Random Vocab/Knowledge Flashcards
(68 cards)
1
Q
What does this latin phrase mean:
A mari usque ad mare
A
From sea to sea.
Canadian national motto from the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible ,, Psalms 72
“And he shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the Earth”
*It is also on all Cdn currency and our passports*
2
Q
Define: ASININE
A
extremely stupid or foolish.
“Lydia ignored his asinine remark”
3
Q
Define: FIDELITY
A
Meaning:
- faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support (“he sought only the strictest fidelity to justice”)
- sexual faithfuless to a partner
- the degree of exactness with which something is copied or reproduced (“the 1949 recording provides reasonable fidelity”)
4
Q
When something forks into two equal parts from one main branch.
ex. tree branches, ancestral lines
&
to separate into at least 2 parts or many parts
A
BIFURCATE
&
DIVIDE
5
Q
showing or expressing respect and high regard due to a superior or an elder
showing or expressing deference
A
DEFERENCE
(DEFERENTIAL)
6
Q
honor or respect that is felt for or shown to (someone or something)
A
REVERENCE
(REVERENTIAL)
ex:Her poems are treated with reverence by other poets.
7
Q
a naive girl or young woman
A
INGENUE
8
Q
to speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way (unnecessarily)
A
PONTIFICATE
9
Q
the belief that traditional morals, ideas, beliefs, etc., have no worth or value
the belief that a society’s political and social institutions are so bad that they should be destroyed
A
NIHILISM
(noun: NIHILIST)
10
Q
CONCLAVE
A
A conclave can be a private meeting, a secret assembly, or a general gathering.
// A conclave of regional leaders of the international organization is meeting in June.
11
Q
sagacious
A
Sagacious means “having or showing an ability to understand difficult ideas and situations and to make good decisions.” It implies being wise or discerning.
// Student reviews paint the writing professor as a sagacious mentor and a compassionate teacher.
12
Q
mollify
A
Mollify means “to soothe in temper or disposition” or “to reduce in intensity.”
// The company attempted to mollify its employees by offering them more flexible work schedules.
// The explanation was intended to mollify the manager’s anger.
13
Q
fractious
A
Fractious means “troublesome,” “unruly,” “quarrelsome,” or “irritable.”
// The political party is more organized and coherent and less fractious.
14
Q
leviathan
A
A leviathan is something large or formidable.
// Towering leviathans of the forest, these giant sequoias often reach heights of more than 200 feet.
15
Q
elicit
A
Elicit means “to get (a response, information, etc.) from someone.”
// The final amount raised by the charity walk elicited cheers from the crowd.
// The teacher’s question elicited no response.
16
Q
opportune
A
Opportune means “suitable or convenient for a particular situation” or “occurring at an appropriate time.”
// It is an opportune time to invest in the stock market.
// The book’s publication is opportune.
17
Q
bemuse
A
Bemuse means “to bewilder” or “to confuse.”
// The contestant seemed somewhat bemused by the question; however, she gave the correct answer.
// The actor was bemused by all the attention she was receiving for her role in the movie.
18
Q
zoomorphic
A
Zoomorphoric means “having the form of an animal.”
// Using cookie cutters, the children made zoomorphic treats to bring to the bake sale
19
Q
chagrin
A
Chagrin refers to “a distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure.”
// To the chef’s chagrin, the sauce was too sweet.
CHAGRIN in Context
“Baseball has invested a lot to keep casual fans interested. It has changed rules, to the chagrin of old-school fans like me, to shorten games.” — Paul Muschick, The Morning Call (Allentown, Pennsylvania), 6 Mar. 2022
20
Q
decimate
A
Definition of decimate
transitive verb
1: to select by lot and kill every tenth man of (decimate a regiment)
2: to exact a tax of 10 percent from( poor as a decimated Cavalier— John Dryden)
3a: to reduce drastically especially in number (cholera decimated the population)(Kamieniecki’s return comes at a crucial time for a pitching staff that has been decimated by injuries.— Jason Diamos)
b: to cause great destruction or harm to (firebombs decimated the city)(an industry decimated by recession)
21
Q
reciprocate
A
Reciprocate means “to do something for or to someone who has done something similar for or to you.”
