1 |
nepotism noun favoritism by a boss shown toward a relative, esp. in hiring for a job
Not wanting to be accused of nepotism, my Uncle Matthew refused to hire me even though I was qualified for the job. |
2 |
numismatist noun coin collector
My father used to be an avid numismatist when he was a merchant and had access to a lot of small change. |
| 3 |
obeisance noun a bow or similar gesture expressing deep respect
The crowd made obeisances as a king's carriage rolled past.
ant: contempt, scorn |
| 4 |
obsequy noun a funeral rite or ceremony
At the graveside, a minister performed the obsequies before the body was lowered into the grave.
ant: discredit, disgrace |
| 5 |
obtrude verb to force oneself upon others unasked or unwanted; to push out
You were sitting there looking very thoughtful, and I did not wish to obtrude.
syn: intrude |
| 6 |
ogre noun monster; hideous being
When I was young, I thought my father was an ogre; but now I think he's a pretty nice guy. |
| 7 |
opiate noun a narcotic; anything causing sleep or bring relief
A mild opiate was used to quiet the wounded animal.
ant: stimulant |
| 8 |
oscillate verb to swing or move back and forth like a pendulum.
I felt my loyalty oscillate between the canidates as each one said certain things with which I agreed.
syn: vacillate, fluctuate, vary |
| 9 |
ostentatious adj. marked by a conspicuous, showy, or pretnetious display
It was an ostentatious affair, meant to impress the hundreds of guests. |
| 10 |
oust verb to drive out; expel; disposses
The bailiff began to oust the disruptive spectators from the courtroom. |
| 11 |
pacify verb to calm down
No one was able to pacify the tearful baby except her grandmother.
syn: appease, placate ant: incite, agitate |
| 12 |
paean noun song of praise or joy
The ceremony was marked by colorful rituals and beautiful paeans sung by a monk's choir. |
| 13 |
pall noun something that covers or conceals
A pall of gloom descended over the crowd. |
| 14 |
pallid adj. pale; faint in color
The patient's pallid face andslow, raspy breathing concerned the doctor.
ant: hearty, robust |
| 15 |
palpable adj. obvious; capable of being touched or felt
The fear in the room was so palpable that Krietzer thought it could be cut with a knife.
syn: evident, tangible ant: obscure, unclear |
