Chapter 13 Vocabulary -- write word and part of speech -- write definition -- write example

Extremely difficult to understand abstruse (adj) Extremely difficult to understand

affront (n/v) An open or intentional insult To insult to one’s face To face in defiance, confront

canard (n) A false rumor Fabricated story

captious (adj) Excessively ready to find fault Given to petty criticism Intended to trap, confuse, or show up                        

Aware, knowledgeable, informed cognizant (adj) Aware, knowledgeable, informed Having jurisdiction

contrite (adj) Regretful for some misdeed or sin Plagued by a sense of guilt Thoroughly penitent

cynosure (n) The center of attraction, attention, or interest Something that serves to guide or direct

Well behaved, dignified, socially proper decorous (adj) Well behaved, dignified, socially proper

To think it appropriate or suitable to one’s dignity to do something deign (v) To think it appropriate or suitable to one’s dignity to do something Condescend

Divested of spirit or vitality desiccated (adj) Thoroughly dried out Divested of spirit or vitality Uninteresting

The power to produce a desired result efficacy (n) The power to produce a desired result

To bring into existence, give rise to, produce engender (v) To bring into existence, give rise to, produce Assume form

Suggesting what is heavenly ethereal (adj) Light, airy, delicate Highly refined Suggesting what is heavenly

facade (n) The front or face of a building A surface appearance (as opposed to what may lie behind)

ghoulish (adj) Revolting in an unnatural or morbid way Suggestive of someone who robs graves or otherwise preys on the dead

Not in keeping, unsuitable, incompatible incongruous (adj) Not in keeping, unsuitable, incompatible

machination (n) A crafty, scheming, or underhanded action designed to accomplish some (usually evil) end

To fascinate, enthrall, bewitch mesmerize (v) To hypnotize, entrance To fascinate, enthrall, bewitch

Disgrace arising from shameful conduct opprobrium (n) Disgrace arising from shameful conduct

putative (adj) Generally regarded as such; reputed Hypothesized, inferred