Word List
addle(ad·e ̆l) v.1. to muddle or confuse. 2. to become rotten, as in an egg.
The jury found the defendant addled at the end of the prosecuting attorney’s ques-
tions.
apex(ay·peks) n.1. the highest point. 2. tip, pointed end. Upon reaching the
apex of the mountain, the climbers placed their flag in the snow.
approbation(ap·ro ̆·bay·sho ̆n) n.approval. The local authorities issued an
approbation to close the street for a festival on St. Patrick’s Day.
auspice(aw·spis) n.1. protection or support, patronage. 2. a forecast or
omen. The children’s art museum was able to continue operating through the aus-
pices of an anonymous wealthy benefactor.
bevy(bev·ee) n.1. a large group or assemblage. 2. a flock of animals or
birds. There was a lively bevy of eager bingo fans waiting outside the bingo hall
for the game to begin.
de facto(dee fak·toh) in reality or fact; actual. Though there was a ceremo-
nial head of government, General Ashtononi was the de facto leader of the country.
denouement(day·noo·mahn) n.the resolution or clearing up of the plot
at the end of a narrative; the outcome or solution of an often complex series
of events. The students sat at the edge of their seats as they listened to the denoue-
ment of the story.
elite(i·leet) n.1. the best or most skilled members of a social group or class.
- a person or group regarded as superior. Within the student orchestra, there
existed a small group of musical elite who performed around the country.
engender(en·jen·de ̆r) v.to produce, give rise to; bring into existence. Pro-
fessor Sorenson’s support worked to engender Samantha’s desire to pursue a Ph.D.
inured(in·yoord) adj.accustomed to, adapted. Trisha had become inured to
her boss’s criticism, so it no longer bothered her.
mendacity(men·das·i·tee) n.1. the tendency to be dishonest or untruth-
ful. 2. a falsehood or lie. Carlos’s mendacity has made him very unpopular with
his classmates, who don’t feel they can trust him.
obviate(ob·vi·ayt) v.to make unnecessary, get rid of. Hiring Magdalena
would obviate the need to hire a music tutor, for she is also a classical pianist.
penultimate(pi·nul·t ̄·mit) adj.next to last. There’s a real surprise for the
audience in the penultimate scene.