Wordly Wise Unit 1 Flashcards

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Apocryphal

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adj. Of dubious authenticity or origin; spurious.

Although we hear numerous stories of Daniel Boone's exploits, many of them are

apocryphal

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Arcane

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adj. Understood by only a few; mysterious.

To most people, the science of quantum physics is an arcane subject that is beyond

their grasp.

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Convene

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v. 1. To summon or cause to assemble.

The president has convened a meeting of his economic advisors for this Thursday.

2. To gather or assemble; to meet formally.

Student Council members convene on the first Monday of the month.

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Expedient

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adj. 1. Useful for some purpose; convenient.

Telephoning was the most expedient method of alerting Sara to our change of plan.

2. Concerned primarily or exclusively with serving one's own interests.

Given a choice, Raoul does what is expedient rather than what is right.

n . A means employed t o bring about a certain result.

A hot bath is a useful expedient for ameliorating sore muscles.

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Exude

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v. 1. To flow out slowly; to ooze or emit.

The pine branch exuded golden pitch after it was cut.

2. To give forth; to exhibit in abundance.

A good lawyer exudes confidence no matter how her case is going.

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Gesticulate

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v. To motion energetically with the body or limbs.

The traffic cop gesticulated to the waiting cars to proceed.

gesticulation n.

We were puzzled by Will's frantic gesticulations until we noticed the bee buzzing around

his head.

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Imperturbable

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a d j . C a l m a n d assured.

Picking up the phone to call the plumber, my mother remained imperturbable.

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Increment

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n. An increase, addition, or gain, often by regular, consecutive amounts.

Even small increments to a savings account add up to a substantial sum over time.

incremental adj. (in kra ment' l)

Incremental changes to the dosage of Sunil's medication were necessary to maintain its

effectiveness.

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Levity

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n. Excessive frivolity; a lack of seriousness; joking.

The atmosphere at the party was one of levity with much joking, laughter, and general

silliness

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Mortify

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v . To embarrass o r humiliate.

Jae Lee's fall to the ice just as he was ready to fire the puck past the goalie mortified him

for days.