What does the term altruistic mean?
unselfish, concerned with the welfare of others
Most people support altruistic programs to help the less fortunate of this world.
What is the verb form of assent?
to express agreement
Workers hope that the threat of a long strike will force management to assent to their demands.
Define benefactor.
one who does good to others
Without the help of many benefactors, most charities would be unable to carry out their work.
What does chivalrous describe?
marked by honor, courtesy, and courage; knightly
In today’s busy world, where people are often heedless of others, a chivalrous act is admired by all.
What is the meaning of clemency?
mercy, humaneness; mildness, moderateness
Many judges are willing to show clemency to first offenders who express regret for their wrongdoing.
What does dearth refer to?
a lack, scarcity, inadequate supply; a famine
An employer may complain of a dearth of qualified applicants for available jobs.
What does it mean to be diffident?
shy, lacking self-confidence; modest, reserved
Many a diffident suitor has lost his beloved to a bold rival.
What is a discrepancy?
a difference; a lack of agreement
Discrepancies in the testimony of witnesses to a crime can have a decisive impact on the outcome of a trial.
What does it mean to embark?
to go aboard; to make a start; to invest
Columbus spent years raising money before he was able to embark on his perilous ocean voyage in search of a passage to the Far East.
Define facile.
easily done or attained; superficial; ready, fluent
Writing is a facile process for some authors but a laborious task for others.
What does indomitable mean?
unconquerable, refusing to yield
All who hear of the remarkable deeds of Harriet Tubman admire her indomitable courage in the face of grave danger.
What does infallible describe?
free from error; absolutely dependable
Some critics seem convinced that their expert knowledge makes them infallible judges of the quality of an artist’s work.
What does it mean to plod?
to walk heavily or slowly; to work slowly
After the blizzard, we had to plod through deep snowdrifts to reach the nearest stores.
What does pungent refer to?
causing a sharp sensation; stinging, biting
The kitchen of the French restaurant was filled with the pungent aroma of onion soup.
What does it mean to be remiss?
neglectful in performance of one’s duty, careless
When I am remiss in doing daily chores, I have to spend a big part of the weekend catching up.
What does repose mean?
to rest; lie; place; (n) relaxation, peace of mind, calmness
The mortal remains of thousands who fell in America’s wars repose in Arlington National Cemetery.
Define temerity.
rashness, boldness
Few of his subordinates had the temerity to answer the general back.
What does truculent mean?
fierce and cruel; aggressive; deadly, destructive; scathingly harsh
People with truculent dispositions can make life miserable for those who have to work with them.
What does unfeigned describe?
sincere, real, without pretense
The novelist won high praise for her ability to portray the unfeigned emotions of children.
What does virulent mean?
extremely poisonous; full of malice; spiteful
The First Amendment protects the right of free speech for everyone, even those with virulent views that are repugnant to most people.
