Vocab List #1

Circumspect

careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences

Clandestine

marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy

Coerce

to compel to an act or choice, usually by force or threat

Collateral

property (such as securities) pledged by a borrower to protect the interests of the lender

Comely

pleasurably conforming to notions of good appearance, suitability, or proportion : having a pleasing appearance

Compatible

capable of existing together in harmony

Epigram

a concise poem dealing pointedly and often satirically with a single thought or event and often ending with an ingenious turn of thought

Epitaph

an inscription on or at a tomb or a grave in memory of the one buried there

Erode

to diminish or destroy by degrees

Estranged

having lost former closeness and affection: in a state of alienation from a previous close or familial relationship

Ambiguous

doubtful or uncertain especially from obscurity or indistinctness

Ample

generous or more than adequate in size, scope, or capacity

Analogy

comparison of two otherwise unlike things based on resemblance of a particular aspect

Anonymous

of unknown authorship or origin: lacking individuality, distinction, or recognizability

Antipathy

a strong feeling of dislike

Antithesis

the direct opposite

Apex

the highest or culminating point

Ardor

an often restless or transitory warmth of feeling

Ascertain

to find out or learn with certainty

Attest

to affirm to be true or genuine

Avarice

excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain

Badger

to harass or annoy persistently

Baroque

of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of artistic expression prevalent especially in the 17th century that is marked generally by use of complex forms, bold ornamentation, and the juxtaposition of contrasting elements often conveying a sense of drama, movement, and tension

Beguile

to deceive by false appearance

Benign

of a gentle disposition

Berate

to scold or condemn vehemently and at length

Betroth

to promise to marry

Bigotry

obstinate or intolerant devotion to one's own opinions and prejudices

Dais

a low platform for a lectern, seats of honor, or a throne.

Dauntless

incapable of being intimidated or subdued : fearless