vocab #9
Terms
undefined, object
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- solipsism
- The idea that one's own perceptions are the only meaningful reality. It was once used to describe a philosophical doctrine, but it has also been taken to mean "the practice of extreme self-centeredness."
- commensurate
- Having an equal measure; of equivalent duration or extent. Something that is comensurate with something else is of a proper scope or size by comparison.
- abscond
- To depart quickly and in secret, especially to avoid criminal charges.
- pragmatic
- Practical. Something that is pragmatic is useful or apt.
- affinity
- A natural attraction or inherent similarity between two things. To have an affinity for something is to like it almost by instinct, without any effort or thought.
- mnemonic
- Meant to aid in memory. As a noun, it is a device meant to make memorizing easier.
- machination
- A conniving plot. A crafty scheme meant to achieve an illicit end is a machination.
- oblique
- Angled; indirect. To make an oblique reference to something is to mention it glancingly, leaving the listener unclear as to the nature or context of the thing referred to.
- a capella
- Singing without musical accompaniment. Used as an adjective, it often refers to a rhythmic and highly inventive vocal style.
- bombast
- Haughty, overblown or pompous talk or writing. someone who engages in bombast indulges a taste for an exaggerated rhetorical style
- bohemian
- Unconventional; reminiscent of a lifestyle free of the restraints and concerns of mainstream society.
- ossify
- To harden or become bonelike. Literally, it means "to change into a bone," but it is often used to describe a rigidity of outlook or opinion.
- upbraid
- To criticize and assign blame (to a person). It means to scold.
- paradigm
- An example. It is an ideal instance or a pattern worthy of study.
- resonate
- To vibrate or sound in a way similar to something else. In addition, that which matches or complements an existing pattern can be said to resonate with that patter.
- punctilious
- Overly attentive to trifling details. Someone who takes great care to dispose of seemingly small matters in a formally correct way is punctilious.
- picayune
- Petty. Something that is trifling or unimportant is picayune.
- debacle
- Utter collapse or rout. It is a complete (often ludicrous) failure.
- espouse
- To advocate as though one's own. It can also mean to take in marriage.
- vitriolic
- Acidic (literally, but also in tone). Vitriolic speech or writing is harsh and caustic.