Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Vocabulary: Fall #3

accomplice - a person who helps another to commit a crime
The accomplice to the murder was never found.

annihilate - destroy utterly; obliterate
The construction workers were given orders to annihilate the old building.

arbitrary - based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system
The definitions that the teacher gave seem arbitrary.

brazen - bold and without shame
The congressman went about his business with a brazen assurance.

catalyst - a person or thing that precipitates an event
The governor's speech acted as a catalyst for the debate.

exodus - a mass departure of people
When the bell rings at the end of class, there is a mini exodus.

facilitate - make (an action or actions) easy or easier
The assistant was hired to help facilitate the businessman's lifestyle.

incorrigible - not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed
If caught cheating, the test will become incorrigible.

latent - existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden; concealed
Meditation is the process of rediscovering, enjoying and finding the positive qualities that already lie latent within you.

militant - combative and aggressive in support of a political or social cause, and typically favoring extreme, violent or often confrontational methods
He was the third westerner to be killed by suspected Islamic militants in Saudi Arabia in a week.

morose - sullen and ill-tempered
He became morose and withdrawn and would not talk to anyone.

opaque - not able to be seen through; not transparent
The glass was very opaque and wouldn't allow for a view of the town.

paramount - more important than anything else; supreme
The interests of the child are of paramount importance.

prattle - talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way
The old women could prattle on all day.

rebut - claim or prove that (evidence or an accusation) is false
He had to rebut charges of acting for the convenience of his political friends.

reprimand - a rebuke, esp. an official one
In a relation to minor offenses or a first time offense you will receive a reprimand.

servitude - the state of being a slave or completely subject to someone more powerful
He imposed a sentence of fifteen years' penal servitude.

slapdash - done too hurriedly and carelessly
The students work was slapdash.

stagnant - showing no activity; dull and sluggish
The student was obviously very stagnant when it came to his work.

succumb - fail to resist
He has become the latest to succumb to the strain.

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