Vocabulary Words of the Week

1. Vocabulary Words of the Week English 10

2. Vocabulary #1 • altruistic- adj.-unselfishly concerned for the welfare of others, generous • ambivalent- adj.-having contrary feelings or attitude, uncertain as to course of action • angular- adj.-lean ; sharp cornered ; gaunt • arrogant- adj.-overbearingly assuming ; insolently proud • aversion- noun-strong disinclination, disliking • discern- verb-to differentiate between two or more things • disdain- noun-intense dislike - verb-to treat with scorn or contempt, to reject as unworthy • disparage- verb-to degrade, to speak of someone or something in a derogatory manner • disparity- noun-inequality, the condition or fact of being unequal in age, rank, or degree • embellish- verb-to decorate, to make beautiful with ornamentation • engender- verb-to cause, to produce, to create • innocuous- adj.-harmless, producing no injury

3. Vocabulary #2: • insipid- adj.-boring and stupid • lament- verb-to mourn or to express sorrow in a demonstrative manner • laud- verb-to praise, to extol • obscure- adj.-difficult to see, vague • ostentatious- adj.-showy, pretentious • prodigal- adj.-wasteful noun-a person given to extravagance • repudiate- verb-to reject, to disown, to disavow • reticence- noun-restraint in speech, reluctance to speak • revere- verb-to honor, to regard with respect • serene- adj.-calm, placid • subtle- adj.-delicate, elusive, not obvious • superfluous- adj.-beyond what is needed or required, an overflow • taciturn- adj.-quiet, not verbose

4. Vocabulary #3: • antithesis- noun -a direct opposite, a contrast • ascend - verb -to move upward, to rise from a lower station • austere - adj. -strict, stern ; unadorned, ascetic • autonomous - adj. -independent, self-contained • banal - adj. -common, ordinary, lacking freshness, hackneyed • benign - adj. -not causing harm, of gentle disposition, beneficial • capricious - adj. -changing suddenly, fickle • dawdle - verb -to waste time, to spend time idly, to move in a lackadaisical (unenthusiastic) manner • defamation - noun -the act of harming or ruining another’s reputation • esoteric - adj. -understood only by a small group or a select few • exacerbate - verb -to aggravate, to irritate, to vex • extol - verb -to praise, to glorify • fastidious - adj. -reflecting a meticulous or demanding attitude, critical to an extreme

5. Vocabulary #4: • furtive-adj. -secret in an underhanded way, stealthy • gregarious -adj. -sociable and outgoing • hypocrite-noun -one who is insincere or deceitful • innate-adj. -existing from birth, inborn • lethargic-adj. -sluggish, languid • melancholy-noun -a depression of spirits • opaque-adj. -not allowing the passage of light, not transparent ; hard to understand • prolific-adj. -abundantly fruitful, marked by great productivity • reprove-verb -to scold or rebuke for a misdeed usually with kind intent • symmetry -noun -balanced proportions • tranquil-adj. -peaceful, calm • venerate-verb -to honor, to revere

6. Vocabulary #5: • abstruse-adj.-difficult to understand, complex • affable-adj.-friendly, courteous, amiable • audacity-n.-excessive boldness, rashness, daring • contrite-adj.-extremely apologetic, remorseful, repentant • credulous-adj.-believing on slight evidence ; gullible • depravity-n.-moral corruption, a wicked or perverse act • deprecate-v.-to disapprove regretfully, to belittle • didactic-adj.-instructive, designed to teach • dormant-adj.-inactive, sleeping • enigmatic-adj.-mysterious, inexplicable, puzzling • erudite-adj.-scholarly, academically oriented • exotic-adj.-foreign, unfamiliar

7. Vocabulary #6: • fuse-v.-to mix or to join (usually by melting) • immutable-adj.-unchanging • incorrigible-adj.-incapable of being reformed or improved • loathe-v.-to utterly detest, to hate • mitigate-v.-to cause to become less harsh or hostile ; to make less severe • nullify-v.-to cause not to be in effect ; to negate • pacifistic-adj.-opposed to war or use of force • pretentious-adj.-making an extravagant outward show, self-important • prologue-n.-introductory remarks made in a speech, play, or literary work • recant-v.-to withdraw or to repudiate a statement or belief, to revoke • servile-adj.-overly submissive, like a slave • trepidation-n.-fear, trembling, agitation • vilify-v.-to malign, to defame, to utter abusive statements against

