Vocab 6

Question 1

Cupidity

Answer 1

Cupidity – greedy desire, for money or possessions

(Latin: cupidus = desirous)

Question 2

Hubris

Answer 2

Hubris – excessive pride or confidence, arrogance

(Greek)

Question 3

Cynosure

Answer 3

Cynosure – a guide or direction (north star), also centre of attention due to its beauty

Question 4

Poignant

Answer 4

Poignant – touching, moving, sad

(Old French: poindre = pricking)

Question 5

Non sequitur

Answer 5

Non sequitur – illogical conclusion

(Latin: it does not follow)

Question 6

Lexicon

Answer 6

Lexicon – vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge, dictionary

Question 7

Analogy

Answer 7

Analogy – figure of speech compering 2 things to explain & clarify

(can be created from metaphors or similes)

Question 8

Metaphor

Answer 8

Metaphor – figure of speech compering 2 things, often poetic

(something IS something else, e.g. Love IS a battlefield)

Question 9

Similie

Answer 9

Simile – figure of speech compering 2 things, type of a metaphor

(something is LIKE/AS something else, e.g. Life is LIKE a box of chocolates)

Question 10

Buttress

Answer 10

Buttress – support, reinforcement, increased strength of or justification for

(Buttresses = stone or brick props supporting a wall)

Question 11

Paradox

Answer 11

Paradox (antinomy) – self-contradictory statement with hidden truth

(E.g. “My weakness is my strength.”)

(Greek: Paradoxon = contrary opinion)

(E.g. “It is a curious paradox that professional comedians often have unhappy personal lives.:)

Question 12

Sceptical

Answer 12

Sceptical – doubting accepted opinions

(E. g. “Other archaeologists are sceptical about his findings.)

Question 13

Sarcastic

Answer 13

Sarcastic – ironic to mock or for humour

(E.g. “Wonderful,” was the sarcastic response.)

Remember: Irony – humorous situation arising from contradictions; expression using language that signifies the opposite

Question 14

Sardonic

Answer 14

Sardonic – mocking, sneering, NOT using irony, often facial expressions

(E.g. “His mouth twisted into a sardonic smile.”)

Question 15

Cynical

Answer 15

Cynical – distrustful of other’s sincerity, believing humans are motivated by self-interest

Question 16

Difference between

ironic, sarcastic & sardonic

Answer 16

Question 17

Gasconade

Answer 17

Gasconade – boasting, bragging

(French: talk like Gascon = brag)

Question 18

Enfranchise

Answer 18

Enfranchise – grant right to vote OR freedom from slavery

(E.g. “The civil rights laws were enacted to end discrimination and enfranchise equal rights to all citizens.”)

Question 19

Tempus fugit

Answer 19

Tempus fugit – time flies

(Latin: fugit inreparabile tempus = irretrievable time is flying)