click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Unit 9 vocab
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| abate (v.) | to make less in amount, degree, etc.; to subside, become less; to nullify; to deduct, omit |
| adulation (n.) | praise or flattery that is excessive |
| anathema (n.) | an object of intense dislike; a curse or strong denunciation |
| astute (adj.) | shrewd, crafty, showing practical wisdom |
| avarice (n.) | a greedy desire, particularly for wealth |
| culpable (adj.) | deserving blame, worthy of condemnation |
| dilatory (adj.) | tending to delay or procrastinate, not prompt;i ntended to delay or postpone |
| egregious (adj.) | conspicuous, standing out from the mass (used usually in an unfavorable way) |
| equivocate (v.) | to speak or act in a way that allows for more than one interpretation; to be deliberately vague or ambiguous |
| evanescent (adj.) | vanishing, soon passing away; light and airy |
| irresolute (adj.) | unable to make up one's mind, hesitating |
| nebulous (adj.) | cloud-like, resembling a cloud; cloudy in color, not transparent; vague, confused, indistinct |
| novice (n.) | one who is just a beginner at some activity requiring skill and experience |
| penury (n.) | extreme poverty; barrenness, insufficiency |
| pretentious (adj.) | done for show, striving to make a big impression; claiming merit or position unjustifiably; making demands on one's skill or abilities, ambitious |
| recapitulate (v.) | to review a series of facts;to sum up |
| resuscitate (v.) | to revive, bring back to consciousness or existence |
| slovenly (adj.) | untidy, dirty, careless |
| supposition (n.) | something that is assumed or taken for granted without evidence |
| torpid (adj.) | inactive, sluggish, dull |