Vocab Junkie - Set 3 Flashcards
Learn this group of tough but common English vocab words - in chunks of 10 at a time. Just rate your confidence on each word, and it will repeat in an interval of time optimized for your brain's maximum retention. (100 cards)
1
Q
Define:
burnish
(bur-nish)
A
v. to polish or make shine
n. a shiny appearance
The store owner’s son’s only job was to burnish the statues in the window every day.
2
Q
Define:
buttress
(but-riss)
A
n. a supporting structure
v. to support or encourage
The parents decided to buttress the after-school programs that were in danger of ending by making donations.
3
Q
Define:
equivocate
(i-kwiv-uh-keyt)
A
v. to make vague, unclear statements
The mayor equivocated when confronted about his use of public funds.
4
Q
Define:
paragon
(par-uh-gon)
A
n. a model of excellence
The man was a paragon of virtue who had never stolen so much as a loaf of bread in his life.
5
Q
Define:
cacophony
(kuh-kof-uh-nee)
A
n. unpleasant, discordant sounds
The orchestra’s first attempt to play together was a cacophony of jarring notes.
6
Q
Define:
mawkish
(maw-kish)
A
adj. very sentimental
The group of graduating seniors was a mawkish sight, crying and taking hundreds of pictures.
7
Q
Define:
cajole
(kuh-djohl)
A
v. to make someone do something with flattery or promises
Mother cajoled her into driving the other children to school, promising to make her favorite dinner.
8
Q
Define:
dogmatic
(dawg-matt-ik)
A
adj. rigidly fixed in opinion or expression in an arrogant manner
The dogmatic theorist refused to listen to any other possibilities.
9
Q
Define:
calibrate
(kal-ih-brehyt)
A
v. to check or balance the scale of a measuring device with a standard scale
The new thermometer needed to be calibrated before it could be used.
10
Q
Define:
perdition
(per-dish-uhn)
A
n. a state of final spiritual ruin, loss of soul, damnation
n. hell
Poor moral choices led Johnny down the road to perdition.
11
Q
Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to polish or make shine
n. a shiny appearance
A
burnish
(bur-nish)
synonyms: polish, brighten
The jeweler used a cloth to burnish the gold until it gleamed.
The car’s new paint gave it a stunning burnish that caught everyone’s eye.
12
Q
Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
n. a supporting structure
v. to support or encourage
A
buttress
(but-riss)
synonyms: prop, support; bolster, reinforce
The architect added a buttress to the building to enhance its stability.
The team’s strong performance helped to buttress the coach’s confidence in their abilities.
13
Q
Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to make vague, unclear statements
A
equivocate
(i-kwiv-uh-keyt)
synonyms: evade, sidestep
When pressed for details, he chose to equivocate rather than give a direct answer.
14
Q
Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
n. a model of excellence
A
paragon
(par-uh-gon)
synonyms: archetype, ideal
She was regarded as a paragon of professionalism in her field.
15
Q
Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
n. unpleasant, discordant sounds
A
cacophony
(kuh-kof-uh-nee)
synonyms: noise, clamor
The cacophony of car horns and shouting vendors filled the bustling market.
16
Q
Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. very sentimental
A
mawkish
(maw-kish)
synonyms: emotional, mushy
The film’s mawkish scenes felt overly sentimental and clichéd.
17
Q
Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to make someone do something with flattery or promises
A
cajole
(kuh-djohl)
synonyms: coax, persuade, wheedle
She tried to cajole her friend into joining the trip with sweet talk.
18
Q
Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. rigidly fixed in opinion or expression in an arrogant manner
A
dogmatic
(dawg-matt-ik)
synonyms: arrogant, bullheaded, authoritarian
His dogmatic beliefs made it difficult for him to accept alternative viewpoints.
19
Q
Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to check or balance the scale of a measuring device with a standard scale
A
calibrate
(kal-ih-brehyt)
synonyms: align, balance, fix
The technician needed to calibrate the equipment to ensure accurate readings.
20
Q
Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
n. a state of final spiritual ruin, loss of soul, damnation
n. hell
A
perdition
(per-dish-uhn)
synonyms: hell, damnation, corruption, underworld
His reckless choices led him down a path of perdition, ultimately costing him everything.
The character’s actions were so misguided that they seemed destined for perdition.
