Vocab

verb (used with object), ab·jured, ab·jur·ing. 1. to renounce, repudiate, or retract, especially with formal solemnity; recant: to abjure one's errors.

verb (used with object), ab·ro·gat·ed, ab·ro·gat·ing. 1. to abolish by formal or official means; annul by an authoritative act; repeal: to abrogate a law.

adjective 1. sour or astringent in taste: Lemon juice is acerbic.

noun sharpness, harshness, or bitterness of nature, speech, disposition, etc.: The speaker attacked him with great acrimony

noun keen insight; shrewdness: remarkable acumen in business matters.

verb (used with object), ad·um·brat·ed, ad·um·brat·ing. 1. to produce a faint image or resemblance of; to outline or sketch.

noun 1. cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness: We accepted the invitation with alacrity.

noun, plural a·nath·e·mas. 1. a person or thing detested or loathed: That subject is anathema to him.

noun, plural an·tip·a·thies. 1. a natural, basic, or habitual repugnance; aversion

noun 1. approval; commendation.

verb (used with object), ar·ro·gat·ed, ar·ro·gat·ing. 1. to claim unwarrantably or presumptuously; assume or appropriate to oneself without right: to arrogate the right to make decisions.

noun 1. a person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices extreme self-denial or self-mortification for religious reasons.

noun 1. a damaging or derogatory remark or criticism; slander: casting aspersions on a campaign rival.

adjective 1. constant; unremitting: assiduous reading.

verb (used with object) 1. to coax or influence by gentle flattery; cajole: They blandished the guard into letting them through the gate

noun 1. something to be thankful for; blessing; benefit

adjective abrupt in manner; blunt; rough: A brusque welcome greeted his unexpected return

• noun 1. a blow, as with the hand or fist.
• verb (used with object) 3. to strike, as with the hand or fist.
• verb (used without object) 6. to struggle with blows of hand or fist.

verb (used with object) 1. to polish (a surface) by friction

• noun 1. any external prop or support built to steady a structure by opposing its outward thrusts, especially a projecting support built into or against the outside of a masonry wall.
• verb (used with object) 5. to support by a buttress; prop up.