Word of the Day Flashcards
(174 cards)
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
epitome \ih-PIT-uh-mee
1 a : a summary of a written work
b : a brief presentation or statement of something
2 : a typical or ideal example : embodiment
26
1 a : a summary of a written work
b : a brief presentation or statement of something
2 : a typical or ideal example : embodiment
epitome \ih-PIT-uh-mee
27
pervade \per-VAYD
to become diffused throughout every part of
28
to become diffused throughout every part of
pervade \per-VAYD
29
troubadour \TROO-buh-dor
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
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
troubadour \TROO-buh-dor
31
damask \DAM-usk
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
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
damask \DAM-usk
33
menagerie \muh-NAJ-uh-ree
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
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
menagerie \muh-NAJ-uh-ree
35
proficient \pruh-FISH-unt
well advanced in an art, occupation, or branch of knowledge
36
well advanced in an art, occupation, or branch of knowledge
proficient \pruh-FISH-unt
37
boniface \BAH-nuh-fuss
the proprietor of a hotel, nightclub, or restaurant
38
the proprietor of a hotel, nightclub, or restaurant
boniface \BAH-nuh-fuss
39
hypnagogic \hip-nuh-GAH-jik
of, relating to, or occurring in the period of drowsiness immediately preceding sleep
40
of, relating to, or occurring in the period of drowsiness immediately preceding sleep
hypnagogic \hip-nuh-GAH-jik
41
shanghai \shang-HYE
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
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
shanghai \shang-HYE
43
gazette \guh-ZET
1 : newspaper
2 : an official journal
3 British : an announcement in an official gazette
44
1 : newspaper
2 : an official journal
3 British : an announcement in an official gazette
gazette \guh-ZET
45
maffick \MAF-ik
to celebrate with boisterous rejoicing and hilarious behavior
46
to celebrate with boisterous rejoicing and hilarious behavior
maffick \MAF-ik
47
verjuice \VER-jooss
the sour juice of crab apples or of unripe fruit; also : an acid liquor made from verjuice
48
the sour juice of crab apples or of unripe fruit; also : an acid liquor made from verjuice
verjuice \VER-jooss
49
benevolent \buh-NEV-uh-lunt
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
1 a : marked by or disposed to doing good
b : organized for the purpose of doing good
2 : marked by or suggestive of goodwill
benevolent \buh-NEV-uh-lunt
51
catch-22 \KATCH-twen-tee-TOO
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
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
catch-22 \KATCH-twen-tee-TOO
53
mandarin \MAN-drin
1 : of, relating to, or typical of a public official in China
2 : marked by polished ornate complexity of language
54
1 : of, relating to, or typical of a public official in China
2 : marked by polished ornate complexity of language
mandarin \MAN-drin
55
ahimsa \uh-HIM-sah
the Hindu and Buddhist doctrine of refraining from harming any living being
56
the Hindu and Buddhist doctrine of refraining from harming any living being
ahimsa \uh-HIM-sah
57
exigent \EK-suh-junt
1 : requiring immediate aid or action
| 2: requiring or calling for much : demanding
58
1 : requiring immediate aid or action
| 2: requiring or calling for much : demanding
exigent \EK-suh-junt
59
exiguous \ig-ˈzi-gyə-wəs
excessively scanty : inadequate
60
excessively scanty : inadequate
exiguous \ig-ˈzi-gyə-wəs
61
ashram \ash-ˌram
1. : a secluded dwelling of a Hindu sage; also : the group of disciples instructed there
2. : a religious retreat
62
1. : a secluded dwelling of a Hindu sage; also : the group of disciples instructed there
2. : a religious retreat
ashram \ash-ˌram
63
sotto voce \ˌsä-tō-ˈvō-chē\
1: under the breath : in an undertone; also : in a private manner
2: very softly —used as a direction in music
64
1: under the breath : in an undertone; also : in a private manner
2: very softly —used as a direction in music
sotto voce \ˌsä-tō-ˈvō-chē\
65
divertissement \dih-VER-tiss-munt
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
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
divertissement \dih-VER-tiss-munt
67
alfresco \al-FRES-koh
Taking place or located in the open air; outdoor.