8. Vocabulary #7: • aesthetic-adj.-relating or pertaining to a sense of beauty or art • aloof-adj.-apart, indifferent, detached • archaic-adj.-antiquated, old, out of use • assuage-v.-to ease, to mitigate, to make less painful, to calm • belie-v.-to contradict, to give a false impression • contentious-adj.-quarrelsome, stirring controversy • daunt-v.-to intimidate, to dismay • debilitate-v.-to weaken, to enfeeble • discord-n.-lack of agreement, tension, strife • dissemination-n.-the act of spreading widely ; a scattering • dogmatic-adj.-strongly opinionated in an unwarranted manner • duplicity-n.-double-dealing, hypocrisy • egocentric-adj.-self-centered, selfish

9. Vocabulary #8 • euphemism-n.-substitution of an inoffensive term for one that is offensive • gluttonous-adj.-greedy for food and drink • mundane-adj.-ordinary, commonplace • ominous-adj.-threatening, fateful, portentous • petulance-n.-unreasonable touchiness or irritability • pompous-adj.-exaggerated show of self-importance; bombastic • precocious-adj.-exceptionally early in development or occurrence • slothful-adj.-lazy, indolent • trivia-n.-insignificant matters • verbose-adj.-wordy, very talkative • virulent-adj.-extremely poisonous ; hateful • volatile-adj.-quickly changeable

10. Vocabulary #9 • acrimonious-adj. -caustic, bitter and sharp in language or tone • ameliorate-v.-to make better, to improve, to relieve • amenable-adj. -open to or willing to follow advice or suggestion, tractable  • amorphous-adj. -shapeless, having no definite form • buoyant-adj. -capable of floating ; cheerful, happy • cajole-v. -to persuade with deliberate flattery, to coax • calamity-n. -a serious event causing distress or misfortune • debase-v. -to reduce in dignity or quality • efface-v. -to erase, to wear away • elucidate-v. -to make clear, to explain • ephemeral-adj. -lasting a short period of time, fleeting • ferocity-n. -savagery, fierceness

11. Vocabulary #10 • flourish- v. -to thrive, to grow well • haughty- adj. -arrogant, excessively proud or vain • impervious- adj. -incapable of being entered or penetrated, not capable of being damaged • inane - adj. -lacking significance, meaning or point ; silly, stupid, insipid • indolence- n. -laziness, slothfulness • infallible- adj. -incapable of error • inscrutable- adj. -difficult to fathom or understand ; mysterious • languid- adj. -slow, sluggish, listless, weak • malice- n. -a desire to harm others • oblique- adj. -slanting, indirect, evasive, devious, misleading • opulence- n. -wealth, affluence, abundance • penitent- adj. -showing or feeling regret for wrongdoing, repentant • perfunctory- adj. -acting routinely with little interest or care

12. Vocabulary #11: • antiquated- adj.-obsolete, out of fashion, no longer usable • arable- adj. -fit for plowing, tillable • ascendancy- noun-domination ; growing power • atrophy- verb-to waste away, to wither  • clandestine- adj.-secret, covert, stealthy • conciliate- verb-to reconcile, to pacify, to renew a friendship • cursory- adj.-superficial, casual, hastily done • derision- noun-mockery, ridicule • enmity- noun-absolute hatred • extricate- verb-to free, to disentangle • forbearance- noun -patience, lenience • frivolous- adj.-lacking in seriousness or importance • garrulous- adj.-talkative, rambling

13. Vocabulary #12: • impetuous- adj.-violent, rash, hasty, impulsive • industrious- adj.-skillfully busy or occupied • infamous- adj.-having a reputation of the worst kind, vicious, notoriously bad • insolence- noun-insulting or contemptuous behavior, arrogance • levity- noun-lightness of manner or speech, especially when inappropriate • oblivion- noun-the state of being forgotten   • paradoxical- adj.-something that appears false or contradictory but is actually correct • perjury- noun-false testimony under oath • rancor- noun-bitter deep-seated ill will, enmity • sycophant- noun-a self-serving flatterer • vacillating - adj.-changing, fluctuating • vivid- adj.-bright, distinct, and clear

