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2. Vocabulary > Word of the Day > Flashcards

Flashcards in Word of the Day Deck (171)
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1
Q

incorrigible \in-KOR-uh-juh-bul

A

1 : incapable of being corrected, amended, or reformed
2 : not manageable : unruly
3 : unalterable, inveterate

2
Q

1 : incapable of being corrected, amended, or reformed
2 : not manageable : unruly
3 : unalterable, inveterate

A

incorrigible \in-KOR-uh-juh-bul

3
Q

shell game \SHEL-GAYM

A

1 : thimblerig played especially with three walnut shells

2 : fraud; especially : a swindle involving the substitution of something of little or no value for a valuable item

4
Q

1 : thimblerig played especially with three walnut shells

2 : fraud; especially : a swindle involving the substitution of something of little or no value for a valuable item

A

shell game \SHEL-GAYM

5
Q

unfettered \un-FET-erd\

A

free, unrestrained

6
Q

free, unrestrained

A

unfettered \un-FET-erd\

7
Q

cognoscente \kahn-yuh-SHEN-tee

A

a person who has expert knowledge in a subject : connoisseur

8
Q

a person who has expert knowledge in a subject : connoisseur

A

cognoscente \kahn-yuh-SHEN-tee

9
Q

tempestuous \tem-PESS-chuh-wus

A

of, relating to, or resembling a tempest : turbulent, stormy

10
Q

of, relating to, or resembling a tempest : turbulent, stormy

A

tempestuous \tem-PESS-chuh-wus

11
Q

lookism \LOOK-iz-um

A

prejudice or discrimination based on physical appearance and especially physical appearance believed to fall short of societal notions of beauty

12
Q

prejudice or discrimination based on physical appearance and especially physical appearance believed to fall short of societal notions of beauty

A

lookism \LOOK-iz-um

13
Q

halcyon \HAL-see-un

A

1 : calm, peaceful
2 : happy, golden
3 : prosperous, affluent

14
Q

1 : calm, peaceful
2 : happy, golden
3 : prosperous, affluent

A

halcyon \HAL-see-un

15
Q

recidivism \rih-SID-uh-viz-um

A

a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior; especially : relapse into criminal behavior

16
Q

a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior; especially : relapse into criminal behavior

A

recidivism \rih-SID-uh-viz-um

17
Q

space cadet \SPAYSS-kuh-DET

A

a flaky, lightheaded, or forgetful person

18
Q

a flaky, lightheaded, or forgetful person

A

space cadet \SPAYSS-kuh-DET

19
Q

fugacious \fyoo-GAY-shus

A

lasting a short time : evanescent

20
Q

lasting a short time : evanescent

A

fugacious \fyoo-GAY-shus

21
Q

eschew \ess-CHOO

A

to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds

22
Q

to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds

A

eschew \ess-CHOO

23
Q

accoutrement \uh-KOO-ter-munt

A

1 a : equipment, trappings; specifically : a soldier’s outfit usually not including clothes and weapons — usually used in plural
b : an accessory item of clothing or equipment — usually used in plural
2 : an identifying and often superficial characteristic or device — usually used in plural

24
Q

1 a : equipment, trappings; specifically : a soldier’s outfit usually not including clothes and weapons — usually used in plural
b : an accessory item of clothing or equipment — usually used in plural
2 : an identifying and often superficial characteristic or device — usually used in plural

A

accoutrement \uh-KOO-ter-munt

25
Q

epitome \ih-PIT-uh-mee

A

1 a : a summary of a written work
b : a brief presentation or statement of something
2 : a typical or ideal example : embodiment

26
Q

1 a : a summary of a written work
b : a brief presentation or statement of something
2 : a typical or ideal example : embodiment

A

epitome \ih-PIT-uh-mee

27
Q

pervade \per-VAYD

A

to become diffused throughout every part of

28
Q

to become diffused throughout every part of

A

pervade \per-VAYD

29
Q

troubadour \TROO-buh-dor

A

1 : a lyric poet or musician who performed chiefly in southern France and northern Italy in the 11th through 13th centuries
2 : a singer especially of folk songs

30
Q

1 : a lyric poet or musician who performed chiefly in southern France and northern Italy in the 11th through 13th centuries
2 : a singer especially of folk songs