21
Q
Define:
beseech
(bih-seech)
A
v. to request urgently
The dying man beseeched his family to visit him.
22
Q
Define:
canny
(can-ee)
A
adj. careful; shrewd
John was a canny negotiator; no matter how bad his bargaining position, he would always come out on top.
23
Q
Define:
seminal
(sem-uh-nl)
A
adj. original and influential
The seminal works of the artist developed into a new style of interpretation.
24
Q
Define:
cantankerous
(can-tang-kurr-us)
A
adj. difficult to handle; ill-tempered
The worst part about working in customer service was having to deal with irate, cantankerous callers.
25
# Define:
semantic
| (suh-**man**-tick)
adj. related to the meaning of words
## Footnote
Susan felt that the abortion debate had become too focused on _semantic_ arguments.
26
# Define:
serrate
| (**sare**-ate)
adj. having toothed edges
## Footnote
Kate used the _serrated_ edge of the knife to cut through the tough meat.
27
# Define:
sever
| (**sev**-er)
v. to cut off
## Footnote
Unfortunately, to prevent the infection from spreading, the doctors had to _sever_ the infected parts of the hand.
28
# Define:
sinuous
| (**sin**-you-us)
adj. twisting and winding
adj. not direct
## Footnote
The _sinuous_ path through the mountains was probably the most dangerous route to take.
29
# Define:
solicitude
| (suh-**liss**-ih-tood)
n. caring about others' well being
## Footnote
Though she claims not to have any feelings for Julio, she showed a great deal of _solicitude_ when she learned of his illness.
30
# Define:
solidarity
| (sol-ih-**dare**-ih-tee)
n. a feeling of camaraderie with others due to shared goals
## Footnote
Several townspeople expressed _solidarity_ with the union members by protesting with them.
31
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to request urgently
beseech
| (bih-**seech**)
## Footnote
synonyms: beg, appeal, plead
She had to _beseech_ her supervisor for an extension on the project deadline.
32
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. careful; shrewd
canny
| (**can**-ee)
## Footnote
synonyms: acute, cunning
Her _canny_ investment choices helped her accumulate substantial wealth.
33
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. original and influential
seminal
| (**sem**-uh-nl)
## Footnote
synonyms: landmark, fundamental, fertile
The _seminal_ research paper laid the groundwork for future studies in the field.
34
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. difficult to handle; ill-tempered
cantankerous
| (can-**tang**-kurr-us)
## Footnote
synonyms: crabby, cranky, aggressive
The _cantankerous_ old man often argued with his neighbors over trivial matters.
35
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. related to the meaning of words
semantic
| (suh-**man**-tick)
## Footnote
synonyms: linguistic, verbal
The discussion focused on the _semantic_ nuances of the term "freedom."
36
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. having toothed edges
serrate
| (**sare**-ate)
## Footnote
synonyms: a toothed edge or blade
The _serrate_ knife easily sliced through the crusty bread.
37
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to cut off
sever
| (**sev**-er)
## Footnote
synonyms: carve, disconnect, break off
The company decided to _sever_ ties with its unreliable supplier.
38
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. twisting and winding
adj. not direct
sinuous
| (**sin**-you-us)
## Footnote
synonyms: curved, circuitous, meandering
The _sinuous_ path through the forest led to a hidden waterfall.
The _sinuous_ route took longer but offered beautiful views along the way.
39
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
n. caring about others' well being
solicitude
| (suh-**liss**-ih-tood)
## Footnote
synonyms: consideration, watchfulness
Her _solicitude_ for her elderly parents was evident in her daily assistance.
40
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
n. a feeling of camaraderie with others due to shared goals
solidarity
| (sol-ih-**dare**-ih-tee)
## Footnote
synonyms: alliance, sympathy
The workers demonstrated _solidarity_ by striking together for better conditions.
41
# Define:
soluble
| (**sol**-yuh-bull)
adj. capable of being dissolved in a liquid
adj. capable of being solved
## Footnote
Certain medicines are _soluble_ in water so they can be taken with ease.
42
# Define:
solvent
| (**sol**-vunt)
adj. able to meet financial obligations
n. a substance that can dissolve other substances
## Footnote
To remain _solvent_, the business was forced to sell its overseas operations.
43
# Define:
soporific
| (sop-uh-**riff**-ik)
adj. able to cause sleepiness
n. a substance that causes sleepiness
## Footnote
Bill's new cold medication has _soporific_ side effects that interfere with his ability to drive.