14. Vocabulary #13 • abhor- verb-to regard with extreme repugnance; to detest utterly, to loathe • accolade -noun-praise, an award • ascetic- noun-one who leads a life of self-denial and contemplation; - adj.-absent of luxury • bequeath-verb-to hand down, to give or to leave in a will • charlatan-noun-one who claims to know something that he does not, a quack • conflagration-noun-a large fire • dearth-noun - a lack, a scarcity • diffidence-noun-shyness, reserve, unassertiveness • effervescent- adj.-showing high spirits • ethereal- adj.-heavenly, unusually delicate, light, lacking material substance • expunge- verb-to remove, to erase • guile- noun-deceitfulness, duplicity • implausible- adj. -not believable

15. Vocabulary #14 • incongruity- noun-nonconformity, disagreement, incompatibility • insularity- noun-qualities of an island ; narrow-mindedness of opinion • morose- adj.-being sullen or gloomy • placate- verb-to appease or to pacify by making concessions • poignant- adj.-piercing, incisive, and keen ; profoundly moving or touching • provincial- adj.-lacking sophistication, narrow minded • reiterate- verb-to repeat • spontaneous- adj.-happening or arising without apparent external cause ; arising from a natural inclination or impulse and not from external incitement or constraint • synthesis- noun-combining parts into a whole • toxic- adj.-poisonous • vigilant- adj.-watchful, very alert • voluble- adj.-ability to use words easily, fluent and glib

16. Vocabulary #15: • acquiesce - verb - to give in, to comply, to compromise • affinity- noun -a likeness, a natural relationship, a kinship • blasphemous- adj.-irreverent, profane • buttress- noun -a support or prop • circumspect- adj.-careful to consider consequences, cautious, prudent • corroboration- noun-confirmation, validation • deplete- verb-to use up gradually, to lessen in amount or value • despotic- adj.-ruling oppressively and absolutely ; tyrannical • emaciated- adj.-very thin (usually as a result of starvation), wasting away • empirical- adj.-based on observation or experiment and not on theory • extraneous- adj.-not essential or vital • fallow- adj.-inactive, plowed but not sowed

17. Vocabulary #16: • homogeneous- adj.-of the same kind • hyperbole- noun-a great and obvious exaggeration • incontrovertible- adj.-indisputable • irascible- adj.-irritable, easily angered, crass, cross • laconic- adj.-using a minimum of words; concise • magnanimity- noun-a lofty, generous, and courageous spirit • obsequious- adj.-overly attentive, like a sycophant, servile • proliferation- noun-an increase in number • scrupulous- adj.-very principled, very careful and conscientious • sublime- adj.-exalted, noble, uplifting, superb • surreptitious- adj.-secret, clandestine, stealthy • veracity- noun-devotion to the truth • zeal- noun-enthusiasm, fervor

18. Vocabulary #17: • ambiguous- adj.-having more than one meaning; unclear, uncertain • amiable- adj.-friendly, sociable, and congenial ; civil and urbane • crass - adj.-coarse, crude and unrefined • discursive- adj.-rambling, moving from one topic to another randomly • docile - adj.-easily managed, obedient, passive • estrange- verb-to alienate, to separate • exonerate- verb-to free from blame, obligation, or responsibility • gratuitous- adj.-given freely, unwarranted and unnecessary • hypothesize- verb-to reach a conclusion based on an assumption or something not proven • indignation- noun-anger as a result of something unjust • induce- verb-to bring on or to bring about • intractable- adj.-stubborn, difficult to manage • introspective- adj.-examining one’s own mind or thoughts

19. Vocabulary #18: • lucid- adj.-easily understood ; mentally sound • meticulous- adj.-taking great care • misanthrope- noun-a hater of mankind • munificent- adj.-very generous • plagiarize- verb-to steal and to use another’s writings as one’s own • profuse- adj.-extravagantly abundant, flowing freely • recluse- noun-a person who lives in solitude, a hermit • sated - adj.-satisfied fully, indulged to excess • stupefy- verb-to dull the senses as to put into a stupor • terse- adj.-concise, succinct, to the point • transient- adj.-quickly passing, fleeting • virtuoso- noun-one skilled in the fine arts as an accomplished musician

