Building a Better Vocabulary

Glossary of Target Words

Target Word

and Part of Speech 'H¿QLWLRQ

LECTURE

No.

PXJZXPS (noun) 1. a person, especially a politician,

who is unable to make up his

or her mind on an issue

2. a person who remains neutral or
   independent on a controversial issue

34

nascent (adjective) emerging, developing,

coming into existence, forming

8

QLKLOLVP (noun) a belief in nothing 21

QRLVRPH (adjective) offensive to the point of arousing disgust;

foul, particularly in reference to an odor

4

nonpareil (adjective) without peer; having no equal 10

REORTX\ (noun) 1. harshly critical speech or verbal abuse

2. the disgrace that results from such abuse

15

REVHTXLRXV

(adjective)

servile and fawning; overly deferential 12

oenophile (noun) a connoisseur or lover of wine 9

RI¿FLRXV (adjective) marked by excessive, often aggressive

eagerness in offering unwanted advice,

service, or help to others; meddlesome

29

SDEOXP (noun) trite, insipid, or simplistic writing,

speech, or conceptualization

16

paean (noun) 1. joyous song or hymn of praise,

thanksgiving, or triumph

2. speech or writing that expresses
   enthusiastic praise

16

palaver (noun) 1. profuse and idle chit-chat; chatter;

empty talk; nonsense

2. ÀDWWHU\DQGVZHHWWDONXVHGWRSHUVXDGH

16

panegyric (noun) IRUPDORUHODERUDWHSUDLVHVSHFL¿FDOO\D

formal speech or writing that praises

16

parricide (noun) the murder of a parent or close relative 25