Vocabulary Flashcard English II

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volatile

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Definition: Likely to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse. Example: The political situation in Syria became volatile after the armed rebels overtook the government.

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apathy

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Definition: Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Example: Julian's apathy towards her physics class was obvious; she no longer wanted to listen to the lectures.

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illuminate

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Definition: To make something clear or easier to understand. Example: Mrs. Seaward volunteered to illuminate the concept of marketing to her colleague.

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dire

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Definition: Extremely serious or urgent. Example: After their house fire, the family was left in dire living conditions.

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disparity

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Definition: A great difference. Example: There is a significant disparity between the salary of male and female movie producers in California.

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diverge

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Definition: To separate from another route and go in a different direction. Example: The two paths diverge at the fork in the road.

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precarious

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Definition: Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse. Example: The precarious situation of the economy made investors nervous.

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engulf

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Definition: To sweep over something so as to surround or cover it completely. Example: The floodwaters began to engulf the small town.

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context

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Definition: The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea. Example: Understanding the context of a word can help clarify its meaning.

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synonym

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Definition: A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. Example: 'Happy' is a synonym for 'joyful'.