20. Vocabulary #19 • abstracted- adj.-removed in thought from the immediate situation, lost in one’s own mind • adulation- noun-extreme praise or admiration • adversity- noun-misfortune, unfavorable happening • burgeon- verb-to sprout, to newly emerge • chimera- noun-a fantasy ; a horrible creature of the imagination • culpable- adj.-deserving blame ; guilty • decadent- adj.-being in a state of decline or decay ; marked by or providing unrestrained gratification; self-indulgent • entreaty- noun-a plea, an earnest request • fatuous- adj.-foolish, silly in an obnoxious way • humane- adj. -kind, compassionate, sympathetic and considerate • indulgent- adj.-lenient, especially toward oneself • ineptness- noun-lack of competence or judgment

21. Vocabulary #20: • ingrate- noun-an ungrateful person • inundate- verb-to flood, to overflow • miser- noun-one who lives in wretched circumstances to save and hoard money • nefarious- adj.-extremely wicked, evil, vicious • prattle- noun-meaningless sounds, babble • predilection- noun-a preference, an inclination • procrastinate- verb-to defer action ; to delay • stoic- adj.-not showing passion or feeling, indifference, impassive • suffrage- noun-the right to vote • summon- verb-to call together, to send for or to request to appear • transparent- adj.-easily seen through or detected, clear • turbulence- noun-wild or disturbing activity • viable - adj.-capable of working, functioning, or developing adequately

22. Vocabulary #21: • abet- verb-to encourage or to assist (usually an offense against justice or the law) • agile- adj.-characterized by an ability to move quickly with suppleness and grace • antidote- noun-something that relieves the effects of poison • ascertain- verb-to find out definitely ; to determine • benevolence- noun-kindness, generosity, charity • desolate- adj.-deserted, without inhabitants, barren • din - noun-loud and discordant noises, cacophony • dissuade- verb-to advise against, to talk out of • distend- verb-to expand, to swell • enervation- noun-weakness, emasculation • eulogy- noun-a praise or tribute • fitful- adj.-irregular, convulsive, spasmodic • indelible- adj.-cannot be removed, washed away or erased

23. Vocabulary #22: • inert- adj.-unable to move or act, sluggish • malevolence- noun-ill will or evil intentions • obliterate- verb-to remove all traces of ; to do away with ; to destroy completely • ornate- adj.-excessively decorated • paucity- noun-a scarcity, fewness of number, a dearth • piety- noun-devotion and reverence to God • precarious- adj.-dangerous, risky, not a secure situation • prosaic- adj.-commonplace, uninspired, banal • quiescent- adj.-inactive, dormant, latent • scintillating- adj.-sparkling, shining, or flashing • squalid- adj.-filthy in appearance, sordid • vexation- noun-discomfort or distress

24. Vocabulary #23: • abridge- verb-to shorten, to diminish • alacrity- noun-a prompt a cheerful response • antipathy- noun-a dislike, a distaste, or enmity • augment- verb-to make greater or to supplement • bombastic- adj.-using inflated language, pompous • decry- verb-to speak against, to rail against, to disparage • eclectic- adj.-coming from a variety of diverse sources • enhance- verb-to make better, to improve • euphonious- adj.-pleasant or agreeable (sound) • fervid- adj.-ardent, burning, impassioned • impecunious- adj.-without money • ingratiate- verb-to make an effort to gain good favor with someone • luxuriant- adj.-abundant in growth, very fertile

25. Vocabulary #24 • paltry- adj.-trifling, petty, worthless • pedantry- noun-the act of showing off learning in a manner that is needless and unimaginative • placid- adj.-peaceful, calm • preclude- verb-to make impossible • promontory- noun-land of rock projecting into a body of water • raze- verb- to completely destroy • secular- adj.-nonreligious, worldly • static- adj.-having no motion, showing little change • tact- noun-a keen sense for what is appropriate or tasteful in delicate situations • torpid- adj.-sluggish, inactive, dull • vindicate- verb-to clear of accusations or charges • vindictive- adj.-revengeful or spiteful

26. Vocabulary #25: • allure- verb-to influence, sway, or entice with some tempting appeal • apathy- noun-a lack of concern or feeling, indifference • auspicious - adj.-favorable, propitious • caricature- noun-a portrayal where features are distorted, a parody • cordial- adj.-courteous and gracious; friendly; warm • cosmopolitan- adj.-dealing with the whole world, global • deplore- verb-to regret deeply or strongly; to feel or to express deep grief for • discrepant- adj.-disagreeing, inconsistent • ecstasy- noun-extreme happiness, rapture • empathy- noun-understanding or identification with another’s feelings or situation • equivocal- adj.-ambiguous (usually intended to mislead) • expeditious- adj.-done with speed and efficiency

