Vocab Builder Book

Question 1

preamble

Answer 1

an introduction to a text

Question 2

presage

Answer 2

to indicate something (usually bad) is about to happen

Question 3

prescient

Answer 3

having knowledge of something before it happens

Question 4

predilection

Answer 4

a special fondness; a tendency to think favorably of something in particular; partiality; preference:
a predilection for Bach.

Question 5

precipitate

Answer 5

rash, acting without thinking.
to hasten the occurrence of; bring about prematurely, hastily, or suddenly:
to precipitate an international crisis.
to cast down headlong; fling or hurl down.
to cast, plunge, or send, especially violently or abruptly:
He precipitated himself into the struggle.

Question 6

presentiment

Answer 6

a feeling that something (typically bad) is about to happen

Question 7

predicate

Answer 7

to be based on

Question 8

precedent

Answer 8

something that sets an example for how things are done in the future

Question 9

pretentious

Answer 9

acting more important than others by pretending to know more

Question 10

pretense

Answer 10

a claim or assertion not based on fact

Question 11

predecessor

Answer 11

one that comes before, often a person who previously held a position before passing it on to someone else

Question 12

precursor

Answer 12

something that comes before another; used only for things, not for people

Question 13

pretext

Answer 13

a reason given for something that is not the actual reason

Question 14

precocious

Answer 14

developing early (usually in terms of ability)

Question 15

preclude

Answer 15

to make it impossible for something to happen

Question 16

tantalize

Answer 16

to torment someone with something they want without ever giving it to them

Question 17

pyrrhic

Answer 17

a victory that comes with a heavy cost

Question 18

laconic

Answer 18

using as few words as possible when speaking

Question 19

draconian

Answer 19

extremely strict, as laws or rules

Question 20

jeremiad

Answer 20

long speech full of complaints

Question 21

cicerone

Answer 21

a guide who gives speeches to sightseers

Question 22

nemesis

Answer 22

one who constantly works to ensure another’s downfall

Question 23

platonic

Answer 23

a close relationship that has no romantic or sexual basis

Question 24

thespian

Answer 24

an actor

Question 25

spartan

Answer 25

lacking in comfort or flourishes (lifestyle or accommodations)

Question 26

juggernaut

Answer 26

an unstoppable, destructive force or thing

Question 27

maudlin

Answer 27

overly self-pitying, often used to describe someone who becomes sentimental when intoxicated

Question 28

hector

Answer 28

to bully, usually through words

Question 29

nonchalant

Answer 29

giving a sense of calmness and coolness

Question 30

adroit

Answer 30

skillful, either mentally or with one's hands

Question 31

chicaner

Answer 31

trickery or deception, usually in politics or where money is involved

Question 32

demur

Answer 32

to object to doing something

Question 33

insouciant

Answer 33

showing a lack of concern or interest

Question 34

arriviste

Answer 34

a person who is extremely ambitious and has recently acquired wealth or power

Question 35

parvenu

Answer 35

person who as recently gained status or celebrity

Question 36

rapport

Answer 36

understanding and similar feelings that exist between people or groups

Question 37

passe

Answer 37

no longer in fashion

Question 38

cache

Answer 38

collection of items hidden of stored away for future use

Question 39

raconteur

Answer 39

a skilled storyteller

Question 40

sortie

Answer 40

an attack from a defensive position

Question 41

gauche

Answer 41

clumsy and socially awkward

Question 42

sangfroid

Answer 42

utter calmness and composure, especially under pressure

Question 43

liaison

Answer 43

a person who helps two parties communicate

Question 44

envoy

Answer 44

a messenger, usually on a diplomatic mission

Question 45

sans

Answer 45

typically a facetious way of saying "without"

Question 46

filial

Answer 46

relating to the obligations of a son or daughter

Question 47

droll

Answer 47

odd and therefore amusing

Question 48

faux pas

Answer 48

an act or comment with embarrassing social consequences

Question 49

in lieu of

Answer 49

in place of, substitute

Question 50

enfant terrible

Answer 50

a person whose commentary or behavior is aimed to shock

Question 51

tete a tete

Answer 51

a private conversation between two people

Question 52

savior vivre

Answer 52

familiarity an ease with polite society

Question 53

savior faire

Answer 53

skill of saying and doing just the right thing in social situations

Question 54

esprit de corps

Answer 54

spirit of belongingness and pride of a tightly knit group