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Prep English-Mega Test #2
N/A
32
English
12th Grade
06/07/2011

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Cards

Term
Idiosyncrasy
Definition
a characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual
Term
Cosmopolitan
Definition
sophisticated or urbane
Term
Caustic
Definition
severely critical or sarcastic
Term
Pseudonym
Definition
a fictitious name used by an author to conceal his or her identity; pen name
Term
Diaphanous
Definition
very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent
Term
Iconoclast
Definition
a person who attacks cherished beliefs, traditional institutions, etc., as being based on error or superstition
Term
Aesthetics
Definition
the study of the mind and emotions in relation to the sense of beauty
Term
Sporadic
Definition
(of similar things or occurrences) appearing or happening at irregular intervals in time; occasional
Term
Plutocracy
Definition
the rule or power of wealth or of the wealthy
Term
Amorphous
Definition
lacking definite form; having no specific shape; formless
Term
Paradox
Definition
a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth
Term
Demagogue
Definition
a person, especially an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people
Term
Apocryphal
Definition
false; spurious
Term
Hierarchy
Definition
any system of persons or things ranked one above another
Term
Tautology
Definition
needless repetition of an idea, especially in words other than those of the immediate context, without imparting additional force or clearness
Term
Autocracy
Definition
government in which one person has uncontrolled or unlimited authority over others; the government or power of an absolute monarch
Term
Epithet
Definition
a word, phrase, or expression used invectively as a term of abuse or contempt, to express hostility, etc
Term
Ethnocentric
Definition
the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture
Term
Epitome
Definition
a person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class
Term
Microcosm
Definition
a little world; a world in miniature
Term
Autonomy
Definition
independence or freedom, as of the will or one's actions
Term
Neophyte
Definition
a beginner or novice
Term
Pedagogue
Definition
a teacher; schoolteacher
Term
Schism
Definition
division or disunion, especially into mutually opposed parties
Term
Monolith
Definition
something having a uniform, massive, redoubtable, or inflexible quality or character
Term
Antithesis
Definition
opposition; contrast
Term
Sophistry
Definition
a subtle, tricky, superficially plausible, but generally fallacious method of reasoning
Term
Psychosomatic
Definition
of or pertaining to a physical disorder that is caused by or notably influenced by emotional factors
Term
Ethereal
Definition
light, airy, or tenuous
Term
Anathema
Definition
a person or thing detested or loathed
Term
Epiphany
Definition
a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace
Term
Pedantic
Definition
overly concerned with minute details or formalisms, especially in teaching
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