27. Vocabulary #26: • galvanize- verb-to stimulate or to excite as if by an electric shock • Implacable - adj.-incapable of being appeased • inimitable- adj.-not able to be imitated • mutability- noun-the degree to which something is subject and likely to change • odious- adj.-deserving hate or contempt • parochial- adj.-limited in range or scope, narrow, provincial • penchant- noun-a strong inclination • ponderous- adj.-very heavy, unwieldy from weight • protract- verb-to prolong • replete- adj.-filled to capacity, abundantly supplied • soporific- adj.-something that tends to cause sleep and to dull awareness or alertness • strident- adj.-loud and harsh sounding • treachery- noun-a violation of faith; a betrayal of trust; treason

28. Vocabulary #27: • adulterate- verb-to make impure by adding lesser substances ; to corrupt • animosity- noun-harsh feelings, enmity, resentment, hatred • apocryphal- adj.-of doubtful origin or authenticity, not genuine • avarice- noun-greed for wealth • coalesce- verb-to merge, to fuse, to join, or to unite • collaborate- verb-to work together • cryptic- adj.-mysterious, secret • desultory- adj.-jumping around, aimless, random • dissipation - noun-wasteful spending, squandering • edifying- adj.-instructing and improving spiritually or morally • equivocate- verb-to attempt to lie, to mislead, or to hide the truth • espousing- adj.-giving one’s loyalty ; adopting or embracing a cause • hedonist- noun-one who seeks pleasure as the sole aim in life

29. Vocabulary #28: • indefatigable- adj.-tireless, incapable of being fatigued • interminable- adj.-having or seeming to have no end, wearisomely protracted • naïve- adj.-unsophisticated ; inexperienced • parody- noun-humorous or ridiculous imitation • peripheral - adj.-on the edge, not important • portent- noun-a sign or forewarning • prodigious- adj.-extraordinary in bulk, quantity, or degree ; great in size, enormous • profane- adj.-showing contempt towards sacred things • respite- noun-a rest, a delay, a period of relief • sordid- adj.-filthy, foul • surfeited- adj.-fed or supplied to excess • trifling- adj.-not significant, frivolous

30. Vocabulary #29: • abate- verb-to reduce in intensity or amount • antecedent- adj. -preceding a cause • arid- adj.-very dry • bane- noun-a source of harm or destruction • beleaguer- verb-to harass, to annoy • contempt- noun-scorn, extreme dislike or disdain • cynical- adj.-given to faultfinding, sneering, and sarcasm • dexterous- adj.-skillful and active with the hands • dour- adj.-sullen, stern, harsh • exalt- verb-to glorify, to praise, to raise in rank • felicitous - adj.-happy or delightful • impeccable- adj.-free from fault or blame

31. Vocabulary #30: • imperturbable- adj.-marked by extreme calm, impassivity, assurance and steadiness • malleable- adj.-capable of being shaped, influenced, or altered ; tractable • mortify- verb-to humiliate, to wound pride, to experience shame • obdurate- adj.-extremely stubborn, unwilling to accept advice • platitude- noun-trite remark, banal statement • profligate- n./adj.-a wasteful person ; extremely wasteful, given to licentiousness • pugnacious- adj.-looking for a fight, combative, belligerent • savory- adj.-appetizing • spurn- verb-to reject or to refuse with hostility • supercilious- adj.-haughty, vain and arrogant • trite- adj.-overused, commonplace, clichéd • vociferous- adj.-clamorous, boisterous • vulgarity- noun-something offensive to good taste and refinement

32. Vocabulary #31: • acclaim- noun-praise, approval ; verb-to salute , to hail • amass- verb-to collect, to gather, to accumulate • anarchist- noun-one who believes in the absence of government or law • banter- verb-to speak in a witty or teasing manner noun -teasing talk • blithe- adj.-lighthearted, joyous, glad, cheerful, free of spirit • cacophonous- adj.-harsh sounding, having dissonance • commensurate- adj.-equal, proportionate • complacency- noun-the state of being self-satisfied • desiccate- verb-to dry up • diminution- noun-a reduction, a diminishment • elicit- verb-to bring out a response, to evoke • incessant- adj. -constant, perpetual, uninterrupted • jollity- noun-merriment, glee, the state of being jolly