44
# Define:
emulate
| (**em**-yuh-lehyt)
v. to try to imitate or exceed another's actions
## Footnote
Nancy wanted to _emulate_ her older sister and so began to study more often.
45
# Define:
enamor
| (ih-**nam**-er)
v. to make infatuated; to cause to love
## Footnote
He was so _enamored_ of her that he thought about her every day.
46
# Define:
endemic
| (in-**dem**-ik)
adj. originating in, native to, particular to
## Footnote
There are some deadly diseases that are _endemic_ to the tropics.
47
# Define:
endow
| (in-**dow**)
v. to give (esp. an inheritance or genetic trait)
## Footnote
Christine's mother _endowed_ her with beautiful green eyes.
48
# Define:
dour
| (**doo**-er)
adj. harsh; gloomy, forbidding
adj. stern, humorless
## Footnote
The old headmaster never had anything but a _dour_ expression to offer.
49
# Define:
enervate
| (**in**-er-vehyt)
v. to make weaker
## Footnote
The heat _enervated_ the soccer players' strength with each passing minute, and by halftime most were in no condition to continue playing.
50
# Define:
insouciant
| (in-**soo**-see-uhnt)
adj. unconcerned, nonchalant, lighthearted
## Footnote
Michael's _insouciant_ attitude towards schoolwork led to poor test grades.
51
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. capable of being dissolved in a liquid
adj. capable of being solved
soluble
| (**sol**-yuh-bull)
## Footnote
synonyms: dispersable, dissolvable; solvable
The salt is _soluble_ in water, quickly dissolving when stirred.
The problem was complex but ultimately _soluble_ with careful analysis.
52
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. able to meet financial obligations
n. a substance that can dissolve other substances within itself
solvent
| (**sol**-vunt)
## Footnote
synonyms: financially stable, viable; dissolver
The company remained _solvent_ despite the recent economic downturn.
Water is often considered the universal _solvent_ due to its ability to dissolve many substances.
53
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. able to cause sleepiness
n. a substance that causes sleepiness
soporific
| (sop-uh-**rif**-ik)
## Footnote
synonyms: anesthetic, narcotic, sedative
The professor's _soporific_ lecture had many students struggling to stay awake.
The herbal tea acted as a _soporific_, helping her relax before bed.
54
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to try to imitate or exceed another's actions
emulate
| (**em**-yuh-lehyt)
## Footnote
synonyms: copy, mimic
She aimed to _emulate_ her mentor's leadership style in her own career.
55
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to make infatuated; to cause to love
enamor
| (ih-**nam**-er)
## Footnote
synonyms: fascinate, captivate
The charming book review seemed to _enamor_ her with the novel immediately.
56
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. originating in, native to, particular to
endemic
| (in-**dem**-ik)
## Footnote
synonyms: local, regional
Malaria is _endemic_ in certain regions of Africa, affecting local populations regularly.
57
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to give (esp. an inheritance or genetic trait)
endow
| (in-**dow**)
## Footnote
synonyms: provide, impart
The philanthropist chose to _endow_ the university with a substantial scholarship fund.
58
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. harsh; gloomy, forbidding
adj. stern, humorless
dour
| (**doo**-er)
## Footnote
synonyms: uninviting, severe
His _dour_ expression made it clear that he was displeased with the meeting's outcome.
The teacher's _dour_ demeanor left little room for laughter in the classroom.
59
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to make weaker
enervate
| (**in**-er-vehyt)
## Footnote
synonyms: tire, exhaust
The long hours in the heat began to _enervate_ the workers, leaving them exhausted.
60
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. unconcerned, nonchalant, lighthearted
insouciant
| (in-**soo**-see-uhnt)
## Footnote
synonyms: carefree, unworried
His _insouciant_ demeanor made it seem like he wasn't worried about the upcoming exam.
61
# Define:
evince
| (ih-**vins**)
v. to clearly prove something, to indicate
## Footnote
Her choice not to enter into an argument with him _evinced_ her maturity.
62
# Define:
enfranchise
| (in-**fran**-chahyz)
v. to give rights of citizenship, esp. the right to vote
## Footnote
When women were finally _enfranchised_, spontaneous celebrations occurred throughout the country.