// It was kind of my friend to give me a ride to the airport, and on the flight I was thinking of how to reciprocate the favor.
22
Q
ostensible
A
Definition of ostensible
1: intended for display : open to view
2: being such in appearance : plausible rather than demonstrably true or realthe ostensible purpose for the trip
23
Q
Deepfake
A
We define deepfake as “an image or recording that has been convincingly altered and manipulated to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something that was not actually done or said.” The word, which is written as a closed compound, rather than as two words, has been in written use since at least 2018.
24
Q
furtive
A
Definition of furtive
1a: done in a quiet and secretive way to avoid being noticed : SURREPTITIOUS (a furtive glanceexchanged furtive smiles)
b: expressive of stealth : SLY (had a furtive look about him)
2: obtained underhandedly : STOLEN (furtive gains)
25
nascent
**What It Means**
*Nascent* means "coming or having recently come into existence."
// The actress is now focusing on her *nascent* singing career..
Mr Menon has co-founded multiple organizations and has invested in over 20 nascent startups in the previous year alone." — Business World, 2 Mar. 2022
26
intersperse
*Intersperse* means "to place or insert something at intervals in or among other things."
// The author has *interspersed* the guidebook with pictures of the different animals tourists might encounter on the safari.
27
gregarious
*Gregarious* means "tending to associate with others of one's kind" and "enjoying or tending to enjoy the company of others," which makes it synonymous with *[social](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_7d05281b-b28f-447d-8280-34d2424e0040&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjywvfcdmp2v1zenu6uqv3c5pq0rb9cxq3uvk5extprtbmehjq49knehpnyvb5chmqav9xcnpp2ubc4tuq8vazedqqawk3cmyqevvmcgk7ax3dbxhpyvkmcnq78fb4cnk6jvk9ehmpyvkmcnw789knehpnytbdc5mprf9n74u34cv6c5gkgthhcnhpar9r6cr3jc1r75j6cr9h6ctp4rhpc8&n=25)* and *[sociable](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_7d05281b-b28f-447d-8280-34d2424e0040&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjywvfcdmp2rkccmzqax3dbxhp2vbgc5mpevhxdtjqewvccnu78tbj4tuq8vazdnjp8ubndmypavb1d5p2cxbmdnfq6vvne9hpafbqdxu689knehpnyrvfdtu6avkm7nj6atk9dtmq8ubfdtu6ay3m4tuq8vazcnpp2ubc7mukjd1j6dk62r9rcrrparv5c4w36c1t60w3jt36c4rk6cv2c8v64&n=26)*.
//The documentary is filmed inside the burrows of the *gregarious* prairie dogs.
//The new hire is quite outgoing and *gregarious*.
28
cryptography
*Cryptography* is the [enciphering](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_08b198b1-0b20-49f1-8e9a-b2f8fe913304&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjytbecdmq0u35e8zqax3dbxhp2vbgc5mpevhxdtjqewvccnu78tbj4tuq8vazdnjp8ubndmypavb1d5p2cxbmdnfq6vvne9hpafbqdxu689knehpnyrvfdtu6avkm7nj6atk9dtmq8ubfdtu6ay3m4tuq8vazcnpp2ubc7mukjd1j6dk62r9rcrrparv5c4w36c1t60w3jt36c4rk6cv2c8v64&n=25) and [deciphering](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_08b198b1-0b20-49f1-8e9a-b2f8fe913304&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyt35cdmq0u35e8zqax3dbxhp2vbgc5mpevhxdtjqewvccnu78tbj4tuq8vazdnjp8ubndmypavb1d5p2cxbmdnfq6vvne9hpafbqdxu689knehpnyrvfdtu6avkm7nj6atk9dtmq8ubfdtu6ay3m4tuq8vazcnpp2ubc7mukjd1j6dk62r9rcrrparv5c4w36c1t60w3jt36c4rk6cv2c8v64&n=26) of messages in secret code or cipher. It is also the computerized [encoding](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_08b198b1-0b20-49f1-8e9a-b2f8fe913304&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjytbecdqp8t9zenu6uqv3c5pq0rb9cxq3uvk5extprtbmehjq49knehpnyvb5chmqav9xcnpp2ubc4tuq8vazedqqawk3cmyqevvmcgk7ax3dbxhpyvkmcnq78fb4cnk6jvk9ehmpyvkmcnw789knehpnytbdc5mprf9n74u34cv6c5gkgthhcnhpar9r6cr3jc1r75j6cr9h6ctp4rhpc8&n=27) and [decoding](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_08b198b1-0b20-49f1-8e9a-b2f8fe913304&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyt35cdqp8t9zenu6uqv3c5pq0rb9cxq3uvk5extprtbmehjq49knehpnyvb5chmqav9xcnpp2ubc4tuq8vazedqqawk3cmyqevvmcgk7ax3dbxhpyvkmcnq78fb4cnk6jvk9ehmpyvkmcnw789knehpnytbdc5mprf9n74u34cv6c5gkgthhcnhpar9r6cr3jc1r75j6cr9h6ctp4rhpc8&n=28) of information.
