Vocab Workout - Set 5 Flashcards
(20 cards)
Define:
intrepid
(in-trep-id)
adj. courageous
The intrepid naturalist routinely braved storms and mudslides to document new species.
Prefix: in- (meaning “not”), Root: trepid (from Latin trepidus, meaning “anxious” or “fearful”)
Define:
intrinsic
(in-trin-zik)
adj. related to an object’s essence
Unfortunately, some degree of inefficiency is intrinsic to all democracies.
Prefix: intra- (meaning “within”), Root: secus (from Latin, meaning “following”)
Define:
inure
(in-your)
v. to become accustomed to something negative or unpleasant
Nearby residents soon became inured to the noise from the construction project.
Prefix: in- (meaning “in” or “into”), Root: ure (from Latin usus, meaning “use”)
Define:
invective
(in-vek-tiv)
adj. verbally abusive
n. abusive or stern language
What this debate needs is a little less invective and a little more substance.
Prefix: in- (meaning “into”), Root: vehere (from Latin, meaning “to carry”)
Define:
irrevocable
(ih-rev-ih-kuh-bull)
adj. unable to be revoked; permanent
The laws the king decreed were irrevocable even after he left the throne.
Prefix: ir- (meaning “not”), Root: revocare (from Latin, meaning “to call back”), Suffix: -able (meaning “capable of”)
Define:
jocular
(jock-yuh-lur)
adj. related to jokes
The boy was popular with his classmates due to his cheerful, jocular nature.
Root: jocul (from Latin jocus, meaning “joke”), Suffix: -ar (forming adjectives)
Define:
kernel
(kur-null)
n. the central part of a situation or seed
The kernel of the matter was that she didn’t even know where to begin looking for a new house.
Root: kern (from Old English cyrnel, meaning “seed” or “core”)
Define:
lackluster
(lack-luss-tur)
adj. not lively; not bright
Tired from a long day, Susan gave a very lackluster performance during the dress rehearsal.
Root: lack (meaning “absence”), Root: luster (from Latin lustrare, meaning “to illuminate”)
Define:
refractory
(rih-frack-tuh-ree)
adj. stubborn; difficult to treat or handle
The doctors did not know how to deal with such a refractory infection.
Prefix: re- (meaning “again”), Root: fract (from Latin frangere, meaning “to break”), Suffix: -ory (forming adjectives)
Define:
regiment
(redj-ih-munt)
n. a military unit of troops
v. to enforce a strict order or conformity
Four army regiments occupied the city last week.
Root: regimen (from Latin, meaning “rule” or “system of order”)
Which vocabulary word means the following?
adj. courageous
Hint: starts with “i”
intrepid
synonyms: brave, heroic, fearless, dauntless, adventurous
The intrepid explorer ventured into the uncharted jungle without hesitation.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word.
The desire to learn is ________ to human nature.
Hint: The word starts with ‘i’.
intrinsic
intrinsic (in-trin-zik)
adj. related to an object’s essence
Which vocabulary word means the following?
v. to become accustomed to something negative or unpleasant
Hint: starts with “i”
inure
synonyms: desensitize, familiarize, habituate, harden, acclimate, condition
After years of working in harsh conditions, he became inured to the long hours and difficult tasks.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word.
The politician’s speech was filled with ________ against his opponents.
Hint: The word starts with ‘i’.
invective
invective (in-vek-tiv)
adj. verbally abusive
n. abusive or stern language
Which of your vocabulary words means the following?
adj. unable to be revoked; permanent
Hint: starts with “i”
irrevocable
synonyms: unchangeable, unalterable, final, binding, immutable
The decision to sell the house was irrevocable once the contract was signed.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word.
His ________ personality always lightened the mood at gatherings.
Hint: The word starts with ‘j’.
jocular
jocular (jock-yuh-lur)
adj. related to jokes
Which vocabulary word means the following?
n. the central part of a situation or seed
Hint: starts with “k”
kernel
synonyms: core, crux, essence, nucleus, heart
At the kernel of the argument was a misunderstanding about expectations.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word.
The movie’s ________ plot left the audience disappointed.
Hint: The word starts with ‘l’.
lackluster
lackluster (lack-luss-tur)
adj. not lively; not bright
Which vocabulary word means the following?
adj. stubborn; difficult to treat or handle
Hint: starts with “r”
refractory
synonyms: resistant, immune, unresponsive, obstinate, headstrong, intractable
The refractory patient refused to follow the doctor’s advice.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word.
The new manager ________ the office, ensuring that everyone followed the rules to the letter.
regimented
regiment (redj-ih-munt)
n. a military unit of troops
v. to enforce a strict order or conformity
