Lesson 29
Is there a connection between crochet and crotchety?
Would a dilatory person win a punctuality award?
What is the relationship between the spleen and splenetic?
Are the police pleased to get a loquacious stool pigeon?
What medicine is appropriate for a bucolic condition?
Word List:
- ambivalent
- bucolic
- crotchety
- dilatory
- disconsolate
- dudgeon
- froward
- genteel
- jocund
- loquacious
- splenetic
- tendentious
- truculent
- vacuous
- venal
Vocabulary Definitions
Ambivalent
Ambivalent describes having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.
- She felt ambivalent about moving to a new city, excited for the adventure but sad to leave her friends.
- His ambivalent attitude towards the project made it difficult to gauge his commitment.
- Many voters are ambivalent about the candidates, torn between their policies and personal beliefs.
Bucolic
Bucolic refers to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and rural life.
- The bucolic landscape was dotted with charming cottages and lush green fields.
- After years in the city, she yearned for a bucolic retreat away from urban chaos.
- The film captured the bucolic beauty of the countryside, showcasing its serene lifestyle.
Crotchety
Crotchety describes a person who is irritable or easily annoyed, often in a grumpy or cantankerous manner.
- The crotchety old man shouted at the kids playing near his yard.
- His crotchety demeanor made it hard for others to approach him.
- Despite being crotchety, he had a soft spot for his grandchildren.
Dilatory
Dilatory refers to someone or something that is slow to act or intended to cause delay.
- The dilatory response from the service team frustrated many customers.
- He was known for his dilatory habits, often procrastinating important tasks.
- The dilatory approach to addressing the issue led to further complications.
Disconsolate
Disconsolate describes a state of deep sadness or inability to be comforted.
- She felt disconsolate after receiving the news of her friend’s passing.
- His disconsolate expression spoke volumes about his grief.
- The disconsolate child sat alone, unable to find joy in the festivities.
Dudgeon
Dudgeon refers to a state of anger or offense, often expressed dramatically.
- He stormed out in high dudgeon after the argument.
- The letter was written in dudgeon, reflecting her outrage at the situation.
- It’s best not to act in dudgeon; instead, take a moment to cool off.
Froward
Froward describes someone who is difficult to deal with, stubborn, or unruly.
- The froward child refused to listen to any instructions.
- His froward behavior at the meeting earned him a reprimand.
- Dealing with a froward team can be challenging for any manager.
Genteel
Genteel refers to being refined, elegant, or well-mannered, often in a way that suggests a higher social status.
- She spoke in a genteel manner that impressed her guests.
- The genteel atmosphere of the gathering made everyone feel at ease.
- His genteel upbringing was evident in his polite interactions.
Jocund
Jocund describes a cheerful and lighthearted disposition, often associated with joy.
- The jocund music filled the air, lifting everyone’s spirits.
- Her jocund laughter was contagious, brightening the room.
- They celebrated the occasion with jocund festivities and merriment.
Loquacious
Loquacious refers to someone who is very talkative or chatty.
- The loquacious host kept the conversation flowing throughout the evening.
- While he enjoyed her loquacious nature, sometimes he wished for a moment of silence.
- Her loquacious explanations often left her audience bewildered.
Splenetic
Splenetic describes someone who is irritable or prone to anger, often due to a bad temper.
- His splenetic outburst caught everyone off guard during the meeting.
- She had a splenetic response to the minor inconvenience.
- The splenetic nature of the debate led to heated exchanges.
Tendentious
Tendentious refers to something that is biased or promoting a particular cause or viewpoint.
- The article was criticized for its tendentious perspective on the issue.
- His tendentious remarks revealed his underlying agenda.
- In a debate, it’s crucial to recognize tendentious arguments that lack objectivity.
Truculent
Truculent describes someone who is aggressive, fierce, or eager to fight.
- The truculent dog barked ferociously at strangers.
- His truculent attitude made him unpopular among his peers.
- The truculent debate quickly escalated into a shouting match.
Vacuous
Vacuous refers to something that is empty, lacking in ideas, or superficial.
- The vacuous conversation left her feeling unfulfilled.
- His vacuous expressions during the lecture suggested he wasn’t paying attention.
- The vacuous nature of the advertisement failed to engage the audience.
Venal
Venal describes someone who is corrupt or open to bribery, often for personal gain.
- The venal politician was caught accepting kickbacks from lobbyists.
- Her venal actions tarnished the reputation of the organization.
- The investigation uncovered a network of venal officials exploiting public funds.
