"the Faculty of Arts"
93
Flounder
*verb*
**1. struggle or stagger clumsily in mud or water.**
"he was floundering about in the shallow offshore waters"
**2. struggle mentally; show or feel great confusion.**
"she floundered, not knowing quite what to say"
**3. be in serious difficulty.**
"many firms are floundering"
94
Clandestine
*adjective*
**kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit.**
"she deserved better than these clandestine meetings"
95
Gratuitously
*adverb*
**1. without good reason; unjustifiably.**
"artefacts were gratuitously destroyed"
**2. free of charge.**
"his care was provided gratuitously"
96
Pensive
*adjective*
**1. deeply or seriously thoughtful.**
**2. exhibiting or characterized by careful thought.**
97
Pallor
*noun*
**deficiency of color especially of the face, paleness.**
“patients in hemorrhagic shock may exhibit extreme pallor”
98
Vocational
*adjective*
**1. of, relating to, or concerned with a vocation.**
**2. of, relating to, or involved in training in a skill or trade to be followed as a care.**
99
Attrition
*noun*
**1. the process of reducing something's strength or effectiveness through sustained attack or pressure.**
"the council is trying to wear down the opposition by attrition"
CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
**2. (in scholastic theology) sorrow for sin, falling short of contrition.**
100
Unfettered
*adjective*
**unrestrained or uninhibited.**
"unfettered artistic genius"
101
Supple
*adjective*
**bending and moving easily and gracefully; flexible.**
"her supple fingers"
*verb*
**make more flexible.**
102
Guile
*noun*
**sly or cunning intelligence.**
"he used all his guile and guts to free himself from the muddle he was in"
103
Stupefy
*verb*
**1. make (someone) unable to think or feel properly.**
"the offence of administering drugs to a woman with intent to stupefy her"
**2. astonish and shock.**
"the amount they spend on clothes would appal their parents and stupefy their grandparents"
104
Exult
*verb*
**feel or show triumphant elation or jubilation.**
"exulting in her escape, Lisa closed the door behind her"
105
Suborn
*verb*
**bribe or otherwise induce (someone) to commit an unlawful act such as perjury.**
"he was accused of conspiring to suborn witnesses"
106
Wallow
*verb*
**1. (chiefly of large mammals) roll about or lie in mud or water, especially to keep cool or avoid biting insects.**
"there were watering places where buffalo liked to wallow"
**2. (of a person) indulge in an unrestrained way in (something that one finds pleasurable).**
"I was wallowing in the luxury of the hotel"
107
Disillusionment
*noun*
**a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be.**
"his disillusionment with education was due to a number of factors"
108
Arduous
*adjective*
**involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.**
"an arduous journey"
109
Brash
*adjective*
**1. self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way.**
"he was brash, cocky, and arrogant"
**2. having an ostentatious or tasteless appearance.**
"the cafe was a brash new building"
110
Flagrant
*adjective*
**(of an action considered wrong or immoral) conspicuously or obviously offensive.**
"a flagrant violation of the law"
111
Brazen
*adjective*
**1. bold and without shame.**
"he went about his illegal business with a brazen assurance"
LITERARY•ARCHAIC
**2. made of brass.**
"brazen fire irons"
**3. endure an embarrassing or difficult situation by behaving with apparent confidence and lack of shame.**
"there was nothing to do but brazen it out"
112
Potter
*verb*
**1. occupy oneself in a desultory but pleasant way.**
"I'm quite happy just to potter about by myself here"
**2. move or go in a casual, unhurried way.**
"I might potter into Nice for the day"
113
Consign
*verb*
**1. deliver (something) to a person's keeping.**
"he consigned three paintings to Sotheby's"
**2. send (goods) by a public carrier.**
"the package was consigned by a famous sporting goods company"
**3.put someone or something in (a place) in order to be rid of it or them.**
"she consigned the letter to the waste-paper basket"
114
Equestrian
*adjective*
**relating to horse riding.**
"his amazing equestrian skills"
*noun*
**a rider or performer on horseback.**
115
Dismal
*adjective*
**1. causing a mood of gloom or depression.**
"the dismal weather made the late afternoon seem like evening"
**2. (of a person or their mood) gloomy.**
"his dismal mood was not dispelled by finding the house empty"
INFORMAL
**pitifully or disgracefully bad.**
"he shuddered as he watched his team's dismal performance"
116
Machination
*noun*
**a plot or scheme.**
117
Compel
*verb*
**1. force or oblige (someone) to do something.**
“a sense of duty compelled Harry to answer her questions"
**2. bring about (something) by the use of force or pressure.**
"they may compel a witness's attendance at court by issue of a summons"
LITERARY
**force to come or go in a particular direction.**
"by heav'n's high will compell'd from shore to shore"
118
Bivouac
*noun*
**a temporary camp without tents or cover, used especially by soldiers or mountaineers.**
*verb*
**stay in a bivouac.**
"we bivouacked on the north side of the town"
119
Inocualate
*verb*
**1. immunize (someone) against a disease by introducing infective material, microorganisms, or vaccine into the body.**
"most of the troops had been inoculated against anthrax"
**2. introduce (an infective agent) into an organism.**
"the microorganism can be inoculated into laboratory animals"
**3.introduce (cells or organisms) into a culture medium.**
"0.5 ml of the specimen was inoculated into each tissue culture flask"
120
Obstinately
*adverb*
**1. in a way that is unreasonably determined, especially by acting in a particular way and not changing at all, despite what anyone else says.**
“They remained obstinately silent.”
