flowcabulary 4
requisition (n.)
- a demand for goods, often by an authority In a formal requisition, Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
canvas (n.)
- a piece of cloth on which an artist paints Johannes Vermeer was an oil painter who made his masterpieces on canvas.
domicile (n.)
- a residence, a home The university domiciles were small but comfortable.
harrowing (adj.)
- agonizing, distressing Shauna is terrified of flying because she had a harrowing first-flight experience.
claustrophobia (n.)
- an abnormal fear of closed or crowded spaces Reggie is claustrophobic so he avoids elevators.
agoraphobia (n.)
- an abnormal fear of open or public places Scholars think the poet Emily Dickinson was agoraphobic because she rarely left her home and often refused to see visitors.
formidable (adj.)
- arousing fear or alarm Nya studied consistently and mastered a formidable amount of SAT material.
desolate (adj.)
- deserted, lifeless A lone camel made its way across the desolate desert.
reprehensible (adj.)
- deserving of criticism The reprehensible boy would steal candy from a baby.
despondent (adj.)
- discouraged, hopeless, depressed The pigeon sat atop the despondent -looking statue.
redoubtable (adj.)
- formidable, commanding respect Serena Williams proves to be a redoubtable opponent in competitive tennis.
destitute (adj.)
- impoverished Soup kitchens across the nation help destitute people.
dilapidated (adj.)
- in a state of disrepair The old car was dilapidated.
daunting (adj.)
- intimidating Public speaking is a daunting task for many.
sobriety (n.)
- moderation from excess, or calm tranquility Brianna enjoyed healthy sobriety after a fast food binge.
defunct (adj.)
- no longer used or existing It cost more to fix the phone than buy a new one because the warranty was defunct.
taciturn (adj.)
- not inclined to talk The taciturn guitarist expressed himself through his music.
abject (adj.)
- of the most miserable or contemptible kind The survivors of natural disasters sometimes end up in abject poverty.
quaint (adj.)
- old-fashioned Amish groups are known for their choice to lead quaint lives.
ascetic (n.)
- one who practices restraint as a means of self-discipline, usually religious Gandhi was a vegetarian ascetic.
strenuous (adj.)
- requiring tremendous strength or energy Athletes undergo strenuous training to prepare for competition.
affluent (adj.)
- rich, wealthy The affluent Rockefeller family made their fortune in the oil business.
derelict (adj.)
- run-down, abandoned Legend has it that the derelict cottage is haunted.
feral (adj.)
- savage, wild, untamed He was a feral tiger
feral (adj.)
- savage, wild, untamed Lions are beautiful but feral beasts.
reel (v.)
- to be thrown off balance or feel dizzy They're heads were reeling after riding the roller-coaster multiple times.
sedate (v.)
- to calm, soothe The dentist sedated his patient in order to fill a cavity.
raze (v.)
- to demolish A wrecking ball was used to raze the old building.
assuage (v.)
- to ease, pacify After eating a chili pepper, Ricky assuaged the burn with a glass of water.
abhor (v.)
- to hate, loathe Jess is an adamant environmentalist and abhors those who litter.
exacerbate (v.)
- to make more violent, intense The heavy rain exacerbated the flood problem.
renovate (v.)
- to restore, return to original state The workers labored round-the-clock to renovate the home.
abscond (v.)
- to sneak away and hide The rat absconded into a hole in the wall with a piece of cheese.
pacify (v.)
- to sooth, ease The fans, angered by their favorite musician's late arrival, were pacified when he finally came on stage.
allay (v.)
- to soothe, assuage A soft breeze would allay the summer heat.
enervate (v.)
- to weaken, make weary The jogger was out-of-shape, so he knew that a long marathon would enervate him.
diaphanous (adj.)
- transparent, light, airy The diaphanous fog lifted as the sun rose.
anxiety (n.)
- uneasiness The dog clearly felt anxiety at the prospect of a visit to the vet.
austere (adj.)
- very bare, bleak, simple Ernest Hemingway is celebrated for his austere writing style.
daunting (adj.)
-intimidating The dive looked daunting.
