Vocabulary Words World Literature Week 3 Urbane l

Vocabulary Words World Literature Week 3

Urbane l Cinderella felt very urbane at the party in her expensive ball gown.

Urbane Definition: adj. —refined in manner or style Synonym: suave, refined, cultured, sophisticated l Antonym: unsophisticated, crude, primitive l

Cogent Heidi’s cogent anecdote about hypocrisy helped several student’s understanding of The Scarlet Letter.

Cogent Definition: adj. —forceful, relevant, to the point l Synonym: logical, coherent, convincing l Antonym: unconvincing, ineffective, vain

Expunge My teacher promised to expunge the failing grade on my essay, if I submitted a new and improved version.

Expunge Definition: v. —to delete or blot out something unwanted Synonym: erase, delete, wipe out, destroy l Antonym: uphold, maintain, sustain l

Omniscient Most religions have an omniscient deity.

Omniscient Definition: adj. —knowing or seeming to know everything Synonym: all-knowing, all-seeing, wise l Antonym: naïve, oblivious, clueless l

Panacea Aspirin was considered to be a panacea when it was first developed.

Panacea Definition: n. —a supposed cure for all diseases or problems Synonym: cure-all, solution, remedy l Antonym: aggravate, worsen, exacerbate l

Diffident Suzy had a hard time making friends because she is so diffident.

Diffident Definition: v. —lacking self-confidence and rather shy, reserved or restrained in behavior Synonym: shy, timid, insecure l Antonym: outgoing, extrovert, brash, aggressive l

Pungent Blue cheese has a pungent aroma and flavor.

Pungent Definition: adj. —having a strong smell or a powerfully sharp or bitter taste l Synonym: overpowering, strong, l Antonym: bland, mild, weak

Temerity Despite the lifeguard’s warning, the surfer had the temerity to enter the water in the middle of a tropical storm.

Temerity Definition: v. — rashness or boldness l Synonym: nerve, audacity, impudence l Antonym: reserve, discretion

Truculent The terrorist’s truculent attack on September 1, 2001 shocked the world.

Truculent Definition: adj. —fierce and cruel, aggressive and deadly Synonym: defiant, hostile, surly, quarrelsome l Antonym: polite, courteous l

Unfeigned Mothers express an unfeigned love for their children.

Unfeigned Definition: v. —genuine, honest, not hypocritical, without pretense l Synonym: sincere, real, authentic l Antonym: corrupt, false, unfair