63
# Define:
filigree
| (**fil**-ih-gree)
n. an ornamental work, esp. delicate and lacelike
v. to adorn
## Footnote
The wine glass was _filigreed_ with a delicate pattern of grape vines.
64
# Define:
engender
| (in-**djen**-dur)
v. to cause, to lead to
## Footnote
The poor ventilation in the factory _engendered_ health problems amongst the workers.
65
# Define:
apocryphal
| (uh-**pok**-ruh-fuhl)
adj. of dubious origin; of doubtful authenticity
## Footnote
I believe all stories of alien abduction are _apocryphal_.
66
# Define:
enmity
| (**en**-mih-tee)
n. strong mutual hatred
## Footnote
Great _enmity_ has existed between the two tribes for centuries, leading to untold bloodshed.
67
# Define:
aesthete
| (es-**theet**)
n. one with artistic sensibilities
## Footnote
The _aesthete_ was able to knowledgeably interpret the painting.
68
# Define:
estimable
| (**es**-tuh-muh-buhl)
adj. formidable, worthy
## Footnote
The team knew within the first few minutes that they faced an _estimable_ opponent.
69
# Define:
revile
| (ruh-**vahyl**)
v. to criticize with harsh or abusive language
## Footnote
Film critics _reviled_ the studio for gutting the director's artistic vision and replacing it with meaningless action sequences.
70
# Define:
indefatigable
| (in-duh-**fat**-ih-guh-buhl)
adj. incapable of becoming exhausted; tireless; dogged
## Footnote
The marathon runner was seemingly _indefatigable_, keeping up his brisk pace while competitors fell behind one after the other.
71
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to clearly prove something, to indicate
evince
| (ih-**vins**)
## Footnote
synonyms: declare, demonstrate
The evidence _evinced_ a strong connection between the two suspects.
72
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to give rights of citizenship, esp. the right to vote
enfranchise
| (in-**fran**-chahyz)
## Footnote
synonyms: empower, naturalize
The new legislation aimed to _enfranchise_ previously marginalized groups in the community.
73
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
n. an ornamental work, esp. delicate and lacelike
v. to adorn
filigree
| (**fil**-ih-gree)
## Footnote
synonyms: decoration, ornamentation; decorate
The antique necklace featured exquisite _filigree_, showcasing intricate lace-like designs.
The artisan chose to _filigree_ the silver box with delicate patterns.
74
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to cause, to lead to
engender
| (in-**djen**-dur)
## Footnote
synonyms: develop, generate, bring about
The new policy is expected to _engender_ greater collaboration among team members.
75
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. of dubious origin; of doubtful authenticity
apocryphal
| (uh-**pok**-ruh-fuhl)
## Footnote
synonyms: fictitious, doubtful
The story about the treasure was _apocryphal_, lacking any credible evidence.
76
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
n. strong mutual hatred
enmity
| (**en**-mih-tee)
## Footnote
synonyms: animosity, antagonism
The long-standing _enmity_ between the rival families made reconciliation nearly impossible.
77
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
n. one with artistic sensibilities
aesthete
| (es-**theet**)
## Footnote
synonyms: artist, connoisseur
As an _aesthete_, she spent her weekends visiting art galleries and attending performances.
78
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. formidable, worthy
estimable
| (**es**-tuh-muh-buhl)
## Footnote
synonyms: admirable, honored
Her _estimable_ contributions to the project earned her widespread respect from her peers.
79
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to criticize with harsh or abusive language
revile
| (ruh-vahyl)
## Footnote
synonyms: scold, criticize, abuse
The politician was _reviled_ by the public for his controversial statements.
80
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. incapable of becoming exhausted; tireless; dogged
indefatigable
| (in-duh-**fat**-ih-guh-buhl)
## Footnote
synonyms: untiring, active, persevering
Her _indefatigable_ spirit inspired the team to keep pushing forward despite the challenges.
81
# Define:
ensemble
| (on-**som**-bul)
n. a whole group formed by separate parts
## Footnote
The band was an _ensemble_ of classical violinists, guitarists, and a jazz pianist.
82
# Define:
effervescent
| (eff-er-**vess**-uhnt)
adj. emitting small bubbles
adj. lively, showing high spirits, vivacious
## Footnote
Stacy's _effervescent_ mind captivated everyone she met.
