Vocab H6 Flashcards
abortive
(adj.) failing to accomplish an intended aim or purpose; only partially or imperfectly developed
bruit
(v.) to spread news, reports, or unsubstantiated rumors
contumelious
(adj. ) insolent or rude in speech or behavior; insultingly abusive; humiliating
syn: insolent, vituperative, scurrilous
dictum (pl: dicta)
(n. ) a short saying; an authoritative statement
syn: aphorism, axiom
ensconce
(v.) to settle comfortably and firmly in position; to put or hide in a safe place
iconoclastic
(adj. ) attacking or seeking to overthrow popular or traditional beliefs, ideas, or institutions
ant: orthodox
in media res
(adv. ) in or into the middle of a plot; into the middle of things
syn: inept, gauche
ant: dextrous, deft, tactful
internecine
(adj.) mutually destructive; characterized by a great slaughter and bloodshed
maladroit
(adj.) lacking skill or dexterity; lacking tact, perception or judgement
maudlin
(adj.) excessively or effusively sentimental
modulate
(v.) to change or vary the intensity or pitch; to temper or soften; to regulate, adjust
portentous
(adj. ) foreshadowing an event to come; causing wonder or awe self-consciously weighty, pompous
ant: auspicious
prescience
(n.) knowledge of events or actions before they happen; foresight
quid pro quo
(n.) something given in exchange or return for something else
salubrious
(adj. ) conducive to health or well-being; wholesome
ant: deleterious