A

troubadour \TROO-buh-dor

31
Q

damask \DAM-usk

A

1 : a firm lustrous fabric (as of linen, cotton, silk, or rayon) made with flat patterns in a satin weave on a plain-woven ground on jacquard looms
2 : hard elastic steel ornamented with wavy patterns and used especially for sword blades; also : the characteristic markings of this steel
3 : a grayish red

32
Q

1 : a firm lustrous fabric (as of linen, cotton, silk, or rayon) made with flat patterns in a satin weave on a plain-woven ground on jacquard looms
2 : hard elastic steel ornamented with wavy patterns and used especially for sword blades; also : the characteristic markings of this steel
3 : a grayish red

A

damask \DAM-usk

33
Q

menagerie \muh-NAJ-uh-ree

A

1 a : a place where animals are kept and trained especially for exhibition
b : a collection of wild or foreign animals kept especially for exhibition
2: a varied mixture

34
Q

1 a : a place where animals are kept and trained especially for exhibition
b : a collection of wild or foreign animals kept especially for exhibition
2: a varied mixture

A

menagerie \muh-NAJ-uh-ree

35
Q

proficient \pruh-FISH-unt

A

well advanced in an art, occupation, or branch of knowledge

36
Q

well advanced in an art, occupation, or branch of knowledge

A

proficient \pruh-FISH-unt

37
Q

boniface \BAH-nuh-fuss

A

the proprietor of a hotel, nightclub, or restaurant

38
Q

the proprietor of a hotel, nightclub, or restaurant

A

boniface \BAH-nuh-fuss

39
Q

hypnagogic \hip-nuh-GAH-jik

A

of, relating to, or occurring in the period of drowsiness immediately preceding sleep

40
Q

of, relating to, or occurring in the period of drowsiness immediately preceding sleep

A

hypnagogic \hip-nuh-GAH-jik

41
Q

shanghai \shang-HYE

A

1 a : to put aboard a ship by force often with the help of liquor or a drug
b : to put by force or threat of force into or as if into a place of detention
2 : to put by trickery into an undesirable position

42
Q

1 a : to put aboard a ship by force often with the help of liquor or a drug
b : to put by force or threat of force into or as if into a place of detention
2 : to put by trickery into an undesirable position

A

shanghai \shang-HYE

43
Q

gazette \guh-ZET

A

1 : newspaper
2 : an official journal
3 British : an announcement in an official gazette

44
Q

1 : newspaper
2 : an official journal
3 British : an announcement in an official gazette

A

gazette \guh-ZET

45
Q

maffick \MAF-ik

A

to celebrate with boisterous rejoicing and hilarious behavior

46
Q

to celebrate with boisterous rejoicing and hilarious behavior

A

maffick \MAF-ik

47
Q

verjuice \VER-jooss

A

the sour juice of crab apples or of unripe fruit; also : an acid liquor made from verjuice

48
Q

the sour juice of crab apples or of unripe fruit; also : an acid liquor made from verjuice

A

verjuice \VER-jooss

49
Q

benevolent \buh-NEV-uh-lunt

A

1 a : marked by or disposed to doing good
b : organized for the purpose of doing good
2 : marked by or suggestive of goodwill

50
Q

1 a : marked by or disposed to doing good
b : organized for the purpose of doing good
2 : marked by or suggestive of goodwill

A

benevolent \buh-NEV-uh-lunt

51
Q

catch-22 \KATCH-twen-tee-TOO

A

1 : a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule; also : the circumstance or rule that denies a solution
2 : an illogical, unreasonable, or senseless situation

52
Q

1 : a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule; also : the circumstance or rule that denies a solution
2 : an illogical, unreasonable, or senseless situation

A

catch-22 \KATCH-twen-tee-TOO

53
Q

mandarin \MAN-drin

A

1 : of, relating to, or typical of a public official in China
2 : marked by polished ornate complexity of language

54
Q

1 : of, relating to, or typical of a public official in China
2 : marked by polished ornate complexity of language

