Word Meanings-Vocabulary

To arrogate is to take or claim something without justification. Claim is the correct meaning.

Nonchalant means feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed. Insouciant is a synonym meaning free from concern or anxiety.

Convalescence is the time spent recovering from an illness or medical treatment.

Table d'hote is a restaurant term for a fixed-price menu with limited choices, as opposed to a la carte.

A backlash is a strong and adverse reaction by a large number of people to a development or event.

To come a cropper is an idiom meaning to fail, fall, or come to ruin.

Keelhaul is a historical naval punishment involving dragging a person under the keel of a ship. It is used figuratively to mean punishing someone severely.

Exacerbate means to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse or more intense.

Labiate is a botanical term referring to plants of the mint family, characterized by flowers with two lips.

Joie de vivre is a French phrase meaning a cheerful enjoyment of life. It describes an exuberant enjoyment of existence.

Bunkum refers to empty, hollow, or insincere talk; it is synonymous with nonsense or claptrap.

Sotto voce is an Italian term meaning in a low voice or under the breath, often used to indicate that something is said quietly or privately.

Deleterious means causing harm or damage, often in a subtle or unexpected way.

A tad is an informal term meaning a small amount or a little bit.

Hirsute means covered with hair or shaggy.

Hauteur is a noun referring to haughtiness of manner; it implies disdainful pride or arrogance.

To masticate is the formal verb meaning to chew food.

Orotund describes something (usually speech or writing) that is pompous, pretentious, or full-sounding.

Parlous means full of danger or uncertainty; it is a synonym for perilous.

A damsel is a young, unmarried woman, often used in literary contexts.

Irascible describes a person who is easily angered or quick-tempered.

Tutelage refers to the act of guarding, protecting, or teaching; it implies instruction or guardianship.

A paean is a song of praise, triumph, or joy.

To dally means to act slowly or to flirt with someone.

Clammy describes something that is unpleasantly moist, cold, and sticky.