VOCAB. UNIT

#13

ENGLISH 1

1

Generally regarded as such, reputed; hypothesized

- supposed, presumed

PUTATIVE

To think it appropriate or suitable to one’s dignity to do something; to condescend

- deem, stoop

DEIGN

Regretful for some misdeed or sin; plagued with a sense of guilt; thoroughly penitent

- remorseful

CONTRITE

Extremely difficult to understand

- esoteric, arcane, recondite

ABSTRUSE

Excessively ready to find fault; given to petty criticism; intended to trap or confuse

- faultfinding, nitpicking, carping

CAPTIOUS

A crafty, scheming, or underhanded action designed to accomplish some (evil) end

- plot, scheme, maneuver

MACHINATION

The center of attraction or attention; something that serves to guide or direct

- focus

CYNOSURE

Disgrace arising from shameful conduct; contempt

- infamy, dishonor, odium, shame

OPPROBRIUM

Thoroughly dried out; divested of spirit or vitality; dehydrated

- arid, shriveled, parched

DESICCATED

Aware, knowledgeable, informed; having jurisdiction

- conscious, acquainted

COGNIZANT

To hypnotize or entrance; to fascinate or enthrall

- bewitch

MESMERIZE

An open or intentional insult; to insult to one’s face

- To offend

AFFRONT

A false rumor; fabricated story

- hoax

CANARD

Light, airy, delicate, highly refined; suggesting what is heavenly (rather than earthbound)

- celestial, gossamer

ETHEREAL

To bring into existence, give rise to or produce

- beget, generate, cause, form

ENGENDER

Well-behaved, dignified, socially proper

- seemly, tasteful

DECOROUS

Revolting in an unnatural or morbid way; suggestive of someone who robs graves or otherwise preys on the dead

- fiendish, monstrousGHOULISH

The power to produce a desired result

- effectiveness, potency

EFFICACY

The front or face of a building; a surface appearance

-exterior, surface, mask; pretend

FACADE

Not in keeping; unsuitable or incompatible

- discordant, jarring

INCONGRUOUS ≈

Mesmerize

Opprobrium

Putative Machination

Facade Efficacy Ghoulish Ethereal

Canard Affront Abstruse Cognizant

Desiccated

Decorous

Incongruous

Cynosure

Deign Contrite Engender

Captious