A

mandarin \MAN-drin

55
Q

ahimsa \uh-HIM-sah

A

the Hindu and Buddhist doctrine of refraining from harming any living being

56
Q

the Hindu and Buddhist doctrine of refraining from harming any living being

A

ahimsa \uh-HIM-sah

57
Q

exigent \EK-suh-junt

A

1 : requiring immediate aid or action

2: requiring or calling for much : demanding

58
Q

1 : requiring immediate aid or action

2: requiring or calling for much : demanding

A

exigent \EK-suh-junt

59
Q

exiguous \ig-ˈzi-gyə-wəs

A

excessively scanty : inadequate

60
Q

excessively scanty : inadequate

A

exiguous \ig-ˈzi-gyə-wəs

61
Q

ashram \ash-ˌram

A
  1. : a secluded dwelling of a Hindu sage; also : the group of disciples instructed there
  2. : a religious retreat
62
Q
  1. : a secluded dwelling of a Hindu sage; also : the group of disciples instructed there
  2. : a religious retreat
A

ashram \ash-ˌram

63
Q

sotto voce \ˌsä-tō-ˈvō-chē\

A

1: under the breath : in an undertone; also : in a private manner
2: very softly —used as a direction in music

64
Q

1: under the breath : in an undertone; also : in a private manner
2: very softly —used as a direction in music

A

sotto voce \ˌsä-tō-ˈvō-chē\

65
Q

divertissement \dih-VER-tiss-munt

A

1 : a dance sequence or short ballet usually used as an interlude
2 : an instrumental chamber work in several movements usually light in character
3 : diversion, entertainment

66
Q

1 : a dance sequence or short ballet usually used as an interlude
2 : an instrumental chamber work in several movements usually light in character
3 : diversion, entertainment

A

divertissement \dih-VER-tiss-munt

67
Q

alfresco \al-FRES-koh

A

Taking place or located in the open air; outdoor.

68
Q

Taking place or located in the open air; outdoor.

A

alfresco \al-FRES-koh

69
Q

pungent \PUN-junt

A

1 : having a sharp point
2 : marked by a sharp incisive quality
3 a : causing a sharp or irritating sensation
b : having an intense flavor or odor

70
Q

1 : having a sharp point
2 : marked by a sharp incisive quality
3 a : causing a sharp or irritating sensation
b : having an intense flavor or odor

A

pungent \PUN-junt

71
Q

slimsy \SLIM-zee

A

flimsy or frail

72
Q

flimsy or frail

A

slimsy \SLIM-zee

73
Q

spindly ˈspin(d)-lē, ˈspin-dəl-ē

A

1: of a disproportionately tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness
2: frail or flimsy in appearance or structure <a></a>

74
Q

1: of a disproportionately tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness
2: frail or flimsy in appearance or structure <a></a>

A

spindly ˈspin(d)-lē, ˈspin-dəl-ē

75
Q

tautology \tȯ-ˈtä-lə-jē

A

a : needless repetition of an idea, statement, or word b : an instance of tautology

76
Q

a : needless repetition of an idea, statement, or word b : an instance of tautology

A

tautology \tȯ-ˈtä-lə-jē

77
Q

primordial \prī-ˈmȯr-dē-əl

A

1 a : first created or developed : primeval 1 b : existing in or persisting from the beginning (as of a solar system or universe) <a> c : earliest formed in the growth of an individual or organ : primitive
2: fundamental, primary</a>

78
Q

1 a : first created or developed : primeval 1 b : existing in or persisting from the beginning (as of a solar system or universe) <a> c : earliest formed in the growth of an individual or organ : primitive
2: fundamental, primary </a>

A

primordial \prī-ˈmȯr-dē-əl

79
Q

miasmic \mī-ˈaz-mə, mē

A

1: a vaporous exhalation formerly believed to cause disease; also : a heavy vaporous emanation or atmosphere <a>
2: an influence or atmosphere that tends to deplete or corrupt ; also : an atmosphere that obscures : fog</a>

80
Q

1: a vaporous exhalation formerly believed to cause disease; also : a heavy vaporous emanation or atmosphere <a>
2: an influence or atmosphere that tends to deplete or corrupt ; also : an atmosphere that obscures : fog </a>

A

miasmic \mī-ˈaz-mə, mē

81
Q

withering \with·er·ing

A

acting or serving to cut down or destroy : devastating <a> <a></a></a>

82
Q

acting or serving to cut down or destroy : devastating <a> <a></a></a>

A

withering \with·er·ing

83
Q

pike \pīk (n)

A

1: pikestaff 1
2: a sharp point or spike; also : the tip of a spear
3: a large elongate long-snouted freshwater bony fish (Esox lucius) valued for food and sport and widely distributed in cooler parts of the northern hemisphere —called also northern, northern pike
4: a heavy spear with a very long shaft used by infantry especially in Europe from the Middle Ages to the 18th century

