Word List
abhor(ab·hohr) v.to regard with horror, detest. I abhor such hypocrisy!
aficionado(a ̆·fish·yo ̆·nah·doh) n.a fan or devotee, especially of a sport or
pastime. The Jefferson’s attendance at every game proved that they were true afi-
cionados of baseball.
altercation(awl·te ̆r·kay·sho ̆n) n.a heated dispute or quarrel. To prevent an
altercation at social functions, one should avoid discussing politics and religion.
apocalypse(a ̆·pok·a ̆·lips) n.a cataclysmic event bringing about total dev-
astation or the end of the world. Many people feared an apocalypse would imme-
diately follow the development of nuclear weapons.
ardor(ahr·do ̆r) n.fiery intensity of feeling; passionate enthusiasm, zeal. The
ardor Larry brought to the campaign made him a natural campaign spokesperson.
bellicose(bel· ̆·kohs) adj.belligerent, quarrelsome, eager to wage war.
There was little hope for peace following the election of a candidate known for his
bellicose nature.
cabal(ka ̆·bal) n. 1. a scheme or conspiracy. 2. a small group joined in a
secret plot. With Antonio as their leader, the members of the unit readied them-
selves to begin the cabal.
contentious(ko ̆n·ten·shu ̆s) adj.1. quarrelsome, competitive, quick to fight.
- controversial, causing contention. With two contentious candidates on hand,
it was sure to be a lively debate.
fervent(fur·ve ̆nt) adj.1. having or showing great emotion; ardent, zealous
- extremely hot, burning. Norman had a fervent belief that aliens had already
landed on earth.
fervor(fur·vo ̆r) n.zeal, ardor; intense emotion. The fervor of the fans in the
stands helped propel the team to victory.
incursion(in·kur·zho ̆n) n.a raid or temporary invasion of someone else’s
territory; the act of entering or running into a territory or domain. There
was an incursion on the western border of their country.
misanthrope(mis·an·throhp) n.one who hates or distrusts humankind. Pay
no mind to his criticism; he’s a real misanthrope, and no one can do anything right
in his eyes.
nemesis(nem·e ̆·sis) n.1. source of harm or ruin; the cause of one’s misery
or downfall; bane. 2. agent of retribution or vengeance. In Frankenstein,the
monster that Victor creates becomes his nemesis.