Vocab 2

Question 1

Irony

Answer 1

Irony – humorous situation arising from contradictions,

language that signifies the opposite

Question 2

Satire

Answer 2

Satire – use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose human faults

Question 3

Pun

Answer 3

Pun – humorous play on words that have the same sound (homonyms) but different meaning

Question 4

Sine qua non

Answer 4

Sine qua non – essential condition, absolutely necessary

(Latin: without which not)

Question 5

Paragon

Answer 5

Paragon – perfect example, model of excellence

(Italian: paragone = touchstone to try good gold form bad)

Question 6

Caveat emptor

Answer 6

Caveat emptor – buyer beware, sold as is

(Latin)

Question 7

Apocryphal

Answer 7

Apocryphal – of doubtful authenticity although widely made to be true

Question 8

Tautological

Answer 8

Tautological or Tautologous – needlessly repetitive

(Greek: tauto = same, logos = saying)

Question 9

Bellwether

Answer 9

Bellwether – leader or indicator of trends, trendsetter

(Bell placed around neck of a castrated male ship - ram (= a wether) who leads the flock.)

Question 10

Stealth

Answer 10

Stealth – cautious action or movement

Question 11

Surreptitious

Answer 11

Surreptitious – acquired by stealth, kept secret

(Latin: secretly seized)

Question 12

Carpe diem

Answer 12

Carpe diem – make the most of the present (Latin: seize the day)

Question 13

Existential

Answer 13

Existential – relating to or affirming existence

Question 14

Chicanery

Answer 14

Chicanery – use of deception (usually for money)

Question 15

Convivial

Answer 15

Convivial – lively, festive, cheerful, friendly

(Latin: con = with, vivere = live)

Question 16

Expound

Answer 16

Expound – present & explain

Question 17

Proclivity

Answer 17

Proclivity – natural inclination

Question 18

Accoutrement

Answer 18

Accoutrement – additional clothing or equipment, accessories