Vocabulary Unit 3 American Literature

abominate To have an intense dislike or hatred for loathe despise detest -------------------------------- cherish esteem

acculturation the modification of the social patterns of one group or society by contact with those of another blend adaptation

adventitious resulting from chance rather than from an inherent cause accidental incidental fortuitous -------------------------------- intrinsic inherent

ascribe to refer to as a cause to attribute credit

circuitous roundabout indirect meandering winding ---------------------------- straight direct

commiserate to sympathize with have pity for have sorrow for empathize

enjoin to command to direct to prohibit -------------------------------- to allow to permit

Expedite To make easier To accelerate To speed up __________ To hinder To hamper

expiate to make amends to make up for to atone

ferment a state of great excitement to produce alcohol by chemical action

inadvertent unintentional accidental ---------------------- deliberate

nominal existing in name only too small to be considered or taken seriously inconsequential -------------------------------- real excessive

noncommittal not decisive not definite unwilling to take a clear position playing it safe -------------------------------- definite committed

peculate to steal something that has been given into one’s trust to take improperly for one’s own use embezzle misappropriate

proclivity a natural or habitual tendency propensity natural bent -------------------------------- inability incapacity

sangfroid --------------------- composure coolness in trying circumstances poise self-assurance --------------------- hysteria

seditious resistant to lawful authority mutinous rebellious ------------------------- loyal allegiant

tenuous ---------------------------- lacking clarity or sharpness of slight importance or significance vague hazy ---------------------------- solid substantial

vitriolic bitter sarcastic acerbic ------------------------- honeyed sugary

wheedle to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end cajole sweet-talk ---------------------------- coerce intimidate