English Vocab Midterm (unit 1 & 2)

assuage

to make easier or milder, relieve; to quiet, calm; to put an end to, appease, satisfy quench

coalition

a combination or union, or merger for some specific purpose

decadence

decline, decay, or deterioration; a condition or period of decline or decay; excessive self-indulgence

hackneyed

used so often as to lack freshness or originality

innuendo

a hint, indirect suggestion. ore reference

lurid

causing shock, horror or revulsion; sensational pale or sallow in color; terrible or passionate in intensity or lack of restraint

petulant

peevish, annoyed by trifles; easily irritated and upset

proninvial

pertaining to an outlying area; narrow in mind or outlook

transcend

to rise above or beyond; exceed

umbrage

shade cast by trees; foliage giving shade; an overshadowing influence or power; offense; resentment; a vague suspicion

ameliorate

to improve, make better, correct a flaw or shortcoming

bombastic

pompous or overblown in language; full of high sounding words intended to conceal a lack of ideas

callow

without experience; immature, not fully developed; lacking sophistication and poise; without feathers

epitome

a summary, condensed account; an instance that represents a larger reality

exhort

to urge strongly, advise earnestly

ingratiate

to make oneself agreeable and thus gain favor or acceptance by others

lassitude

weariness of body or mind, lack of energy

occult

secret, hidden from view; not detectable by ordinary means; mysterious, magical; to hide or cover up

stringent

strict, severe; rigorously or urgently binding or compelling; sharp or bitter to the taste

surmise

to think or believe without certain supporting evidence; to conjecture or guess; likely idea that lacks definite proof