VOCABULARY UNIT #10 ACCRUE V.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. ANNOTATION n.a critical or explanatory note or comment, especially for a literary work Laurence Sternes novel Tristram Shandy has almost as many annotations as lines
of text. BEDLAM n.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? COVERT adj.hidden, disguised, purposefully kept secret; sheltered n.a sheltered place; a hiding place Synonym: undercover
Napoleon was an expert at making covert preparations to attack unsuspecting opponents. DEBONAIR Adj.pleasant, courteous, lighthearted; smooth and polished in manner and appearance.
Synonym: carefree; gracious Quite a few debonair young men asked my cousin to dance. DUN v.to demand insistently, especially in payment of a debt Synonym: harass, hound, nag
Many of Charles Dickenss characters are dunned by creditors because of their large debts. EFFICACIOUS Adj.effective, producing results Synonym: effectual, efficient, powerful, potent
Not the most charming of senators, he nevertheless wielded the most efficacious knowledge of state laws. EQUANIMITY n.calmness, composure, refusal to panic Synonym: tranquility Injustice always sent him into a rage, but
he could endure misfortune with equanimity. FORTUITOUS Adj.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. GIST n.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? GRATUITOUS adj.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. IMPERIOUS Adj.overbearing, arrogant; seeking to dominate; compelling Synonym: domineering, urgent
The Wizard of Ozs imperious manner masked the reality that he was a fussy little man behind a curtain. INVECTIVE n.a strong denunciation or condemnation; abusive language adj.abusive
Synonym: abuse He let loose his usual hail of invectives, a furious shower of comments that left everyone feeling a bit uncomfortable. MOTLEY Adj.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. MUNIFICENT Adj.extremely generous, lavish Synonym: bounteous, liberal
Nothing the volunteers said could save the program until our anonymous friend donated a munificent sum of money. PROCRASTINATE v.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. PROVOCATIVE Adj.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. RECONDITE Adj.exceeding ordinary knowledge and understanding Synonym: complicated
The theories of relativity can seem recondite even for people who are well versed in the sciences. REPROBATE n.a depraved, vicious, or unprincipled person, scoundrel Adj.corrupt or unprincipled Synonym: (n.) scoundrel
(adj.) immoral Reprobates are usually more charming, funny, or thrilling in fiction than they are in real life. SEDENTARY Adj.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.