**2. in a way that is difficult to deal with, change, or solve.**
“The engine obstinately refused to start.”
121
Commiserate
*verb*
**express or feel sympathy or pity; sympathize.**
"she went over to commiserate with Rose on her unfortunate circumstances"
ARCHAIC
**feel or express pity for (someone).**
"she did not exult in her rival's fall, but, on the contrary, commiserated her"
122
Flotsam
*noun*
**1. the wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on or washed up by the sea.**
**2. people or things that have been rejected or discarded as worthless.**
"the room was cleared of boxes and other flotsam"
123
Stymie
*verb* INFORMAL
**prevent or hinder the progress of.**
"the changes must not be allowed to stymie new medical treatments"
124
Portentous
*adjective*
**1. of or like a portent; of momentous significance.**
"this portentous year in Canadian history"
**2. done in a pompously or overly solemn manner so as to impress.**
"the author's portentous moralizings"
125
Ostentation
*noun*
**the pretentious or showy display of wealth and luxury, designed to impress.**
"the office was spacious, but without any trace of ostentation"
126
Pastoral
*adjective*
**1. (of land) used for the keeping or grazing of sheep or cattle.**
"scattered pastoral farms"
**2. (in the Christian Church) concerning or appropriate to the giving of spiritual guidance.**
"pastoral and doctrinal issues"
*noun*
**a work of literature portraying an idealized version of country life.**
"the story, though a pastoral, has an actual connection with the life of agricultural labour"
127
Spurn
*verb*
**reject with disdain or contempt.**
"he spoke gruffly, as if afraid that his invitation would be spurned"
*noun* ARCHAIC
**an act of spurning.**
"it is a spurn of God's sovereignty, and a slight of his goodness"
128
Reprimand
*noun*
**a formal expression of disapproval.**
"the golfer received a reprimand for a breach of rules"
*verb*
**address a reprimand to.**
"officials were reprimanded for poor work"
129
Minstrel
*noun*
**1. a medieval singer or musician, especially one who sang or recited lyric or heroic poetry to a musical accompaniment for the nobility.**
"they listened to the minstrels singing songs of knightly prowess"
**2. a member of a band of entertainers, typically white actors with blackened faces, who performed in a type of stage entertainment prevalent in the US in the 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring songs, dances, and formulaic comic routines based on stereotyped depictions of African Americans.**
"the exaggerated dialect of blackface minstrels"
130
Glib
*adjective*
**(of words or a speaker) fluent but insincere and shallow.**
"the glib phrases soon roll off the tongue"
131
Savant
*noun*
**1. a very learned or talented person, especially one distinguished in a particular field of science or the arts.**
"he portrayed himself as a savant and a genius"
**2. a person who has an exceptional aptitude in one particular field, such as music or mathematics, despite having significant impairment in other areas of intellectual or social functioning.**
"Sam has trouble interpreting social cues and facial expressions, yet he is a savant when it comes to music"
132
Decry
*verb*
**publicly denounce.**
"they decried human rights abuses"
133
Diaphanous
*adjective*
**(especially of fabric) light, delicate, and translucent.**
"a diaphanous dress of pale gold"
134
Stagnate
*verb*
**1. (of water or air) cease to flow or move; become stagnant.**
**2. cease developing; become inactive or dull.**
"teaching can easily stagnate into a set of routines"
135
Chipper
*adjective* INFORMAL
**cheerful and lively.**
"Eugene was feeling chipper"
136
Inordinately
*adverb*
**to an unusually or disproportionately large degree; excessively.**
"the information was inordinately vetted and censored"
137
Horticulture
*noun*
**the art or practice of garden cultivation and management.**
"maize and manioc horticulture"
138
Obfuscation
*noun*
**the action of making something obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.**
"when confronted with sharp questions they resort to obfuscation"
139
Concentric
*adjective*
**of or denoting circles, arcs, or other shapes which share the same centre, the larger often completely surrounding the smaller.**
"concentric circles indicate distances of 1 km, 2 km, and 3 km from the centre"
140
Altruistic
*adjective*
**1. relating to or given to altruism, having or showing an unselfish concern for the welfare of others.**
141
Curtly
*adverb*
**in a way that is very quick and slightly rude.**
“Steve answered curtly and turned his back on me.”