// Effective *cryptography* is essential for secure exchanges of sensitive information in cyberspace.
29
kitsch
"She got off at the next stop and found herself standing in front of an old coffee shop with fake-pine garlands and fake-velvet bows on its doors. … At the thought of yet another year without having a coffee shop of her own to run (though with less kitsch)…." — Charmaine Wilkerson, Black Cake, 2022
*Kitsch* is "something that appeals to popular or lowbrow taste and is often of poor quality."
// *Kitsch* and tacky but collectable items can be found at the flea market.
30
prosaic
*Prosaic* is a synonym of *[dull](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_c79aed37-52bf-41d4-9969-169c40fd0b86&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyt3ndhp3yxbmdnfp6rbde1gpjtve7nq6axvkdhjq8x35e8k7ax3dbxppat39enpkutbdc5mpr9knehpnywvfent66t9xexqq8t16enu6uqv3dxq78tbeegyp8tb6d5q6jx39dxq78tbregk7ax3dbxjpurb9dgykae9m68tpcrb171k32tb3cngkgctg74r3geb4ctgk2ctkc9h3crg&n=25)*, *[unimaginative](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_c79aed37-52bf-41d4-9969-169c40fd0b86&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyxbed5pp2tv9dtgq8ubpcmzqax3dbxhp2vbgc5mpevhxdtjqewvccnu78tbj4tuq8vazdnjp8ubndmypavb1d5p2cxbmdnfq6vvne9hpafbqdxu689knehpnyrvfdtu6avkm7nj6atk9dtmq8ubfdtu6ay3m4tuq8vazcnpp2ubc7mukjd1j6dk62r9rcrrparv5c4w36c1t60w3jt36c4rk6cv2c8v64&n=26)*, *[everyday](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_c79aed37-52bf-41d4-9969-169c40fd0b86&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjytbpcnt7jt31f4zqax3dbxhp2vbgc5mpevhxdtjqewvccnu78tbj4tuq8vazdnjp8ubndmypavb1d5p2cxbmdnfq6vvne9hpafbqdxu689knehpnyrvfdtu6avkm7nj6atk9dtmq8ubfdtu6ay3m4tuq8vazcnpp2ubc7mukjd1j6dk62r9rcrrparv5c4w36c1t60w3jt36c4rk6cv2c8v64&n=27)*, or *[ordinary](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_c79aed37-52bf-41d4-9969-169c40fd0b86&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyvvjchmpwrbjf4zqax3dbxhp2vbgc5mpevhxdtjqewvccnu78tbj4tuq8vazdnjp8ubndmypavb1d5p2cxbmdnfq6vvne9hpafbqdxu689knehpnyrvfdtu6avkm7nj6atk9dtmq8ubfdtu6ay3m4tuq8vazcnpp2ubc7mukjd1j6dk62r9rcrrparv5c4w36c1t60w3jt36c4rk6cv2c8v64&n=28)*, but its original meaning is "characteristic of [prose](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_c79aed37-52bf-41d4-9969-169c40fd0b86&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyw3jdxtpa8v864zqax3dbxhp2vbgc5mpevhxdtjqewvccnu78tbj4tuq8vazdnjp8ubndmypavb1d5p2cxbmdnfq6vvne9hpafbqdxu689knehpnyrvfdtu6avkm7nj6atk9dtmq8ubfdtu6ay3m4tuq8vazcnpp2ubc7mukjd1j6dk62r9rcrrparv5c4w36c1t60w3jt36c4rk6cv2c8v64&n=29) as distinguished from [poetry](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_c79aed37-52bf-41d4-9969-169c40fd0b86&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyw3fcnu74y9zenu6uqv3c5pq0rb9cxq3uvk5extprtbmehjq49knehpnyvb5chmqav9xcnpp2ubc4tuq8vazedqqawk3cmyqevvmcgk7ax3dbxhpyvkmcnq78fb4cnk6jvk9ehmpyvkmcnw789knehpnytbdc5mprf9n74u34cv6c5gkgthhcnhpar9r6cr3jc1r75j6cr9h6ctp4rhpc8&n=30)."
