opprobrious(o ̆·proh·bri·u ̆s) adj.1. expressing contempt or reproach;
scornful, abusive. 2. bringing shame or disgrace. It was inappropriate to make
such opprobrious remarks in front of everybody.
oxymoron(oks·i·moh·ro ̆n) n.a figure of speech containing a seemingly
contradictory combination of expressions, such as friendly fire. The term
“non-working mother” is a contemptible oxymoron.
platitude(plat·i·tood) n.a trite or banal statement, especially one uttered
as if it were new. Matthew offered me several platitudes but no real advice.
remonstrate(ri·mon·strayt) v.1. to say or plead in protest, objection, or
opposition. 2. to scold or reprove. The children remonstrated loudly when their
mother told them they couldn’t watch that movie.
repartee(rep·a ̆r·tee) n.1. a quick, witty reply. 2. the ability to make witty
replies. He wasn’t expecting such a sharp repartee from someone who was normally
so quiet.
sardonic(sahr·don·ik) adj.sarcastic; mocking scornfully. I was hurt by his
sardonic reply.
sententious(sen·ten·shu ̆s) adj.1. expressing oneself tersely; pithy. 2. full
of maxims and proverbs offered in a self-righteous manner. I was looking for
your honest opinion, not a sententious reply.
solecism(sol·e ̆·siz·e ̆m) n.1. a mistake in the use of language. 2. violation
of good manners or etiquette; impropriety. Frank’s solecism caused his debate
team much embarrassment.
voluble(vol·yu ̆·be ̆l) adj.1. talking a great deal and with great ease; language
marked by great fluency; rapid, nimble speech. 2. turning or rotating eas-
ily on an axis. Your new spokesperson is very voluble and clearly comfortable speak-
ing in front of large audiences.