VOCABULARY UNIT #10

ACCRUEV.—to grow or accumulate over time; to happen as a natural result Synonym: collect; accumulate

We allowed the interest to accrue on the account until it turned into a small fortune.

ANNOTATIONn.—a critical or explanatory note or comment, especially for a literary work

Laurence Sterne’s novel Tristram Shandy has almost as many annotations as lines of text.

BEDLAMn.—a state or scene of uproar and confusion Synonym: commotion, chaos

Is this the same band that caused mob scenes and virtual bedlam on its first tour?

COVERTadj.—hidden, disguised, purposefully kept secret; shelteredn.—a sheltered place; a hiding place

Synonym: undercover

Napoleon was an expert at making covert preparations to attack unsuspecting opponents.

DEBONAIRAdj.—pleasant, courteous, lighthearted; smooth and polished in manner and appearance. Synonym: carefree; gracious

Quite a few debonair young men asked my cousin to dance.

DUNv.—to demand insistently, especially in payment of a debt Synonym: harass, hound, nag

Many of Charles Dickens’s characters are dunned by creditors because of their large debts.

EFFICACIOUSAdj.—effective, producing results Synonym: effectual, efficient, powerful,

potent

Not the most charming of senators, he nevertheless wielded the most efficacious knowledge of state laws.

EQUANIMITYn.—calmness, composure, refusal to panic Synonym: tranquility

Injustice always sent him into a rage, but he could endure misfortune with equanimity.

FORTUITOUSAdj.—accidental, occurring by a happy chance Synonym: unintentional, unplanned,

random

Due to a fortuitous drop in oil prices, the shipping company showed healthy profits for the year.

GISTn.—the essential part, main point, or essence Synonym: substance, core, nucleus

Would the talented fellow who keeps the back row in stitches please repeat the gist of what I said?

GRATUITOUSadj.—freely given; not called for by circumstances; unwarranted Synonym: unjustified; voluntary

Though she hoped to leave the lecture early, several members of the audience asked gratuitous questions, delaying her by an hour.

IMPERIOUSAdj.—overbearing, arrogant; seeking to dominate; compelling Synonym: domineering, urgent

The Wizard of Oz’s imperious manner masked the reality that he was a fussy little man behind a curtain.

INVECTIVEn.—a strong denunciation or condemnation; abusive languageadj.—abusive Synonym: abuse

He let loose his usual hail of invectives, a furious shower of comments that left everyone feeling a bit uncomfortable.

MOTLEYAdj.—showing great variety; composed of different elements or many colors Synonym: diverse

Tall and short, thick and thin, old and young, we share the family name but are a motley bunch indeed.

MUNIFICENTAdj.—extremely generous, lavish Synonym: bounteous, liberal

Nothing the volunteers said could save the program until our anonymous friend donated a munificent sum of money.

PROCRASTINATEv.—to delay, put off until later Synonym: stall

We all want to procrastinate when a task is no fun, but some people make delaying a way of life.

PROVOCATIVEAdj.—tending to produce a strong feeling or response; arousing desire or appetite; irritating, annoying Synonym: stimulating; vexing

The ideas presented in the film were so provocative that I thought about them for days.

RECONDITEAdj.—exceeding ordinary knowledge and understanding Synonym: complicated

The theories of relativity can seem recondite even for people who are well versed in the sciences.

REPROBATEn.—a depraved, vicious, or unprincipled person, scoundrelAdj.—corrupt or unprincipled Synonym: (n.) scoundrel

(adj.) immoral

Reprobates are usually more charming, funny, or thrilling in fiction than they are in real life.

SEDENTARYAdj.—characterized by or calling for continued sitting; remaining in one place Synonym: stationary

She exchanged her sedentary job in an office for a position as a swimming instructor.