// Retirement can lead to a *prosaic* lifestyle unless you will yourself to seek adventure.
// The poem is filled with *prosaic* lines; however, there is much to contemplate in between.
31
arbitrary
*Arbitrary* means "determined, planned, or chosen seemingly at random or by chance."
// Because the committee wasn't transparent about the selection process, the results of the process appeared to be wholly *arbitrary*.
// People often make *arbitrary* decisions on where to go out to eat.
32
wherewithal
*Wherewithal* refers to the means, resources, or money that is needed to get or do something.
// News reports suggest that the company does not have the *wherewithal* from investors to prevent a buyout.
33
transpire
*Transpire* means "to happen" or "to become known."
// The police are still trying to determine what *transpired* on the night of the accident.
// After the business [magnate](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_fcf82ae2-54e0-4e43-aad4-35fdda32bb16&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyvb1cxq62x357xuq8vazcdgpuw31d5kpwfbecnvq6v35ehu6awh6enu6uqvdcnj6jxbd7njpurb9dgk7ax3dbxtpyxbjcdjkuxvfehj2cxbmdnfp6vveehjpwx1xchjpcubed5u6jvveehjqgx16enu6uqv5dngpjv1x6mwk8chkctgp2e3665jp6tb170tk0e9g70wp8tk164tk6rk26th0&n=25) was arrested for financial-related crimes, it *transpired* that he has been in insurmountable debt for years.
34
candor
*Candor* is "unreserved, honest, or sincere expression."
// During the interview, the comedian spoke with *candor* about the nervousness she feels every time she takes the stage.
35
nonchalant
*Nonchalant* means "having an air of easy [unconcern](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=s_74546470-bc59-4ab9-9a6c-1e08138bd66e&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyxbecdqpwrv5e9q3yxbmdnfp6rbde1gpjtve7nq6axvkdhjq8x35e8k7ax3dbxppat39enpkutbdc5mpr9knehpnywvfent66t9xexqq8t16enu6uqv3dxq78tbeegyp8tb6d5q6jx39dxq78tbregk7ax3dbxjpurb9dgykae9m68tpcrb171k32tb3cngkgctg74r3geb4ctgk2ctkc9h3crg&n=25) or indifference."
// The most experienced public speakers are able to address audiences with a *nonchalant* ease.
36
peremptory
puh-REMP-tuh-ree
*Peremptory* means "expressive of urgency or command" or "marked by arrogant self-assurance."
// The soldiers were given a *peremptory* order to abandon the mission.
// The company's president has a *peremptory* manner about her especially at the negotiating table.
37
nonpareil
## Footnote
*adjective* | nahn-puh-REL
*Nonpareil* means "having no equal."
// The singer's stunning performance was *nonpareil*.
38
hark back
*Hark back* means "to turn back to an earlier topic or circumstance" or "to go back to something as an origin or source."
