Vocabulary List #10: 11/10/97
abound to be present in large quantities; copiously supplied
acme the highest point; one that represents perfection
affable pleasant and at ease in talking with others; friendly
benediction an expression of good wishes; invocation or blessing
blasé apathetic to pleasure or excitement
buffoon a ludicrous figure; clown; gross person
cartel combination of enterprises designed to limit competition
chagrin mental distress caused by humiliation or disappointment
charlatan one making showy pretenses to knowledge or ability; quack
chimerical fantastically visionary or improbable
cynosure the center of attention or interest
dearth scarcity; inadequate supply
demagogue a person who stirs up the public and leads for selfish ends
dichotomy divided into two contradictory or mutually exclusive groups
echelon an arrangement of a group in a series of steps
ecumenical of world wide extent of influence; representing all churches
empirical relying on experience or observation instead of system or theory
endemic belonging to a particular people or country
exacerbate to make more violent, bitter, or severe
fascism political philosophy placing nation above individual
feline relating to cats or of the cat family; graceful, sleek
forte one's strong point
fracas a noisy quarrel
genteel having an aristocratic quality; upper class
guru spiritual guide or intellectual guide in fundamental matters
hallmark a distinguished trait or feature; stamp indicating genuineness
heterodox contrary to acknowledged standard; holding unorthodox opinions
inquest official inquiry before a jury; the finding of a jury

Vocabulary List Index #1