Vocab Ch. 1-4

Question 1

asperity

Answer 1

1. Sharpness or harshness of manner.

2. Roughness of surface; unevenness.

Question 2

bane

Answer 2

A person or thing that destroys or causes harm.

Question 3

buffoon

Answer 3

A person who often makes attempts to be funny; a clown; a fool.

Question 4

doleful

Answer 4

Mournful or full of sorrow; causing grief.

Question 5

extrovert

Answer 5

A person whose attention is focused on others and on what is going on around her or him, rather than on her or his own feelings.

Question 6

garish

Answer 6

Excessively bright and flashy; tastelessly glaring.

Question 7

hierarchy

Answer 7

A group or system in which positions of power are ranked, usually from lowest to highest.

Question 8

imbue

Answer 8

To fill completely with a feeling or idea; to inspire.

Question 9

instigate

Answer 9

To stir up or urge on; to provoke.

Question 10

penchant

Answer 10

A strong attraction or leaning.

Question 11

rambunctious

Answer 11

Behaving in a wild and unruly manner.

Question 12

repertoire

Answer 12

The list of pieces an actor, musician, etc., is ready to perform; the skills or accomplishments of a person or group.

Question 13

rudiment

Answer 13

1. A basic principle or skill.

2. An undeveloped or beginning stage.

Question 14

undermine

Answer 14

1. To weaken or ruin by degrees.

2. To attack by indirect, secret, or underhanded means.

Question 15

unremitting

Answer 15

Not stopping or slowing down; constant.

Question 16

adjudicate

Answer 16

To hear and decide judicially; to judge.

Question 17

centennial

Answer 17

A one-hundredth anniversary or its celebration.

Question 18

countenance

Answer 18

1. A person’s face; the expression on a person’s face.

2. Support or approval.

Question 19

disgruntle

Answer 19

To make dissatisfied; to put in a bad mood.

Question 20

equilibrium

Answer 20

A state of balance.

Question 21

expedite

Answer 21

To speed up a process; to facilitate.

Question 22

gird

Answer 22

1. To encircle, bind, or surround.

2. To get ready for action; to brace.

Question 23

gratuitus

Answer 23

1. Not called for; unnecessary.

2. Without charge; free.

Question 24

illusory

Answer 24

Unreal or imagined; deceiving.

Question 25

implacable

Answer 25

Incapable of being placated, soothed, or significantly changed; relentless.

Question 26

luminary

Answer 26

1. A source of light, especially from the sky, such as the sun or moon. 2. A person who is well known for her or his achievements; a celebrity.

Question 27

manifesto

Answer 27

A public statement explaining the intentions, motives, or views of an individual or group.

Question 28

mesmerize

Answer 28

To fascinate or hypnotize.

Question 29

precedent

Answer 29

An act or statement that may serve as an example or justification for a later one.

Question 30

spurious

Answer 30

Not genuine; false.

Question 31

curtail

Answer 31

To cut short or reduce.

Question 32

discriminate

Answer 32

1. To make or recognize clear distinctions. | 2. To treat in a less or more favorable way.

Question 33

espionage

Answer 33

The act of spying, especially a government spy obtaining secrets of another government.

Question 34

inalienable

Answer 34

Not able to be taken or given away.

Question 35

incarcerate

Answer 35

To confine or to put in prison.

Question 36

indignity

Answer 36

An insult to one’s pride; offensive or humiliating treatment.

Question 37

indiscriminate

Answer 37

Not marked by careful distinctions; haphazard.

Question 38

infamous

Answer 38

1. Having a very bad reputation; notorious. | 2. Disgraceful; vicious.

Question 39

intercede

Answer 39

To act or plead on another’s behalf; to try to smooth the differences between two parties.

Question 40

malign

Answer 40

1. To say negative and unfair things about; slander. | 2. Evil; showing ill will.

Question 41

perpetrate

Answer 41

To commit, as a crime or other antisocial act.

Question 42

rampant

Answer 42

Threateningly wild, without restraint or control; widespread.

Question 43

rancor

Answer 43

A deep, long-held feeling of hatred or bitterness.

Question 44

reparation

Answer 44

1. A mending or repair. | 2. (usually plural) A making up or payment for a wrong or damage done, especially in the case of an international war.

Question 45

smattering

Answer 45

1. Superficial, scattered knowledge. | 2. A small amount.

Question 46

accolade

Answer 46

An expression of approval or respect for special merit; an award.

Question 47

adamant

Answer 47

Not yielding; firm.

Question 48

adulate

Answer 48

To flatter or admire excessively; to idolize.

Question 49

altercation

Answer 49

A loud and determined dispute; a noisy quarrel.

Question 50

annals

Answer 50

A historical record of events, often arranged in a yearly sequence.

Question 51

assiduous

Answer 51

Diligent and persistent.

Question 52

chary

Answer 52

Exercising caution; hesitant.

Question 53

clique

Answer 53

A small, exclusive group; a group held together by like interests or purpose.

Question 54

decrepit

Answer 54

Worn-out with use; broken-down.

Question 55

endow

Answer 55

To provide with a quality, a thing, or a gift of money.

Question 56

ephemeral

Answer 56

Lasting a very short time.

Question 57

ingratiate

Answer 57

To work to gain the favor of someone.

Question 58

pantheon

Answer 58

A group of people held in high esteem for their great achievements.

Question 59

perverse

Answer 59

1. Turned away from what is right; wicked. | 2. Stubbornly opposing what is right or reasonable; obstinate.

Question 60

tutelage

Answer 60

Instruction, protection, or guardianship.