// The sisters' stories *hark back* to the good old days of their youth.
// The diner's interior *harks back* to the 1950s.
39
verdant
*Verdant* means "green in tint or color," "green with growing plants," or "unripe in experience or judgment."
// The golf course is noted for its tricky hazards and lush, *verdant* borders along its fairways.
40
turpitude
*Turpitude* refers to inherent lack of integrity or morality, or to an evil or immoral act. It is frequently used in legal contexts in the phrase "[moral turpitude](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=tr_d98d8120-c94f-4ab8-9f11-04b7186105f7&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqprtb7c5p2yvbfe9gpravment70ubmenj6afvnehpnyrv1dnr62ub7drypwtbqedp6ax3mcnt2cxbmdnfputb4d5upufb5dngpjv16enu6uqvkdxuq4rv57nvpyx344tuq8vazcdqpwx35dtu3ut35ctmpwubmd5qpwx35f1u2cxbmdnfpavb1d5p3ud9t6gt36tk1c4w6ccb5cdjp2e1k60wk0e1tchk62c9k6dh64dk2&n=18)."
// Crimes such as theft and perjury may involve moral *turpitude*.
41
bloviate
*Bloviate* means "to speak or write verbosely and windily."
// The columnist tends to *bloviate* on topics about which he is not particularly knowledgeable.
42
ramshackle
*Ramshackle* means "in a very bad condition and needing to be repaired" or "carelessly or loosely constructed."
// The company was contracted to demolish the *ramshackle* apartments.
// The reviewer of the book said it had a *ramshackle* plot that was confusing and unbelievable.
43
indoctrinate
*Indoctrinate* means "to teach (someone) to fully accept the ideas, opinions, and beliefs of a particular group and to not consider other ideas, opinions, and beliefs."
// The goal of the professor is to teach politics, rather than to *indoctrinate* students with a narrow set of political beliefs.
44
epithet
noun | EP-uh-thet
An *epithet* is "a characterizing word or phrase that accompanies, or occurs in place of, the name of a person or thing" or "a disparaging or abusive word or phrase."
// Richard the First is frequently referred to by the *epithet* "Lionheart."
// The school's policy makes it clear that derogatory *epithets* will not be tolerated.
45
mercurial
adjective | mer-KYUR-ee-ul
*Mercurial* means "changing often" or "characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness of mood." It can also mean "having qualities of eloquence, ingenuity, or thievishness attributed to the god [Mercury](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=tr_aabb401c-d63b-4094-ade6-3387e3f808e7&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyvb5e9hqawkt7xuq8vazcdgpuw31d5kpwfbecnvq6v35ehu6awh6enu6uqvdcnj6jxbd7njpurb9dgk7ax3dbxtpyxbjcdjkuxvfehj2cxbmdnfp6vveehjpwx1xchjpcubed5u6jvveehjqgx16enu6uqv5dngpjv1x6mwk8chkctgp2e3665jp6tb170tk0e9g70wp8tk164tk6rk26th0&n=18) or to the influence of the planet Mercury."
// The boss has a *mercurial* temperament when at jobsites but she was relaxed and happy at the company picnic.
// The iconic brand has somehow always managed to maintain its esteemed position in the *mercurial* fashion world.
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galumph
verb | guh-LUMF
*Galumph* means "to move with a clumsy heavy tread."
// After long days at his landscaping job, their teenage son *galumphs* into the house and flings himself onto the couch, sighing heavily.
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ad hoc
adjective
*Ad hoc* means "concerned with a particular end or purpose" or "formed or used for specific or immediate problems or needs."
// An *ad hoc* committee was formed to investigate the matter.
// There was an unexpected change of plans and *ad hoc* solutions had to be made.
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oblige
*verb* | uh-BLYJE
*Oblige* is usually used to mean “to do a favor for someone,” or “to do something as a favor, or as though it is a favor.” In more technical use, it means “to force or require someone to do something.”
// They needed help organizing the event, and I was happy to *oblige*.
// The law *obliges* the government to make this information public.
