Advanced Vocabulary List

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Salient

(adjective) Most noticeable, important, prominent, or conspicuous
The most salient feature of Mary's appearance is her Purple hair.


Tacit

(adjective) understood or implied but not specifically expressed.
When Max and Mary moved in together as roommates, they had a tacit agreement that they would share expenses.


Zeal

(noun) passion, or enthusiasm (usually in pursuit of a cause or objective)
Because of her zeal for chocolate, Mary got a job at the chocolate factory as a chocolate taster

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Cryptic

(adjective) mysterious, secret, or obscure in meaning
Mary's comments were so cryptic that I had no idea what she was saying.


Dichotomy

(noun) a division into two groups or parts or two opposing viewpoints
There is a sharp dichotomy of opinion on Max's ability to lead the government.


Disdain

(noun) contempt
Max has nothing but disdain for people like Mary

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Impugn

(verb) criticize; dispute the truth; call into question
The politician was very upset as she felt that her character had been impugned.


Malice

(noun) the desire to hurt others
Max has a great amount of malice towards the government.


Staunch

(adjective) strong, loyal and committed in attitude
Mary is one of Max's staunchest supporters

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Vilify

verb) to write or speak badly or abusively about
Max was vilified in all of the newspapers.


conundrum

(noun) a confusing problem or question
For some hot dog aficionados, why there are many different varieties of mustard but relatively few varieties of ketchup is a conundrum to ponder.


exploit

(verb) to make use of, take advantage of (unfairly profit from)
The policy of some corporations is to hire employees right out of school in order to exploit their eagerness and enthusiasm

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gullible

(adjective) easily persuaded to believe something
Max is so gullible. He believed me when I told him that I was running for president of the US.


impeccable

(adjective) perfect, flawless
Max is a person of impeccable character.


penchant

(noun) a strong habitual fondness for something
Max has a penchant for coffee and doughnuts

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plausible

(adjective) believable, possible
It doesn't seem plausible that your dog actually ate your homework.




scrutinize

(verb) to look over or inspect closely
When you sign the mortgage papers, be sure to scrutinize the fine print.


concoct

(verb) to make by combining different ingredients, create or devise
The story that Max concocted as an excuse for not doing his homework was preposterous but entertaining

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credence

(noun) belief that or acceptance that something is true
I don't give much credence to Max's stories.




devise

(adjective) to plan or invent
John devised a plan for a sure victory.


disengage

(verb) to detach or separate from something
Many people are pushing for the country to disengage its military from foreign lands

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rebuke

(verb) to express strong criticism or disapproval of (someone)
Mary rebuked her children for not cleaning their bedrooms.


sentiment

(noun) an opinion
I agree with your sentiment regarding global warming.


unilateral

(adjective) performed by a single person, group or country (an action or decision)
There is little support globally for a particular country taking unilateral action against another country

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expedite

(verb) to make something happen sooner (usually an action or process)
Max called the cable company to see if they could expedite the installation process.


flagrant

(adjective) outrageous or conspicuously offensive
Many politicians are in flagrant violation of the law. The basketball player committed a flagrant foul.


frugal

(adjective) thrifty, economical
If I had been more frugal, I could have saved enough money to buy a new car

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gregarious

(adjective) sociable, outgoing
Max is a very gregarious person. He likes to be around people.


misanthrope

(noun) a person who dislikes people and avoids people
Mary is a misanthrope. She hates being around people.


pacifist

(noun) a person who does not believe in war or violence.
Max got out of serving in the military by claiming that he was a pacifist