140 VOCABULARY FOR TOEFL iBT
fallacy ('fal·a ̆·see) n. 1. a false notion or misconception resulting from incorrect
or illogical reasoning. 2. that which is deceptive or has a false appearance;
something that misleads, deception. The “slippery slope” fallacy argues that once X
happens, Y and Z will automatically follow.
fatuous ('fach·oo·u ̆s) adj. complacently stupid; feeble-minded and silly. Because
Sam was such an intellectually accomplished student, Mr. Britt was surprised to dis-
cover that Sam’s well-meaning but fatuous parents were not at all like him.
feckless ('fek·lis) adj. 1. lacking purpose or vitality; feeble, weak. 2. incompe-
tent and ineffective, careless. Jake’s feckless performance led to his termination
from the team.
fecund ('fek·u ̆nd) adj. fertile. The fecund soil in the valley was able to sustain the
growing community.
feign (fayn) v. to pretend, to give the false appearance of. Walter feigned illness to
avoid attending the meeting.
felicitous (fi·'lis·i·tu ̆s) adj. 1. apt, suitably expressed, apropos. 2. marked by good
fortune. The felicitous turn of events during her promotional tour propelled Susan’s
book to the best-seller list.
fervor ('fur·vo ̆r) n. zeal, ardor, intense emotion. The fervor of the fans in the stands
helped propel the team to victory.
fetter ('fet·e ̆r) v. 1. to shackle, put in chains. 2. to impede or restrict. The presence
of two security guards fettered their plans to get backstage.
flaccid ('fla·sid) adj. hanging loose or wrinkled; weak, flabby, not firm. The skin of
cadavers becomes flaccid in a matter of hours.
flippant ('flip·a ̆nt) adj. not showing proper seriousness; disrespectful, saucy.
Ursula’s flippant remarks in front of her fiancé’s parents were an embarrassment to
us all.
florid ('flor·id) adj. 1. elaborate, ornate. 2. (of complexion) ruddy, rosy. The
florid architecture in Venice did not appeal to me; I prefer buildings without so much
ornamentation.
flout (flowt) v. to disobey openly and scornfully; to reject, mock, go against (as
in a tradition or convention ). Flappers in the early twentieth century flouted con-
vention by bobbing their hair and wearing very short skirts.
forbearance (for·'bair·a ̆ns) n. patience, willingness to wait, tolerance. Gustaf
dreaded the security check in the airport, but he faced it with great forbearance because
he knew it was for his own safety.