Vocabulary Notes

Abhor

• Definition: To feel complete hatred.
• Example: John abhorred the smell of fish and never ate seafood.

Bigot

• Definition: A person intolerant of others' beliefs or opinions.
• Example: He's a bigot who refuses to accept other people's beliefs.

Counterfeit

• Definition: Fake or a forgery.
• Example: The police arrested a man for producing counterfeit currency.

Enfranchise

• Definition: To give someone the right to vote.
• Example: Women in Britain were first enfranchised in 1918.

Hamper

• Definition: To hinder or impede.
• Example: The rain hampered our plans for a picnic.

Kindle

• Definition: To start a fire burning.
• Example: She used a matchstick to kindle the firewood.

Noxious

• Definition: Harmful and potentially fatal.
• Example: Heavy industry pollutes rivers with noxious chemicals.

Placid

• Definition: Calm, peaceful, and quiet.

Remuneration

• Definition: Payment or compensation for work done.

Talisman

• Definition: A charm supposed to ward off evil or illness.

Abrasive

• Definition: Showing little concern for others' feelings.
• Example: She was a tough girl with an abrasive manner.

Bilk

• Definition: To cheat or defraud someone.
• Example: Consumers were bilked out of over $15,000.

Covert

• Definition: Secret or hidden.
• Example: Supplying covert military aid to rebels.

Engender

• Definition: To produce a particular feeling or situation.
• Example: Harsh criticism engendered feelings of resentment.

Hanger

• Definition: A large building or shed for housing aircraft.

Naughty

• Definition: Complex or difficult to solve.

Nuance

• Definition: A subtle difference in meaning, expression, or sound.

Plagiarism

• Definition: Representing someone else's work as one's own.

Renown

• Definition: Widely acclaimed; fame.
• Example: The actor achieved great renown for his role.

Tangent

• Definition: An entirely different topic.

Absolution

• Definition: Act of forgiving someone for wrongs.

Blatant

• Definition: Very obvious and offensive.

Credible

• Definition: Honest and believable.

Enigma

• Definition: Something mysterious or difficult to understand.

Harbinger

• Definition: A person or thing signaling the arrival of something.

Labyrinthine

• Definition: Describes a place like a maze.

Nuzzle

• Definition: To rub your nose against someone affectionately.

Plaudit

• Definition: Praise or acclamation.

Reprehensible

• Definition: Deserving blame or criticism.

Tardy

• Definition: Late.

Hottiness

• Definition: Arrogance or excessive pride.

Lacrimose

• Definition: Tearful or sorrowful.

Obfuscate

• Definition: To hide the truth.

Plethora

• Definition: An abundance or excess.

Repudiate

• Definition: To reject or refuse to accept.

Tedium

• Definition: Boredom from repetitive tasks.

Abstemious

• Definition: Exercising restraint in consumption.

Blythe

• Definition: Happy and carefree.

Crepuscular

• Definition: Related to twilight.

Enunciation

• Definition: Speaking words clearly.

Headstrong

• Definition: Disobedient or willful.

Lackluster

• Definition: Dull or uninspired.

Objective

• Definition: Unbiased or impartial.

Pliable

• Definition: Bendable but not breakable.

Rescind

• Definition: To cancel or revoke.

Temper

• Definition: To moderate or control mood.

Abstruse

• Definition: Difficult to understand.

Blunderbuss

• Definition: A clumsy or foolish person.

Cringe

• Definition: To shrink back in fear or pain.

Envenom

• Definition: To poison with venom.

Hedonism

• Definition: Pursuing pleasure as the highest good.

Laconic

• Definition: Using few words.

Oblique

• Definition: Slanting position or direction.

Plumage

• Definition: Feathers covering a bird's body.

Resignation

• Definition: The act of quitting a job.

Tenacious

• Definition: Not easily letting go or giving up.

Accolade

• Definition: A form of praise or award.

Bolster

• Definition: To support or strengthen.

Cryptic

• Definition: Mysterious or difficult to understand.

Ephemeral

• Definition: Lasting for a very short time.

Hedonist

• Definition: Someone who pursues pleasure as highest good.

Lamentation

• Definition: Expression of sorrow or regret.

Obliterate

• Definition: To remove or destroy all traces.

Plummet

• Definition: To drop sharply.

Resolution

• Definition: A decision or determination to do something.

Tentative

• Definition: Unsure or hesitant.

Acquiesce

• Definition: To agree or give in.

Bombast

• Definition: Pretentious or boastful talk.

Curtail

• Definition: To cut short or reduce.

Epicure

• Definition: A person who appreciates good food and drink.

Heed

• Definition: To listen to and follow advice.

Lampoon

• Definition: To publicly criticize with ridicule or satire.

Oblivious

• Definition: Unaware or unconscious of something.

Podium

• Definition: A raised platform for speakers.

Resonant

• Definition: Sound that is deep and rich.

Tenuous

• Definition: Weak or thin, having little substance.