Vocab 12 Flashcards
propensity
(n) tendency
syn: inclination; predisposition; penchant
ant: aversion
Shela nurtured her propensity for hiking by relocating to the mountains.
condescending
(adj) displaying superiority; patronizing
syn: denigrating; degrading
ant:; respectful; honorable
The young employee never grew accustomed to his bosses’ condescending remarks.
compunction
(n) an uneasiness caused by guilt; a qualm
syn: regret
ant: none
Matt felt no compunction about stealing office supplies from work.
sepulcher
(n) a tomb or burial chamber
syn: crypt; catacomb; mausoleum
ant: none
The deceased baron was placed in a foreboding sepulcher at the edge of the cemetery.
bellicose
(adj) warlike; inclined to fight
syn: pugnacious; belligerent; hostile
ant: mild; passive; peaceful
Many of the crewmen were bellicose fellows looking for trouble.
pulchritude
(n) physical beauty
syn: loveliness; allure
ant: ugliness; repulsiveness
Milton was so taken by Lauren’s pulchritude that he couldn’t respond when she greeted him.
wizened
(adj) shriveled or withered from age or illness
syn: shrunken; gnarled
ant: sturdy; robust; stalwart
The wizened old captain had the craggy face of one who had spent a lifetime at sea.
rhapsodize
(v) to express oneself enthusiasticaly
syn: rave
ant: none
She couldn’t wait to go to work and rhapsodize about her recent engagement.
physiognomy
(n) facial features
syn: countenance; visage
ant: none
His physiognomy revealed that he was a person who had done a lot of laughing throughout his life.
voluble
(adj) talkative
syn: garrulous; fluent
ant: quiet; introverted
The voluble woman was obviously comfortable speaking in front of people.
revel
(v) to enjoy; to take pleasure in
syn: bask; delight; indulge
ant: grieve; lament
The home team reveled in the glory of winning the championship.
umbrage
(n) feeling of offense; resentment
syn: despleasure; ire; anger
ant: delight; pleasure
Widespread umbrage at the new law prompted legislators to re-evaluate it.
epiphany
(n) a revelation; sudden knowlege or insight
syn: none
ant: none
During an epiphany, John realized what he had been doing wrong throughout most of his adult life.
assiduous
(adj) diligent; persistent
syn: persevering; industrious
ant: lazy; negligent
The assiduous builder finally completed his home after six years of construction.
panacea
(n) a cure-all; a remedy for all diseases
syn: elixir; nostrum
ant: none
Some grandmothers believe that chicken soup is a panacea for almost any ailment.
