Vocab Flashcards
(23 cards)
adroit
skillful, expert in the use of the hands or mind
Many rodeo performers are twirling a rope while on horseback.
SYNONYMS: clever, deft, slick, dexterous
ANTONYMS: clumsy, inept, all thumbs
amicable
peaceable, friendly
Sometimes mediation by a neutral individual can lead to an settlement of a dispute.
SYNONYMS: congenial, neighborly, cordial
ANTONYMS: hostile, antagonistic
averse
having a deep-seated distaste; opposed, unwilling
You are not likely to become a marathon runner if you are averse to strenuous exercise.
SYNONYMS: disinclined, loath
ANTONYMS: favorably disposed, eager, keen
belligerent
given to fighting, warlike; combative, aggressive; one at war, one engaged in war
I did not expect such a belligerent answer to my request for directions.
SYNONYMS: assertive, truculent, pugnacious
ANTONYMS: peaceful, conciliatory, placid
benevolent
kindly, charitable
The newcomers had nothing but benevolent feelings toward all their neighbors.
SYNONYMS: benign, well-meaning
ANTONYMS: malicious, spiteful
cursory
hasty, not thorough
The mayor gave a final cursory glance at the text of her speech before mounting the podium.
SYNONYMS: quick, superficial, perfunctory
ANTONYMS: thorough, painstaking
duplicity
treachery, deceitfulness
We found it difficult to believe that our good friend could be capable of such duplicity.
SYNONYMS: double-dealing, chicanery
extol
to praise extravagantly
Many inspiring stories and plays have been written that extol the heroic deeds of Joan of Arc.
SYNONYMS: glorify, applaud, acclaim, hail
ANTONYMS: criticize, belittle, disparage
feasible
possible, able to be done
Our city needs to develop a feasible plan of action for dealing with storms and other emergencies.
SYNONYMS: workable, viable
ANTONYMS: unworkable, impractical
grimace
a wry face, facial distortion; to make a wry face
The grimace of the refugee in the photograph reveals the pain of homelessness.
SYNONYMS: pained expression, facial contortion
ANTONYMS: grin; beam
holocaust
a large-scale destruction, especially by fire; a vast slaughter; a burnt offering
Journalists at the time were eager to interview survivors of the Chicago holocaust.
SYNONYMS: conflagration, devastation, annihilation
ANTONYM: deluge
impervious
not affected or hurt by; admitting of no passage or entrance
It is best to store flour in a container with a plastic cover that is impervious to moisture.
SYNONYMS: impenetrable, resistant, proof against
ANTONYMS: porous, permeable, vulnerable
impetus
a moving force, impulse, stimulus
jeopardy
danger
Experienced mountain climbers know that in serious jeopardy, a single mistake can put an entire expedition in serious danger.
SYNONYMS: risk, hazard, peril
ANTONYMS: safety, security
meticulous
extremely careful; particular about details
If you have a full-time job outside of the home, you may find it exceedingly difficult to be a meticulous housekeeper.
SYNONYMS: fastidious, fussy
ANTONYMS: careless, negligent, sloppy
nostalgia
a longing for something past; homesickness
Looking at old scrapbooks and reading old letters can bring on a vague sense of nostalgia for days gone by and friends no longer near.
quintessence
the purest essence or form of something; the most typical example
retrogress
nä stal’ ja
A longing for something past; homesickness
Looking at old scrapbooks and reading old letters can bring on a vague sense of _______for days gone by and friends no longer near.
quintessence
the purest essence or form of something; the most typical example
Risking one’s own life to save the lives of others is considered the _______ of selfless valor.
SYNONYMS: paragon, exemplar
retrogress
to move backward; to return to an earlier condition
In the novel, the survivors of a nuclear explosion _______ into a state of barbarism and anarchy.
SYNONYMS: revert, degenerate, decline
ANTONYMS: advance, evolve, progress
scrutinize
to examine closely
Lawyers are paid to _______ legal papers and explain the fine print to their clients.
SYNONYMS: inspect, pore over
ANTONYMS: scan, glance at
tepid
lukewarm; unenthusiastic, marked by an absence of
A cup of tea will not warm you up on a chilly morning.
SYNONYMS: insipid, halfhearted
ANTONYMS: heated, enthusiastic tea