“She nodded curtly in reply.”
142
Complacency
*noun*
**a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.**
"the figures are better, but there are no grounds for complacency"
143
Banister
*noun*
**the structure formed by the uprights and handrail at the side of a staircase.**
"he vaulted the banister"
144
Glean
*verb*
past tense: gleaned; past participle: gleaned
**1. obtain (information) from various sources, often with difficulty.**
"the information is gleaned from press cuttings"
HISTORICAL
**2. gather (leftover grain) after a harvest.**
"the conditions of farm workers in the 1890s made gleaning essential"
145
Consternation
*noun*
**a feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected.**
"to her consternation her car wouldn't start"
146
Coax
*verb*
**1. gently and persistently persuade (someone) to do something.**
"the trainees were coaxed into doing boring work"
**2. obtain something from (someone) by gentle and persistent persuasion.**
"we coaxed our fare money out of my father"
**3. arrange (something) carefully into a particular shape or position.**
"her lovely hair had been coaxed into ringlets"
147
Inadvertently
*adverb*
**without intention; accidentally.**
"his name had been inadvertently omitted from the list"
148
Indictment
*noun* NORTH AMERICAN
**1. a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.**
"an indictment for conspiracy"
**2. a thing that serves to illustrate that a system or situation is bad and deserves to be condemned.**
"these rapidly escalating crime figures are an indictment of our society"
149
Balk
*verb*
**hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking.**
"he balked at such a drastic solution"
*noun*
**1. a roughly squared timber beam.**
"a balk of timber"
**2. the area on a billiard table between the balk line and the bottom cushion, within which in some circumstances a ball is protected from a direct stroke.**
150
Pander
*verb*
**gratify or indulge (an immoral or distasteful desire or taste or a person with such a desire or taste).**
"newspapers are pandering to people's baser instincts"
151
Garish
*adjective*
**obtrusively bright and showy; lurid.**
"garish shirts in all sorts of colours"
152
Debonair
*adjective*
**confident, stylish, and charming (typically used of a man).**
"all the men looked debonair and handsome in white tie and tails"
153
Pernicious
*adjective*
**having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.**
"the pernicious effects of air pollution"
154
Bemused
*adjective*
**puzzled, confused, or bewildered.**
"Lucy looked a little bemused"
155
Imperious
*adjective*
**arrogant and domineering.**
"his imperious demands"
156
Appropriation
*noun*
plural noun: appropriations
**1. the action of appropriating something.**
"dishonest appropriation of property”
**2. a sum of money allocated officially for a particular use.**
"success in obtaining appropriations for projects"
157
Impish
*adjective*
**inclined to do slightly naughty things for fun; mischievous.**
"he had an impish look about him"
158
Providence
*noun*
**1. the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power.**
"they found their trust in divine providence to be a source of comfort"
**2. timely preparation for future eventualities.**
"it was considered a duty to encourage providence"
159
Exacerbate
*verb*
**make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.**
"the exorbitant cost of land in urban areas only exacerbated the problem"
160
Cursory
*adjective*
**hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed.**
"a cursory glance at the figures"
161
Smattering
*noun*
**1. a slight superficial knowledge of a language or subject.**
"Edward had only a smattering of Welsh"
**2. a small amount of something.**
plural noun: smatterings
"a smattering of snow"
162
Flippant
*adjective*
**not showing a serious or respectful attitude.**
"a flippant remark"
163
Petulent
*adjective*
**(of a person or their manner) childishly sulky or bad-tempered.**
"he was moody and petulant"
164
Ostracism
*noun*
**1. exclusion from a society or group.**
"the family suffered social ostracism"
**2. (in ancient Greece) temporary banishment from a city by popular vote.**
"the ostracism of Thucydides"
165
Perpetuate
*verb*
**make (something) continue indefinitely.**
"the confusion was perpetuated through inadvertence"
166
Detractor
*noun*
