Vocabulary – Sheet 2

Poignant: causing sadness or regret

Akin: of similar character

Inopportune: occurring at a time that isn’t appropriate

Enumerate: to mention one by one; to list

Jargon: special words used by a certain profession or group

Lassitude: a state of physical or mental weariness; tiredness

Pallor: unhealthy appearance; pale

Besotted: strongly infatuated

Insidious: proceeding in a gradual way with harmful effects

Arson: deliberately setting fire to property

Beseech: to ask for something urgently

Heinous: utterly odious or wicked

Seine: fishing net that hangs vertically in the water, with weights at the bottom and floats at the
top.

Niggard: stingy; not generous

Propriety: conforming to behavior that is socially acceptable

Proscribed: forbidden; denounced

Rummage: to search through something thoroughly

Verbose: using too many words; prolix; circumlocution

Glum: moody and melancholy; dejected

Veneration: respect due to age or wisdom

Priggish: sanctimonious

Deprecate: to express disapproval; remonstrate

Verisimilitude: the appearance or being true or real

Compunction: feeling guilty after a bad deed

Languid: slow and relaxed disposition

Avid: passionate; eager; showing keen enthusiasm for something

Preposterous: ridiculous

Perturbed: to feel unsettled; upset or anxious

Mirth: amusement expressed in laughter

Clandestine: done in secret; covert; hidden from sight

Aversion: a strong dislike or disinclination

Obdurate: obstinate; strongly unwilling to change one’s point of view; stubborn

Epigram: saying that is expressed in a clever and amusing way

Extemporize: to speak without preparation; to “free-style”

Libel: published false statements that are defamatory to one’s character

Gypped: to be cheated

Florid: having a red or flushed complexion

Prevaricate: to speak or act evasively; to go off topic so that the focus can be turned away from
one’s self

Subjugate: to bring under control or domination

Obfuscate: to render unclear; unintelligible; confusing

Sedulous: showing dedication and diligence; scrupulous

Promulgate: to promote or make widely known

Appellation: a name or a title

Sultry: hot and humid

Accoutrements: additional items or dress