84
Q

1: pikestaff 1
2: a sharp point or spike; also : the tip of a spear
3: a large elongate long-snouted freshwater bony fish (Esox lucius) valued for food and sport and widely distributed in cooler parts of the northern hemisphere —called also northern, northern pike
4: a heavy spear with a very long shaft used by infantry especially in Europe from the Middle Ages to the 18th century

A

pike \pīk (n)

85
Q

pike \pīk (v)

A

1: to pierce, kill, or wound with a pike
2: to leave abruptly

86
Q

1: to pierce, kill, or wound with a pike
2: to leave abruptly

A

pike \pīk (v)

87
Q

ablution \ə-ˈblü-shən, a-

A

the washing of one’s body or part of it (as in a religious rite)

88
Q

the washing of one’s body or part of it (as in a religious rite)

A

ablution \ə-ˈblü-shən, a-

89
Q

vouchsafed \vau̇ch-ˈsāf, ˈvau̇ch-ˌ

A

1 a : to grant or furnish often in a gracious or condescending manner b : to give by way of reply
2: to grant as a privilege or special favor

90
Q

1 a : to grant or furnish often in a gracious or condescending manner b : to give by way of reply
2: to grant as a privilege or special favor

A

vouchsafed \vau̇ch-ˈsāf, ˈvau̇ch-ˌ

91
Q

crush (n)

A

a crowding together (as of people)

92
Q

a crowding together (as of people)

A

crush (n)

93
Q

amative \AM-uh-tiv

A

1 : strongly moved by love and especially sexual love
2 a : indicative of love
b : of or relating to love

94
Q

1 : strongly moved by love and especially sexual love
2 a : indicative of love
b : of or relating to love

A

amative \AM-uh-tiv

95
Q

wetware \WET-wair

A

the human brain or a human being considered especially with respect to human logical and computational capabilities

96
Q

the human brain or a human being considered especially with respect to human logical and computational capabilities

A

wetware \WET-wair

97
Q

nebulous \NEB-yuh-lus

A

1 : of, relating to, or resembling a nebula

2 : indistinct, vague

98
Q

1 : of, relating to, or resembling a nebula

2 : indistinct, vague

A

nebulous \NEB-yuh-lus

99
Q

festoon \fes-ˈtün

A

1
: a decorative chain or strip hanging between two points
2
: a carved, molded, or painted ornament representing a decorative chain

100
Q

1
: a decorative chain or strip hanging between two points
2
: a carved, molded, or painted ornament representing a decorative chain

A

festoon \fes-ˈtün

101
Q

pyrrhic \Pyr·rhic

A

achieved at excessive cost <a>; also : costly to the point of negating or outweighing expected benefits</a>

102
Q

achieved at excessive cost <a>; also : costly to the point of negating or outweighing expected benefits</a>

A

pyrrhic \Pyr·rhic

103
Q

canny \ˈka-nē

A

1

clever, shrewd

104
Q

1

clever, shrewd

A

canny \ˈka-nē

105
Q

joie de vivre \zhwä-də-ˈvēvrə

A

keen or buoyant enjoyment of life

106
Q

keen or buoyant enjoyment of life

A

joie de vivre \zhwä-də-ˈvēvrə

107
Q

codicil \ˈkä-də-səl, -ˌsil\

A

1: a legal instrument made to modify an earlier will
2: appendix, supplement

108
Q

1: a legal instrument made to modify an earlier will
2: appendix, supplement

A

codicil \ˈkä-də-səl, -ˌsil\

109
Q

borborygmus \bor-buh-RIG-mus

A

intestinal rumbling caused by moving gas

110
Q

intestinal rumbling caused by moving gas

A

borborygmus \bor-buh-RIG-mus

111
Q

hydromancy \HYE-druh-man-see

A

divination by the appearance or motion of liquids (as water)

112
Q

divination by the appearance or motion of liquids (as water)

A

hydromancy \HYE-druh-man-see

113
Q

wifty \WIF-tee

A

eccentrically silly, giddy, or inane : ditzys

114
Q

eccentrically silly, giddy, or inane : ditzys

A

wifty \WIF-tee

115
Q

yawp \YAWP

A

1 : to make a raucous noise : squawk

2 : clamor, complain

116
Q

1 : to make a raucous noise : squawk

2 : clamor, complain

A

yawp \YAWP

117
Q

Apostasy

A

The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief

118
Q

proselytizing

A

Convert or attempt to convert (someone) from one religion, belief, or opinion to another.
Advocate or promote (a belief or course of action): “Davis wanted to proselytize his ideas”.

