Vocabulary Week 12 Flashcards

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adulterate (verb)

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Definition: To make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance. Example: If you adulterate something, you mess it up. You may not want to adulterate the beauty of freshly fallen snow by shoveling it, but how else are you going to get to work?

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Cajole (verb)

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Definition: Influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering. Explanation: To cajole someone is to persuade them by using insincere compliments or promises. For example, saying "Please, pretty-please, I'll be your best friend," when asking for a stick of gum is an act of cajoling.

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copious (adjective)

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Large in number or quantity. Example: If you have a copious amount of something, you have a lot of it. If you take copious notes, you'll do well when it comes time for review sessions — unless you can't read your own handwriting.

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dictum (noun)

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An authoritative declaration. A dictum is a formal pronouncement, a rule, or a statement that expresses a truth universally acknowledged. For example, if the principal of your school issues a dictum declaring "no jeans in school," it means a formal rule has been established.

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Exaltation (noun)

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Definition: A state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion. Example: If the Prize Patrol showed up at your door with a check for a million dollars, you'd probably be overcome with a feeling of exaltation or overwhelming happiness.

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imperious (adjective)

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Having or showing arrogant superiority. Someone who is imperious gives orders in a way that shows they feel superior or more important than other people. For example, you might want the smartest kid in the class as your lab partner, but not if they have an imperious attitude and boss you around.

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mutinous (adjective)

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Characterized by a rebellion against authority. A mutiny is a revolt, when the led no longer obey the leader. To be mutinous is to behave this way, like when the entire class rises up against a substitute teacher.

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punctilious (adjective)

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Marked by precise accordance with details. A punctilious person pays attention to details, is always precisely on time, keeps their room perfectly neat, and never forgets important dates or deadlines.

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ungainly (adjective)

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Definition: Lacking grace in movement or posture. Explanation: Ungainly is the opposite of graceful, convenient, or easy. For example, a clumsy dancer boogies in an ungainly or awkward fashion.

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Prerogative (noun)

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A right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group, especially a hereditary or official right. Example: A prerogative is someone's special right or privilege. As Bobby Brown once sang, "I don't need permission / Make my own decisions / That's my prerogative."