33. Vocabulary #32: • kindle- verb-to start a fire ; to stir up • parsimony- noun-stinginess, frugality • penury- noun-extreme poverty • perspicacious- adj.-having clear insight, shrewd, very perceptive and wise • pliable- adj.-easily manipulated or able to be bent freely without breaking • quell- verb-to quiet or to put down a disturbance • rectify- verb-to set right or to correct • rue- verb-to be sorry for, to regret • sluggard- noun-a person who is lazy or indolent • stealthy- adj.-acting in a secret and sneaky way (negative connotation) • succinct- adj.-brief, compact, concise, pithy • voluminous- adj.-marked by great volume or size

34. Vocabulary #33: • abstemious- adj.-sparing (usually in drinking or eating) ; temperate • admonish- verb-to caution, to advise, or to counsel against something • amity- noun-friendship • bastion- noun-a fortification, a stronghold ; a place of safety • callous- adj.-hardened ; insensitive, indifferent, unsympathetic • clemency- noun-leniency ; compassion • debunk- verb-to expose the falseness or hypocrisy of something • diffuse- verb-to spread in all directions • dupe- verb-to trick, to fool, to deceive, or to cheat • exorcise- verb-to expel an evil spirit, to get rid of something troublesome • finesse- noun-delicate skill ; sophistication • humility- noun-the quality or state of being humble in spirit (marked by meekness or modesty in behavior or spirit ; not arrogant or prideful)

35. Vocabulary #34: • imperious - adj.-extremely overbearing, domineering • larceny- noun-the act of stealing another’s property • mirth- noun-gladness and merriment usually accompanied by laughter • mollify- verb-to sooth or to appease, to assuage • neologism- noun-a newly coined word or phrase ; new use of a word (often disapproved of) • orthodox- adj.-conforming to established standards, conventional • plight- noun-a difficult or adverse situation • repertoire- noun-a list of works of music or readings that are ready for performance • rupture- verb-to break apart, to burst • solicitous - adj.-worried, concerned • stolid- adj.-showing little emotion • tempestuous- adj.-turbulent, stormy • untenable- adj.-not able to be defended

36. Vocabulary #35: • accord- noun-agreement, state of harmony • annulment- noun-a voiding, invalidation • arduous- adj.-very difficult to accomplish or to achieve, very demanding • astute- adj.-shrewd, perspicacious, perceptive • carping- adj.-finding fault, critical • covert- adj.-secret, concealed, furtive • desecrate- verb-to violate the sanctity of something, to profane, to adulterate • dilatory- adj.-delaying slow • esteem- noun-estimate of value ; approval and respect often blended with fondness • expatriate- noun-an exile • fortuitous- adj.-something that happens by accident or chance (usually good) • guileless- adj.-without deceit or deception

37. Vocabulary #36: • hackneyed- adj.-trite, banal, lacking freshness • illustrious- adj.-notably outstanding, famous • insatiable- adj.-incapable of being satisfied • loquacious- adj.-very talkative • neurotic- noun-an emotionally unstable person adj.-emotionally unstable • parch - verb-to become dry from heat, to shrivel from heat • porous- adj.-something that permits the passages of substances through pores • rancid - adj.-having a foul or offensive smell or taste • reconcile- verb-to reestablish friendship, to resolve a dispute • saccharine- adj.-an overly sweet attitude • sonorous- adj.-resonant, producing a full and rich sound • tentative- adj.-not fully worked out, provisional, uncertain • utility - noun-usefulness

38. Vocabulary #37: • adjunct- adj.-joined or added to a thing but not necessarily a part of it • anomalous - adj.-out of place, abnormal • belligerent- adj.-waging war ; inclined to or exhibiting assertiveness • censure- verb-to blame or to condemn • compliance- noun-a yielding ; acquiescence • defile- verb-to make dirty, to desecrate, to pollute • diligent- adj.-characterized by steady, attentive and energetic effort in a pursuit or study • galling- adj.-very irritating • heralded- adj.-announced or publicized • incantation- noun-a spell, written or recited formula of words designed for a particular effect • indigenous- adj.-native to a certain area • luscious- adj.-pleasant to the taste • pungent- adj.-sharp or irritating to the taste or smell • ratify- verb-to give formal approval • sagacious- adj.-wise, shrewd, very discerning