119
Q

fever pitch

A

A state of extreme excitement.

120
Q

efflorescence

A

flower: the period of greatest prosperity or productivity

121
Q

bulwarks

A

A defensive wall.

A person, institution, or principle that acts as a defense.

122
Q

superannuated

A

Retire (someone) with a pension.

(of a post or employee) Belonging to a superannuation scheme.

123
Q

cavort

A

Jump or dance around excitedly: “monkeys leap and cavort in the branches”.
Apply oneself to sexual or disreputable pursuits: “he spent his nights cavorting with the glitterati”.

124
Q

panfallibility

A

the total and inevitable absence of certain knowledge from the methods social scientists use

125
Q

Inchoate

A

just begun and so not fully formed or developed

126
Q

Profligacy

A

recklessly wasteful; wildly extravagant, profligate behavior

127
Q

Sui Generis

A

being the only example of its kind, unique

128
Q

Austerity

A

severe and morally strict; the quality of being austere, having no pleasures or comforts

129
Q

Profligate

A

using money, resources, etc., in a way that wastes them

130
Q

Baldenfreude

A

Satisfaction derived from the misfortune of bald or balding individuals

131
Q

Opprobrium

A

harsh criticism, contempt

132
Q

Apostates

A

a person who abandons a belief or principle

133
Q

Internecine

A

causing destruction to both sides

134
Q

Soporific

A

causing sleep

135
Q

Peripatetic

A

going from place to place

136
Q

Nascent

A

beginning to exist, not fully developed

137
Q

Desultory

A

going from one thing to another, without a definite plan or purpose

138
Q

Redoubtable

A

deserving to be feared and respected

139
Q

Hubris

A

excessive pride

140
Q

Mirabile Dictu

A

wonderful to relate

141
Q

Crèches

A

a place where babies are looked after while their parents work, shop, etc

142
Q

Apoplectic

A

sudden loss of the ability to feel or move; adj: suffering from apoplexy; easily made angry

143
Q

Overhaul

A

to examine carefully and thoroughly and make any necessary changes or repairs; to come from behind and pass them

144
Q

Ersatz

A

used as a poor-quality substitute for something else, inferior to an original item

145
Q

Obstreperous

A

very noisy or difficult to control

146
Q

Jejune

A

too simple, naïve; dull, lacking nourishment

147
Q

Omertà

A

rule or code that prohibits speaking or revealing information, generally relates to activities of organized crime; sub; the Mafia

148
Q

Putative

A

generally supposed to be the thing specified

149
Q

Manichean

A

A believer in Manichaeism – an ancient Iranian Gnostic religion

150
Q

Canard

A

false report or rumour, aerofoil designs on certain airplanes

151
Q

Ubiquitous

A

seeming to be everywhere or in several places at the same time

152
Q

Atavistic

A

relating to the behavior of one’s ancestors in the distant past

153
Q

Renminbi

A

another name for the Chinese Yuan, official currency of People’s Republic of China

154
Q

Sanguine

A

hopeful, optimistic

155
Q

Antediluvian

A

very old-fashioned

156
Q

Cynosure

A

object or someone who serves as a focal point of attention and admiration, something that serves to guide

157
Q

Alacrity

A

eagerness or enthusiasm

158
Q

Epistemic

A

cognitive, relating to learning, or involving knowledge

159
Q

Egregious

A

exceptional, outstanding

160
Q

Incendiary

A

designed to set something on fire, tending to create public disturbances or violence

161
Q

Chimera

A

imaginary creäture composed of the parts of several different animals, wild or impossible idea

162
Q

Laconic

A

using few words

163
Q

Polemicist

A

person skilled in art of writing or speech, arguing cases forcefully

164
Q

Comity

A

mutual civility; amity, an atmosphere of social harmony, the policy whereby one religious sect refrains from proselytizing the members of another sect

165
Q

Provenance

A

the place that something originally came from

166
Q

Sclerotic

A

condition in which soft tissue in the body becomes abnormally hard

167
Q

Prescient

A

knowing or appearing to know about things before they happen

168
Q

Hegemony

A

control and leadership, by one country over others

169
Q

Verisimilitude

A

the appearance of being true or real

170
Q

Feckless

A

not able to manage things properly or look after oneself, not responsible enough

171
Q

Demarche

A

step or manoeuvre in political or diplomatic affairs