**a person who disparages someone or something.**
"the island, say its detractors, has been devoured by development"
167
Contrition
*noun*
**1. the state of feeling remorseful and penitent.**
"to show contrition for his crime he offered to do community service"
**2. (in the Roman Catholic Church) the repentance of past sins during or after confession.**
"prayers of contrition"
168
Ordain
*verb*
**1. make (someone) a priest or minister; confer holy orders on.**
"he was ordained a minister before entering Parliament"
**2. order (something) officially.**
"equal punishment was ordained for the two crimes"
169
Furtive
*adjective*
**1. attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive.**
"they spent a furtive day together"
**2. suggestive of guilty nervousness.**
"the look in his eyes became furtive"
170
Prerogative
*noun*
**a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class.**
"in some countries, higher education is predominantly the prerogative of the rich"
*adjective* BRITISH•LAW
**arising from the prerogative of the Crown (usually delegated to the government or the judiciary) and based in common law rather than statutory law.**
"the monarch retained the formal prerogative power to appoint the Prime Minister"
171
Equine
*adjective*
**relating to or affecting horses or other members of the horse family.**
"equine infectious anaemia"
*noun*
**a horse or other member of the horse family.**
"they compared the behaviour of humans and equines"
172
Beleaguered
*adjective*
**1. in a very difficult situation.**
"the board is supporting the beleaguered director amid calls for his resignation"
**2. (of a place) surrounded by armed forces aiming to capture it or force surrender; besieged.**
"he led a relief force to the aid of the beleaguered city"
173
Purported
*adjective*
**appearing or stated to be true, though not necessarily so; alleged.**
"the purported marriage was void"
174
Gait
*noun*
**1. a person's manner of walking.**
"the easy gait of an athlete"
**2. the pattern of steps of a horse or dog at a particular speed.**
175
Repast
*noun* FORMAL
**a meal.**
"a sumptuous repast"
176
Vestige
*noun*
**1. a trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists.**
"the last vestiges of colonialism"
BIOLOGY
**2. a part or organ of an organism which has become reduced or functionless in the course of evolution.**
177
Chide
*verb*
**scold or rebuke.**
"she chided him for not replying to her letters"
178
Throes
*noun*
**intense or violent pain and struggle, especially accompanying birth, death, or great change.**
"he convulsed in his death throes"
179
Jell
*verb* NORTH AMERICAN
gerund or present participle: jelling
**1. (of a liquid or semi-liquid substance) set or become more solid.*
"she works at it all day but can't get the jelly to jell"
**2. (of a project or idea) take a definite form or begin to work well.**
"he decided to do a different film that would jell at the box office"
180
Disconsolate
*adjective*
**very unhappy and unable to be comforted.**
"she left Fritz looking disconsolate"
181
Covet
*verb*
**yearn to possess (something, especially something belonging to another).**
"I covet one of their smart bags"
182
Brevity
*noun*
**1. concise and exact use of words in writing or speech.**
"the staff will edit manuscripts with a view to brevity and clarity"
**2. shortness of time.**
"the brevity of human life"
183
Scrutiny
*noun*
**critical observation or examination.**
"the policy came under scrutiny last month"
184
Quiescent
*adjective*
**in a state or period of inactivity or dormancy.**
"strikes were headed by groups of workers who had previously been quiescent"
185
Prevalence
*noun*
**the fact or condition of being prevalent; commonness.**
"the prevalence of obesity in adults"
186
Stanch
*transitive verb*
**1. to check or stop the flowing of**
“stanched her tears”
**2. to stop the flow of blood from (a wound)**
**3. to stop or check in its course**
“trying to stanch the crime wave”
**3. to make watertight; stop up**
ARCHAIC
**4. Allay; extinguish**
*adjective*
less common spelling of STAUNCH
**1. steadfast in loyalty or principle**
“a staunch friend”
**2. watertight; sound**
**3. strongly built; substantial**
187
Ploddingly
*adverb*
**in a way that is slow, continuous, and not exciting.**
“Most of the time, the play's dialogue is ploddingly dull.”