68
Taking place or located in the open air; outdoor.
alfresco \al-FRES-koh
69
pungent \PUN-junt
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
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
pungent \PUN-junt
71
slimsy \SLIM-zee
flimsy or frail
72
flimsy or frail
slimsy \SLIM-zee
73
spindly ˈspin(d)-lē, ˈspin-dəl-ē
74
spindly ˈspin(d)-lē, ˈspin-dəl-ē
75
tautology \tȯ-ˈtä-lə-jē
a : needless repetition of an idea, statement, or word b : an instance of tautology
76
a : needless repetition of an idea, statement, or word b : an instance of tautology
tautology \tȯ-ˈtä-lə-jē
77
primordial \prī-ˈmȯr-dē-əl
1 a : first created or developed : primeval 1 b : existing in or persisting from the beginning (as of a solar system or universe) c : earliest formed in the growth of an individual or organ : primitive
2: fundamental, primary
78
1 a : first created or developed : primeval 1 b : existing in or persisting from the beginning (as of a solar system or universe) c : earliest formed in the growth of an individual or organ : primitive
2: fundamental, primary
primordial \prī-ˈmȯr-dē-əl
79
miasmic \mī-ˈaz-mə, mē
1: a vaporous exhalation formerly believed to cause disease; also : a heavy vaporous emanation or atmosphere
2: an influence or atmosphere that tends to deplete or corrupt ; also : an atmosphere that obscures : fog
80
1: a vaporous exhalation formerly believed to cause disease; also : a heavy vaporous emanation or atmosphere
2: an influence or atmosphere that tends to deplete or corrupt ; also : an atmosphere that obscures : fog
miasmic \mī-ˈaz-mə, mē
83
pike \pīk (n)
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
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
pike \pīk (n)
85
pike \pīk (v)
1: to pierce, kill, or wound with a pike
2: to leave abruptly
86
1: to pierce, kill, or wound with a pike
2: to leave abruptly
pike \pīk (v)
87
ablution \ə-ˈblü-shən, a-
the washing of one's body or part of it (as in a religious rite)
88
the washing of one's body or part of it (as in a religious rite)
ablution \ə-ˈblü-shən, a-
89
vouchsafed \vau̇ch-ˈsāf, ˈvau̇ch-ˌ
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
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
vouchsafed \vau̇ch-ˈsāf, ˈvau̇ch-ˌ
91
crush (n)
a crowding together (as of people)
92
a crowding together (as of people)
crush (n)
93
amative \AM-uh-tiv
1 : strongly moved by love and especially sexual love
2 a : indicative of love
b : of or relating to love
94
1 : strongly moved by love and especially sexual love
2 a : indicative of love
b : of or relating to love
amative \AM-uh-tiv
95
wetware \WET-wair
the human brain or a human being considered especially with respect to human logical and computational capabilities
96
the human brain or a human being considered especially with respect to human logical and computational capabilities
wetware \WET-wair
97
nebulous \NEB-yuh-lus
1 : of, relating to, or resembling a nebula
| 2 : indistinct, vague
98
1 : of, relating to, or resembling a nebula
| 2 : indistinct, vague
nebulous \NEB-yuh-lus
99
festoon \fes-ˈtün
1
: a decorative chain or strip hanging between two points
2
: a carved, molded, or painted ornament representing a decorative chain
100
1
: a decorative chain or strip hanging between two points
2
: a carved, molded, or painted ornament representing a decorative chain
festoon \fes-ˈtün
101
pyrrhic \Pyr·rhic
achieved at excessive cost ; also : costly to the point of negating or outweighing expected benefits
102
achieved at excessive cost ; also : costly to the point of negating or outweighing expected benefits
pyrrhic \Pyr·rhic
103
canny \ˈka-nē
1
| clever, shrewd
104
1
| clever, shrewd
canny \ˈka-nē
105
joie de vivre \zhwä-də-ˈvēvrə
keen or buoyant enjoyment of life
106
keen or buoyant enjoyment of life
joie de vivre \zhwä-də-ˈvēvrə
107
codicil \ˈkä-də-səl, -ˌsil\
1: a legal instrument made to modify an earlier will
2: appendix, supplement
108
1: a legal instrument made to modify an earlier will
2: appendix, supplement
codicil \ˈkä-də-səl, -ˌsil\
109
borborygmus \bor-buh-RIG-mus
intestinal rumbling caused by moving gas
110
intestinal rumbling caused by moving gas
borborygmus \bor-buh-RIG-mus
111
hydromancy \HYE-druh-man-see
divination by the appearance or motion of liquids (as water)
112
divination by the appearance or motion of liquids (as water)
hydromancy \HYE-druh-man-see
113
wifty \WIF-tee
eccentrically silly, giddy, or inane : ditzys
114
eccentrically silly, giddy, or inane : ditzys
wifty \WIF-tee
115
yawp \YAWP
1 : to make a raucous noise : squawk
| 2 : clamor, complain
116
1 : to make a raucous noise : squawk
| 2 : clamor, complain
yawp \YAWP
117
Apostasy
The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief
118
proselytizing
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
fever pitch
A state of extreme excitement.
