REA 002 Vocabulary – Chapter 7 and 8

equivocate John was known to equivocate when he was asked how he liked his new job. Be vague on purpose Be unclear Be deliberatively vague in order to mislead on purpose

fortuitous The 3M engineer made a fortuitous discovery which was marketed as sticky notes. Accidental Happening by chance, by accident or at random lucky

impeccable His record in school was impeccable! He was perfect in every way. Flawless Faultless perfect

liaison I acted as a liaison between the school district and the students. A link A person who serves as a connection between individuals or groups A go between

predisposed Sally had heard so much about the professor, so she was predisposed to hate him. Likely Tending toward or open to something beforehand Tending beforehand

propensity Jake had a propensity to spend money, so he gave his check to his wife to deposit. A readiness A natural preference or tendency

reprehensible The company’s failure to clean up the oil spill was reprehensible and drew harsh criticism. Shameful Blameworthy Deserving of blame or disapproval

sham The Internet site was a sham and preyed on people in need. Something false A pretense or counterfeit Something meant to deceive Imitation

solace Karen found solace in listening to her music. Relief Comfort in sorrow or misfortune Consolation

solicitous The older children were very solicitous when it came to watching out for their younger siblings. Attentive Showing or expressing concern, care, or attention

attrition Our class has had some attrition this semester. A natural loss of individuals A gradual decrease in numbers Becoming fewer in number

circumvent Fred tried to circumvent the system when he went right to the president of the company. Avoid by going around or as if by going around To escape from Prevent or stop through cleverness

cohesive The groups became really cohesive after three weeks together. Connected Sticking or holding together unified

grievous The death of a loved one is often a grievous event in a person’s life. Terrible Causing grief and pain Very serious or severe Causing pain

inundate The hurricane will inundate the town with water from the storm surge. To flood To cover, as by flooding Overwhelm with a large number or amount

oblivious The teacher was oblivious to the unhappiness of the class after they all failed the test. Not noticing Unaware Failing to notice

reticent The child was reticent to offer any further explanation after her parent yelled at her. Quiet or uncommunicative Reluctant to speak out

robust The economy was once robust, but in the past years has become weakened. Strong and well Healthy and strong vigorous

sanction The college did not sanction the class trip to Ybor City. To grant approval of To authorize, allow, or approve

vociferous The student was vociferous, shouting at the professor for giving her an F. Loud Noisy Expressing feelings loudly and intensely