Vocab 19

Question 1

Ominous

Answer 1

Ominous – worrying impression that something bad is going to happen, threateningly inauspicious (unpromising)

Question 2

Inauspicious &

Auspicious

Answer 2

Inauspicious – unpromising, unlucky

Auspicious – likely to succeed, fortunate, prosperous

(Latin: auspex = bird seer who discover omens or signs)

Question 3

Benevolence

Answer 3

Benevolence – well meaning, kindness

(Latin: good will from bene = well, good & volentia/volēns/volō = I wish)

(E.g. “Gentleness, equanimity and benevolence were native to him.”)

Question 4

Epitome

Answer 4

Epitome – essence, perfect example of particular quality

(E.g. “The fashions presented were the epitome of the style of the 1930s.”)

Question 5

Equivocal & Unequivocal

Answer 5

Equivocal – ambiguous, uncertain, capable of varying interpretations

(Latin = equal voice)

(E.g. “The equivocal nature of her remarks.”)

Unequivocal – with no doubt, unmistakable, unambiguous, without question

(E.g. “An unequivocal answer.”)

Question 6

Antropomorph

Answer 6

Antropomorph – having human characteristics

(Greek: anthrōpos = human + morphē = form)

Question 7

Intransigence or Intransigent

Answer 7

Intransigence or Intransigent – uncompromising, refusing to agree or change one’s views

(Latin: in = not, transigere = come to understanding)

Question 8

Mirth

Answer 8

Mirth – amusement, especially as expressed in laughter

Question 9

Whimsical

Answer 9

Whimsical – capricious manner OR playfully quaint or fanciful in appealing & amusing way

Question 10

Wry

Answer 10

Wry – dry humour, mocking, contorted (twisted) or askew (not straight)

Question 11

Contort &

Askew

Answer 11

Contort – twist or bend

Askew – not straight, unlevelled

(E.g. “A spasm of pain contorted his face”

“Her hat was slightly askew.”)

Question 12

Hoax

Answer 12

Hoax – deception, humorous or malicious

Question 13

Liberal

Answer 13

Liberal – respect opinions different from one’s own AND political philosophy promoting democracy, individual rights & liberties & free enterprise

Question 14

Dictum

Answer 14

Dictum – short statement that expresses general truth or principle

(e.g. “An unexamined life is not worth living”. Socrates)

Question 15

Naive

Answer 15

Naive – lacking experience or judgement, ALSO natural, innocent

(Latin: nativus = native, natural)

Question 16

Humanity

Answer 16

Humanity – humankind, quality of being human, kindness

(Latin humanitas = human nature, kindness.)

Question 17

Culture

Answer 17

Culture – ideas, customs & social behaviour of society OR arts & other intellectual achievements regarded collectively

Question 18

Contention

Answer 18

Contention – heated disagreement

(E.g. “The captured territory was the main area of contention between the two countries.”)