Honors English I Vocabulary Lesson 9: Boldness and Mildness

Brazen (adjective) Rudely bold; insolent. (Trans Verb) To face or undergo with bold or brash self-assurance. Example: Tom made brazen remark about the unattractive color of Hilda’s dress.

Complaisant (adjective) Showing a desire or willingness to please; cheerfully obliging; amiable Example: Miriam’s complaisant attitude made her an easy person to work with.

Conspicuous (adjective) Easy to notice; obvious Attracting attention by being unusual or remarkable. Example: The last to arrive, Patricia made a conspicuous entrance at the formal dinner party.

Docile (adjective) Easily managed or taught; gentle. Example: Because the puppy was unusually docile, the Smiths chose him as a pet for their child.

flamboyant (adjective) a. Exaggerated or high-flown in style or manner; showy. b. Highly elaborate; ornate. c. Richly colored; vivid Example: Zach was criticized for his flamboyant writing style.

Intrepid (adjective) Courageous; fearless; bold. Example: The intrepid adventurer risked her life exploring the jungles along the Amazon River.

Pacific (adjective) Promoting peace; peaceful; tranquil; serene. Example: The powerful nation’s pacific statements were reassuring to the weaker next-door neighbor.

Reserved (adjective) a. Quiet and restrained in manner. b. Held for a particular person or persons. Example: Instead of reacting angrily to the insulting remark, Eleanor answered Annie in a reserved way.

STrident (adjective) Having a shrill, harsh, and grating sound or effect. Example: The speaker’s strident voice irritated many members of the audience.

Unabashed (adjective) Not embarrassed or ashamed. Example: Forgetting his lines for the second time, Paul remained unabashed.