Unit 10 Vocabulary Definitions

Accrue (v.)  We allowed the interest to accrue on the account until it turned into a small fortune.

Accrue (v.)  We allowed the interest to accrue on the account until it turned into a small fortune.  To grow or accumulate over time; to happen as a natural result

Annotation (n.)  Laurence Stern’s novel The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman has almost as many annotations as lines of text.

Annotation (n.)  Laurence Stern’s novel The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman has almost as many annotations as lines of text.  A critical or explanatory note or comment, especially for a literary work

Bedlam (n.)  Is this the same band that caused mob scenes and virtual bedlam on their first tour?  A state or scene of uproar and confusion

Covert (v.)  Napoleon was an expert at making covert preparations to attack unsuspecting opponents.

Covert (v.)  Napoleon was an expert at making covert preparations to attack unsuspecting opponents.  Hidden, disguised, purposefully kept secret; sheltered, secluded  CAN ALSO BE A NOUN – a sheltered place, a hiding place

Debonair (adj.)  Quite a few debonair young men asked my cousin to dance.

Debonair (adj.)  Quite a few debonair young men asked my cousin to dance.  Pleasant, courteous, lighthearted; smooth and polished in manner and appearance

Dun (v.)  Many of Charles Dickens’ characters are dunned by creditors because of their large debts.

Dun (v.)  Many of Charles Dickens’ characters are dunned by creditors because of their large debts.  To demand insistently, especially in payment of a debt  CAN ALSO BE A NOUN – a creditor  CAN ALSO BE AN ADJUCTIVE – dull, dark, drab, dingy

Efficacious (adj.)  Not the most charming of senators, he nevertheless wielded the most efficacious knowledge of statecraft.

Efficacious (adj.)  Not the most charming of senators, he nevertheless wielded the most efficacious knowledge of statecraft.  Effective, producing results

Equanimity (n.)  Injustice always sent him into a rage, but he could endure misfortune with equanimity.

Equanimity (n.)  Injustice always sent him into a rage, but he could endure misfortune with equanimity.  Calmness, composure, refusal to panic

Fortuitous (adj.)  Due to a fortuitous drop in oil prices, the shipping company showed healthy profits for the year.

Fortuitous (adj.)  Due to a fortuitous drop in oil prices, the shipping company showed healthy profits for the year.  Accidental, occurring by happy chance

Gist (n.)  Would the talented fellow who keeps the back row in stitches please repeat the gist of what I said?

Gist (n.)  Would the talented fellow who keeps the back row in stitches please repeat the gist of what I said?  The essential part, main point, or essence

Gratuitous (adj.)  Though she had hoped to leave the lecture early, several members of the audience asked gratuitous questions, delaying her by an hour.

Gratuitous (adj.)  Though she had hoped to leave the lecture early, several members of the audience asked gratuitous questions, delaying her by an hour.  Freely given; not called for by circumstances, unwarranted

Imperious (adj.)  The Wizard of Oz’s imperious manner failed him when he revealed himself as a fussy little man behind a curtain.

Imperious (adj.)  The Wizard of Oz’s imperious manner failed him when he revealed himself as a fussy little man behind a curtain.  Overbearing, arrogant; seeking to dominate; pressing, compelling

Invective (n./adj.)  It was his usual hail of invectives, a sort of furious, harmless shower that left the air a bit clearer.  As invective speeches go, this one displayed originality, vigor, and, here and there, some wit.

Invective (n./adj.)  It was his usual hail of invectives, a sort of furious, harmless shower that left the air a bit clearer.  As invective speeches go, this one displayed originality, vigor, and, here and there, some wit.  (n.) strong denunciation or condemnation; abusive language  (adj.) abusive

Motley (adj./n.)  Tal and short, thick and thin, old and young, we share the family name but are a motley bunch indeed.  To “put on motley” is to say what only a king’s jester would dare to say.

Motley (adj./n.)  Tal and short, thick and thin, old and young, we share the family name but are a motley bunch indeed.  To “put on motley” is to say what only a king’s jester would dare to say.  Adj.  showing great variety; composed of different elements or many colors  N.  A jester’s costume, jester

Munificent (adj.)  Nothing the volunteers said could save the program until our anonymous friend donated a munificent sum.

Munificent (adj.)  Nothing the volunteers said could save the program until our anonymous friend donated a munificent sum.  Extremely generous, lavish

Procrastinate (adj.)  We all want to procrastinate when a task is no fun, but some people make delaying a way of life.

Procrastinate (adj.)  We all want to procrastinate when a task is no fun, but some people make delaying a way of life.  To delay, put off until later

Provocative (adj.)  The ideas discussed in the film were so provocative that I thought about them long after I left the theater.

Provocative (adj.)  The ideas discussed in the film were so provocative that I thought about them long after I left the theater.  Tending to produce a strong feeling or response; arousing desire or appetite; irritating, annoying

Recondite (adj.)  The theories of relativity can seem recondite even for people who are well versed in the sciences.

Recondite (adj.)  The theories of relativity can seem recondite even for people who are well versed in the sciences.  Exceeding ordinary knowledge and understanding

Reprobate (n./adj./v.)  Reprobates are usually more charming, funny, or thrilling in fiction than they are in life.

Reprobate (n./adj./v.)  Reprobates are usually more charming, funny, or thrilling in fiction than they are in life.  A depraved, vicious, or unprincipled person, scoundrel  ADJ-wicked, corrupt, or unprincipled  V-to disapprove of, condemn

Sedentary (adj.)  She exchanged her sedentary job for a position as a swimming instructor.

Sedentary (adj.)  She exchanged her sedentary job for a position as a swimming instructor.  Characterized by or calling for continued sitting; remaining in one place