188
Mercantile
*adjective*
**relating to trade or commerce; commercial.**
"the shift of wealth to the mercantile classes"
189
Diatribe
*noun*
**a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.**
"a diatribe against consumerism"
190
Platitude
*noun*
**a remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.**
"he masks his disdain for her with platitudes about how she should believe in herself more"
191
Rend
*verb*
**tear (something) into pieces.**
"snapping teeth that would rend human flesh to shreds"
ARCHAIC
**wrench (something) violently.**
"he rent the branch out of the tree"
LITERARY
**cause great emotional pain to.**
"you tell me this in order to make me able to betray you without rending my heart"
192
Daunt
*verb*
**make (someone) feel intimidated or apprehensive.**
"some people are daunted by technology"
193
Endowment
*noun*
**1. the action of endowing something or someone.**
"he tried to promote the endowment of a Chair of Psychiatry"
**2. a quality or ability possessed or inherited by someone.**
"his natural endowments were his height and intelligence"
194
Tentative
*adjective*
**1. not certain or fixed; provisional.**
"a tentative conclusion"
**2. done without confidence; hesitant.**
"he eventually tried a few tentative steps round his hospital room"
195
Assuage
*verb*
**1. make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense.**
"the letter assuaged the fears of most members"
**2. satisfy (an appetite or desire).**
"an opportunity occurred to assuage her desire for knowledge"
196
Coalesce
*verb*
**1. come together to form one mass or whole.**
"the puddles had coalesced into shallow streams"
**2. combine (elements) in a mass or whole.**
"his idea served to coalesce all that happened into one connected whole"
197
Nebulous
*adjective*
**1. in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy.**
"a giant nebulous glow"
**2. (of a concept) vague or ill-defined.**
"nebulous concepts like quality of life"
198
Impetuous
*adjective*
**1. acting or done quickly and without thought or care.**
"she might live to rue this impetuous decision"
**2. moving forcefully or rapidly.**
"an impetuous but controlled flow of water"
199
Ebb
*verb*
**1. (of tidewater) move away from the land; recede.**
"the tide began to ebb"
**2. (of an emotion or quality) gradually decrease.**
"my enthusiasm was ebbing away"
200
Guttural
*adjective*
**(of a speech sound) produced in the throat; harsh-sounding.**
*noun*
**a guttural consonant (e.g. k, g ) or other speech sound.**
201
Sunder
*verb* LITERARY
**split apart.**
"a universe sundered ages ago in a divine war"
202
Patently
*adverb*
**clearly; without doubt.**
"these claims were patently false"
203
Temperance
*noun*
**1. abstinence from alcoholic drink.**
"Davies was a strict advocate of temperance"
**2. the quality of moderation or self-restraint.**
"the whole multitude of men lack temperance in their lives, either from ignorance or from want of self-control"
204
Bedeck
*verb*
**decorate.**
"he led us into a room bedecked with tinsel"
205
Swathe
*noun*
**1. a broad strip or area of something.**
"vast swathes of countryside"
**2. a row or line of grass, corn, or other crop as it falls or lies when mown or reaped.**
"if the day is windy, the swathes should be high and narrow"
206
Burgeon
*verb*
**begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish.**
"the city's suburbs have burgeoned, sprawling out from the centre"
*noun* ARCHAIC•LITERARY
**a bud or young shoot.**
207
Dais
*noun*
**a low platform for a lectern or throne.**
208
Ascertain
*verb*
**find (something) out for certain; make sure of.**
"an attempt to ascertain the cause of the accident"
209
Ramification
*noun*
**1. a complex or unwelcome consequence of an action or event.**
"any change is bound to have legal ramifications"
**2. a subdivision of a complex structure or process.**
"an extended family with its ramifications of neighbouring in-laws"
FORMAL•TECHNICAL
**3. the action of ramifying or the state of being ramified.**
"a coronary angiogram showed ramification of the right coronary artery close to the ostium"
210
Lethargic
*adjective*
**1. of, relating to, or characterized by laziness or lack of energy; feeling or affected by lethargy; SLUGGISH.**
“The patient was weak and lethargic.”
