Vocabulary Week 17 Flashcards

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abysmal (adjective)

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Definition: Exceptionally bad or displeasing. Example: If you want to say something is really, really bad — then call it abysmal. If one person shows up to your party, well then that is an abysmal turnout.

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impertinence (noun)

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The trait of being rude and inclined to take liberties.

Example: You have to be sure your teacher has a good sense of humor before you criticize the way he dresses, otherwise, you might be scolded for your impertinence. Definition: Impertinence means "being rude, insolent, or inappropriately playful."

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usurp (verb)

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Definition: Seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession. Example: If you take over your neighbor's backyard and claim his in-ground swimming pool as your own, you might seize control of, or usurp his yard, but he'll probably call the cops on you.

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livid (adjective)

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Definition: Furiously angry. Additional Information: - The Latin root of "livid" means "bluish-gray" or "slate-colored." - "Livid" can also describe color, such as a livid bruise or a livid sea.

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Pallor (noun)

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Definition: Unnatural lack of color. Explanation: Pallor refers to the pale, sickly color of your skin, often caused by the flu, shock, stress, or spending extended time indoors.

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precept (noun)

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A rule of personal conduct.

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metamorphosis (noun)

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Definition: A striking change in appearance, character, or circumstances. Example: - When a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it undergoes metamorphosis. - Ideas and feelings can also undergo metamorphosis. - Spending a summer with your grandmother might change your feelings about her, representing a personal metamorphosis.

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pecuniary (adjective)

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Relating to or involving money. Example: If your grandfather's antique watch has pecuniary value, it's worth money — you could sell it for cash if you weren't sentimentally attached to keeping it.

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spurn (verb)

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Definition: To reject with contempt or disdain. Example: If you reject your mother's offer to buy you a pair of lederhosen with a snort and eye roll, you are spurning her generosity.

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vex (verb)

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Definition: To disturb, especially by minor irritations. Explanation: If something vexes you, it brings you trouble or difficulty. It can annoy, worry, distress, irritate, bother, or puzzle you.