83
# Define:
enthrall
| (in-**thrawl**)
v. to captivate
v. to enslave
## Footnote
The singer's voice _enthralled_ the judges, who immediately awarded her first place in the contest.
84
# Define:
entreat
| (in-**treet**)
v. to plead
## Footnote
The rejected boy _entreated_ the girl to give him a second chance.
85
# Define:
extirpate
| (**ek**-ster-peyt)
v. to destroy, annihilate totally
v. to cut out by the roots
## Footnote
Modern thinkers have proposed to _extirpate_ religion from all political discourse.
86
# Define:
enumerate
| (ih-**new**-muh-rate)
v. to list items individually
## Footnote
Shocked by her decision, I asked her to _enumerate_ her reasons for firing him.
87
# Define:
internecine
| (in-ter-**neh**-seen)
adj. mutually destructive
adj. characterized by bloodshed and carnage
adj. relating to intra-group struggle
## Footnote
That country's _internecine_ struggle was only put to rest after many innocent people lost their lives.
88
# Define:
ephemeral
| (uh-**fem**-er-ul)
adj. lasting only a short while
## Footnote
Our joy at being let out for the weekend was only _ephemeral_, for we soon realized that we had a lot of studying to do for Monday.
89
# Define:
variegated
| (**vair**-ee-uh-gehyt-id)
adj. multicolored
adj. varied
## Footnote
The _variegated_ leaves were a sure sign that autumn had arrived.
90
# Define:
venerate
| (**ven**-uh-rehyt)
v. to respect deeply and honor
## Footnote
The children _venerated_ their grandfather and sought not to disappoint him.
91
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
n. a whole group formed by separate parts
ensemble
| (on-**som**-bull)
## Footnote
synonyms: band, collection, organization
The musical _ensemble_ performed beautifully, with each member contributing their unique talent.
92
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. emitting small bubbles
adj. lively, showing high spirits, vivacious
effervescent
| (eff-er-**vess**-uhnt)
## Footnote
synonyms: airy, foaming; spirited, bubbly
The _effervescent_ drink sparkled in the sunlight, enticing everyone to take a sip.
Her _effervescent_ personality lit up the room, making everyone feel more cheerful.
93
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to captivate
v. to enslave
enthrall
| (in-**thrawl**)
## Footnote
synonyms: absorb, enrapture, beckon, beguile
The magician's performance managed to _enthrall_ the entire audience.
The conqueror sought to _enthrall_ the defeated people, imposing strict control over their lives.
94
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to plead
entreat
| (in-**treet**)
## Footnote
synonyms: beg, request
She had to _entreat_ her boss for an extension on the project deadline.
95
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to destroy, annihilate totally
v. to cut out by the roots
extirpate
| (**ek**-ster-peyt)
## Footnote
synonyms: destroy, annihilate; remove, uproot
The invasive species was _extirpated_ from the region to restore ecological balance.
The gardener aimed to _extirpate_ the weeds to ensure healthy plant growth.
96
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to list items individually
enumerate
| (ih-**new**-muh-rate)
## Footnote
synonyms: count, list to review
The professor asked the students to _enumerate_ the key factors contributing to the economic crisis.
97
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. mutually destructive
adj. characterized by bloodshed and carnage
adj. relating to intra-group struggle
internecine
| (in-ter-**neh**-seen)
## Footnote
synonyms: civil, fratricidal, deadly, bloody, catastrophic
The _internecine_ conflict within the party weakened its chances in the upcoming election.
The civil war was marked by _internecine_ struggles that resulted in significant bloodshed.
The organization's _internecine_ disputes hindered its ability to achieve common goals.
98
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. lasting only a short while
ephemeral
| (uh-**fem**-er-ul)
## Footnote
synonyms: momentary, passing
The beauty of the sunset was _ephemeral_, fading quickly into the night.
99
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. appearing to have different colors
adj. varied
variegated
| (**vair**-ee-uh-gehyt-id)
## Footnote
synonyms: diverse, kaleidoscopic
The garden was filled with _variegated_ flowers, each displaying vibrant hues.
The artist's portfolio showcased a _variegated_ collection of styles and techniques.
100
# Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
v. to respect deeply and honor
venerate
| (**ven**-uh-rehyt)
## Footnote
synonyms: admire, esteem
The community came together to _venerate_ the late leader for his contributions.