**2. INDIFFERENT, APATHETIC.**
“The legislature was lethargic in considering the bill.”
211
Exulting
*adjective*
**feeling or showing elation or jubilation.**
"he gave an exulting cry"
*noun*
**the feeling or expression of elation or jubilation.**
"no one had ever told her that exulting and dancing were childish things"
212
Abrasive
*adjective*
**1. (of a substance or material) capable of polishing or cleaning a hard surface by rubbing or grinding.**
"the wood should be rubbed down with fine abrasive paper"
**2. showing little concern for the feelings of others; harsh.**
"her abrasive and arrogant personal style won her few friends"
*noun*
**a substance used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning a hard surface.**
"the refrigerator is easily damaged by abrasives"
213
Tidings
*noun*
LITERARY•ARCHAIC
**1. news; information.**
"the bearer of glad tidings"
RARE
**2. a flock of magpies.**
"a tiding of magpies perch in the low pines"
214
Cloven
*verb*
**past participle of cleave.**
*adjective*
**split or divided in two.**
215
Verdant
*adjective*
**1. (of countryside) green with grass or other rich vegetation.**
"verdant valleys"
**2. of the bright green colour of lush grass.**
"a deep, verdant green"
216
Deliberate
*adjective*
**1. done consciously and intentionally.**
"a deliberate attempt to provoke conflict"
**2. careful and unhurried.**
"a conscientious and deliberate worker"
*verb*
**engage in long and careful consideration.**
"she deliberated over the menu"
217
Coy
*adjective*
**1. making a pretence of shyness or modesty that is intended to be alluring (typically used of a woman).**
"she treated him to a coy smile of invitation"
**2. reluctant to give details about something regarded as sensitive.**
"he is coy about his age"
218
Exacting
*adjective*
**making great demands on one's skill, attention, or other resources.**
"the exacting standards laid down by the organic food industry"
219
Conniving
*adjective*
**given to or involved in conspiring to do something immoral, illegal, or harmful.**
"a heartless and conniving person"
220
Laud
*verb* FORMAL
**praise (a person or their achievements) highly.**
"the obituary lauded him as a great statesman and soldier"
*noun* ARCHAIC
**praise.**
"all glory, laud, and honour to Thee Redeemer King"
221
Voracious
*adjective*
**1. wanting or devouring great quantities of food.**
"a voracious appetite"
**2. engaging in an activity with great eagerness or enthusiasm.**
"she's a voracious reader"
222
Refute
*verb*
**1. prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove.**
"these claims have not been convincingly refuted"
**2. prove that (someone) is wrong.**
"his voice challenging his audience to rise and refute him"
**3. deny or contradict (a statement or accusation).**
"a spokesman totally refuted the allegation of bias"
223
Inchoate
*adjective*
**1. just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary.**
"a still inchoate democracy"
LAW
**2. (of an offence, such as incitement or conspiracy) anticipating or preparatory to a further criminal act.**
224
Navigable
*adjective*
**1. (of a waterway or sea) able to be sailed on by ships or boats.**
"a navigable channel"
**2. (of a website) easy to move around in.**
"the use of white space can help make your mobile-optimized site clearer and more navigable"
225
Congeal
*verb*
**1. become semi-solid, especially on cooling.**
"the blood had congealed into blobs"
**2. take shape or coalesce, especially to form a satisfying whole.**
"the ballet failed to congeal as a single oeuvre"
226
Permeate
*verb*
**spread throughout (something); pervade.**
"the aroma of soup permeated the air"
227
Divergent
*adjective*
**1. tending to be different or develop in different directions.**
"divergent interpretations"
MATHEMATICS
**2. (of a series) increasing indefinitely as more of its terms are added.**
228
Inscurtable
*adjective*
**impossible to understand or interpret.**
"Guy looked blankly inscrutable"
229
Ephemeral
*adjective*
**lasting for a very short time.**
"fashions are ephemeral: new ones regularly drive out the old"
*noun*
**an ephemeral plant.**
"ephemerals avoid the periods of drought as seeds"
