Unit 15 Level H Vocab

adumbrate

to outline or sketch broadly; to foreshadow or prefigure; to disclose partially

apotheosis

the elevation of a person to a divine rank or status; the glorification of a person as an ideal; a glorified ideal

ascetic

practicing strict self-denial for the sake of personal or spiritual discipline; one who leads a life of self-discipline, especially to express religious devotion

bauble

a small, showy ornament of little value or use

beguile

to mislead or deceive; to cheat; to diver; to cause to vanish unnoticed

burgeon

to put forth new buds, leaves, or greenery; to develop rapidly or suddenly

complement

something that completes a whole; the quantity or number needed to make up a whole; the full number or allowance; to complete

contumacious

obstinately or willfully disobedient; openly rebellious

curmudgeon

an irascible, churlish person

didactic

intended to instruct, especially morally; inclined to moralize too much

disingenuous

lacking in sincerity or candor

exculpate

to clear of guilt or blame

faux pas

a slip in manners or conduct; a social blunder

fulminate

to denounce or condemn vehemently; to explode, detonate

fustian

inflated or pretentious language in speech or writing; a cloth made of cotton and flax

hauteur

haughtiness of bearing or attitude

inhibit

to restrain or hold back; to hinder or arrest; to prohibit

jeremiad

an elaborate or prolonged lamentation; any tale of woe

opportunist

one who makes a practice of taking advantage of circumstances to further his or her own self-interest, regardless of principles or ultimate consequences

unconscionable

not guided or restrained by conscience, prudence, or reason; unscrupulous; immoderate