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redolent
*adjective* | RED-uh-lunt
As a synonym of [*aromatic*](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=tr_502cbd0b-d867-4a8d-a32e-fd7d31b863b3&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyrbjdxpp2x39cczqax3dbxhp2vbgc5mpevhxdtjqewvccnu78tbj4tuq8vazdnjp8ubndmypavb1d5p2cxbmdnfq6vvne9hpafbqdxu689knehpnyrvfdtu6avkm7nj6atk9dtmq8ubfdtu6ay3m4tuq8vazcnpp2ubc7mukjd1j6dk62r9rcrrparv5c4w36c1t60w3jt36c4rk6cv2c8v64&n=18), the word *redolent* can describe something that has a noticeable smell without specifying the scent, but more often it is accompanied by *of* or *with* and means “full of a specified fragrance,” as in “redolent with smoke.”
// No matter what time of year he visited, his grandmother’s house was always *redolent* of cloves and other warm spices.
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evanescent
*adjective* | ev-uh-NESS-unt
Something that is *evanescent* vanishes quickly like a vapor.
// The joy of winning the last game was *evanescent*, as the team quickly turned its focus to the upcoming championships.
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adulation
*noun* | aj-uh-LAY-shun
*Adulation* means extreme or excessive admiration or flattery.
// The movie star basked in the *adulation* of her many fans as she walked down the red carpet.
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credulous
*adjective* | KREJ-uh-lus
A *credulous* person is ready to believe things based on slight or uncertain evidence. A *credulous* thing, such as a report or statement, likewise shows that same readiness to believe.
// Margo smiled as she watched her *credulous* siblings listening with rapt attention to their aunt’s tall tales.
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festoon
*verb* | fess-TOON
*Festoon* means "to cover or decorate (something) with many small objects, pieces of paper, etc.," or "to hang decorative chains or strips on."
// Tiny wildflowers *festooned* the meadow.
// The students *festooned* the gymnasium with streamers and bunting for the dance.
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panacea
*noun* | pan-uh-SEE-uh
A *panacea* is something that is regarded as a [cure-all](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=tr_ef77304e-3271-4e3e-995d-0b79f68a7150&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyrvne9jjurbcdgzqax3dbxhp2vbgc5mpevhxdtjqewvccnu78tbj4tuq8vazdnjp8ubndmypavb1d5p2cxbmdnfq6vvne9hpafbqdxu689knehpnyrvfdtu6avkm7nj6atk9dtmq8ubfdtu6ay3m4tuq8vazcnpp2ubc7mukjd1j6dk62r9rcrrparv5c4w36c1t60w3jt36c4rk6cv2c8v64&n=18)—that is, a remedy for all ills or difficulties.
// The new program should help with the city's housing crisis, but it's no *panacea*.
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lout
*noun* | LOUT
A *lout* is a person who is both awkward and brutish.
// To get away from the obnoxious *louts* they'd been seated near, Jared and Fiona asked the waiter if they could be moved to another table.
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sumptuous
*adjective* | SUMP-shuh-wus
*Sumptuous* is used to describe things that are extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent.
// The hotel's most *sumptuous* suite overlooks the lush gardens and includes a palatial marble bathroom with a spa and a commodious, intricately tiled walk-in shower.
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arrogate
*verb* | AIR-uh-gayt
*Arrogate* is a formal word that usually means "to take or claim (something, such as a right or a privilege) in a way that is not fair or legal."
// The city council has accused the mayor of *arrogating* to himself decision-making authority that rightly belongs with the council.
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vocation
*noun* | voh-KAY-shun
*Vocation* can refer simply to an occupation, or it can refer to a strong desire to pursue a particular kind of work or course of action.
// Since he was a teenager, he knew that he would find his *vocation* in religious work.
// She is headed to medical school to pursue her *vocation* as a doctor.