120
efflorescence
flower: the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
121
bulwarks
A defensive wall.
| A person, institution, or principle that acts as a defense.
122
superannuated
Retire (someone) with a pension.
| (of a post or employee) Belonging to a superannuation scheme.
123
cavort
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
panfallibility
the total and inevitable absence of certain knowledge from the methods social scientists use
125
Inchoate
just begun and so not fully formed or developed
126
Profligacy
recklessly wasteful; wildly extravagant, profligate behavior
127
Sui Generis
being the only example of its kind, unique
128
Austerity
severe and morally strict; the quality of being austere, having no pleasures or comforts
129
Profligate
using money, resources, etc., in a way that wastes them
130
Baldenfreude
Satisfaction derived from the misfortune of bald or balding individuals
131
Opprobrium
harsh criticism, contempt
132
Apostates
a person who abandons a belief or principle
133
Internecine
causing destruction to both sides
134
Soporific
causing sleep
135
Peripatetic
going from place to place
136
Nascent
beginning to exist, not fully developed
137
Desultory
going from one thing to another, without a definite plan or purpose
138
Redoubtable
deserving to be feared and respected
139
Hubris
excessive pride
140
Mirabile Dictu
wonderful to relate
141
Crèches
a place where babies are looked after while their parents work, shop, etc
142
Apoplectic
sudden loss of the ability to feel or move; adj: suffering from apoplexy; easily made angry
143
Overhaul
to examine carefully and thoroughly and make any necessary changes or repairs; to come from behind and pass them
144
Ersatz
used as a poor-quality substitute for something else, inferior to an original item
145
Obstreperous
very noisy or difficult to control
146
Jejune
too simple, naïve; dull, lacking nourishment
147
Omertà
rule or code that prohibits speaking or revealing information, generally relates to activities of organized crime; sub; the Mafia
148
Putative
generally supposed to be the thing specified
149
Manichean
A believer in Manichaeism – an ancient Iranian Gnostic religion
150
Canard
false report or rumour, aerofoil designs on certain airplanes
151
Ubiquitous
seeming to be everywhere or in several places at the same time
152
Atavistic
relating to the behavior of one’s ancestors in the distant past
153
Renminbi
another name for the Chinese Yuan, official currency of People’s Republic of China
154
Sanguine
hopeful, optimistic
155
Antediluvian
very old-fashioned
156
Cynosure
object or someone who serves as a focal point of attention and admiration, something that serves to guide
157
Alacrity
eagerness or enthusiasm
158
Epistemic
cognitive, relating to learning, or involving knowledge
159
Egregious
exceptional, outstanding
160
Incendiary
designed to set something on fire, tending to create public disturbances or violence
161
Chimera
imaginary creäture composed of the parts of several different animals, wild or impossible idea
162
Laconic
using few words
163
Polemicist
person skilled in art of writing or speech, arguing cases forcefully
164
Comity
mutual civility; amity, an atmosphere of social harmony, the policy whereby one religious sect refrains from proselytizing the members of another sect
165
Provenance
the place that something originally came from
166
Sclerotic
condition in which soft tissue in the body becomes abnormally hard
167
Prescient
knowing or appearing to know about things before they happen
168
Hegemony
control and leadership, by one country over others
169
Verisimilitude
the appearance of being true or real
170
Feckless
not able to manage things properly or look after oneself, not responsible enough
171
Demarche
step or manoeuvre in political or diplomatic affairs
172
Parapet
low wall or barrier that extends above the edge of a roof, balcony, terrace, walkway, or bridge, primarily to prevent people from falling off
173
Ablutions
the act of washing oneself, which can be for hygiene or ritual purification purposes across various religions
174
Marauding
the behavior of roaming around in search of things to steal, kill, or destroy, often involving violence and plundering. It typically refers to groups or individuals who raid and ravage areas, causing harm and chaos