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fidelity
*noun* | fuh-DELL-uh-tee
*Fidelity* refers to the quality or state of being [faithful](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=tr_776633a1-84a4-4abd-9ef4-a06adeafd9f3&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjytk1d5u6gtkndghpgc9zenu6uqv3c5pq0rb9cxq3uvk5extprtbmehjq49knehpnyvb5chmqav9xcnpp2ubc4tuq8vazedqqawk3cmyqevvmcgk7ax3dbxhpyvkmcnq78fb4cnk6jvk9ehmpyvkmcnw789knehpnytbdc5mprf9n74u34cv6c5gkgthhcnhpar9r6cr3jc1r75j6cr9h6ctp4rhpc8&n=18) to someone, such as a spouse, or something, such as one's country. *Fidelity* can also refer to accuracy in details. When applied to electronic devices, *fidelity* is the degree to which those devices accurately reproduce something, such as sound or images.
// The movie takes full advantage of the film medium while maintaining *fidelity* to the book.
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behest
*noun* | bih-HEST
A *behest* is an authoritative order or an urgent prompting.
// The committee met again at the *behest* of the senator.
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decry
*verb* | dih-KRY
*Decry* is a formal word that means "to express strong disapproval of."
// The editorial *decried* the shuttering of the movie theater, which has been a local landmark for many years.
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perfunctory
*adjective* | per-FUNK-tuh-ree
*Perfunctory* is used to describe something that is done without energy or enthusiasm, as a duty or out of habit.
// Clearly exhausted after a long day on her feet, our server gave us only a *perfunctory* greeting before taking our drink orders.
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ephemeral
*adjective* | ih-FEM-uh-rul
*Ephemeral* means "lasting a very short time."
// The performance was not recorded, a fact that made its *ephemeral* nature all the more poignant.
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prescience
*noun* | PRESH-ee-unss
*Prescience* is the ability to see or anticipate what will or might happen in the future.
// Stacy had the *prescience* to know that the stock’s value wasn’t going to remain high forever, and she managed to sell it just before it started to decrease.
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garrulous
*adjective* | GAIR-uh-lus
*Garrulous* can mean ["chatty"](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=tr_00ab662a-a0b8-468d-b052-3e0bfb3657f6&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyrv8c5u78y9zenu6uqv3c5pq0rb9cxq3uvk5extprtbmehjq49knehpnyvb5chmqav9xcnpp2ubc4tuq8vazedqqawk3cmyqevvmcgk7ax3dbxhpyvkmcnq78fb4cnk6jvk9ehmpyvkmcnw789knehpnytbdc5mprf9n74u34cv6c5gkgthhcnhpar9r6cr3jc1r75j6cr9h6ctp4rhpc8&n=18) or "excessively talkative" when describing a person (or even a bird that calls or sings rapidly and constantly), or it can mean ["wordy"](https://encyclopaediabritannica.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=encyclopaediabritannica&m=tr_00ab662a-a0b8-468d-b052-3e0bfb3657f6&u=e1jq4wvfdtfmce236rv44chh5mukeca35mu4ae215n142hhg5mumad2274u34e216t1ka&r2=d1u78w3k78qjyxvqewq6utbje9mp2v9dexjp4wvmcnt2wrvfdmqp8ub3ehmpyvk1e9wjyxvfe9j7jfvnehpnyrv1dnr62ub7drypwtbqedp6ax3mcnt2cxbmdnfputb4d5upufb5dngpjv16enu6uqvkdxuq4rv57nvpyx344tuq8vazcdqpwx35dtu3ut35ctmpwubmd5qpwx35f1u2cxbmdnfpavb1d5p3ud9t6gt36tk1c4w6ccb5cdjp2e1k60wk0e1tchk62c9k6dh64dk2&n=19) when referring to a piece of language itself, such as a letter or speech.
// Annie’s *garrulous* and outgoing nature is a stark contrast to her brother’s more retiring demeanor.
// His *garrulous*, rapid-fire presentation hyping the new feature was exciting at first, but soon became repetitive and tiresome.
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emancipation
*noun* | ih-man-suh-PAY-shun
*Emancipation* is the act of freeing someone from the restraint, control, or power of another. It is especially used for the act of freeing someone from slavery.
// Jomo Kenyatta played a key role in the *emancipation* of Kenya from European rule in the 1960s and became the first president of the newly independent nation.
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