Verbal Advantage

Unit 1.5

cantankerous—adj In Really Rosie, Rosie sings a song about

the cantankerous young boy, Pierre, who only would say, “I don’t care!”

cantankerous—adj

Unwilling to cooperate, unreasonably difficult

flippant—adj

The audience was shocked by the general’s flippant antipatriotic remarks during a rally to support troops overseas.

flippant—adj

not serious enough about important matters

subjugate—verb In Futurama, the

Hypnotoad uses hypnosis to subjugate the judges into voting him “best pet”.

For centuries, European conquerors traveled the globe, subjugating nations to live as Europeans in their homelands .

subjugate—verb

1.to bring under complete control; conquer; master.

2.to enslave.

wry—adj

My friend’s wry humor sometimes comes across as hurtful, even though I know he doesn’t mean it.

Your wry smile makes me think there is more to this than you are telling me.

wry—adj

1. slightly mocking

2. abnormally bent or turned to one side; twisted; crooked

urbane--adj

Your urbane mannerisms make me think you grew up in high society.

urbane—adj

Reflecting sophistication and elegance

jargon—noun

The doctor told me the diagnosis, but I couldn’t understand him as he used medical jargon.

jargon—noun

special words or phrases used within a group, trade or profession etc

prudent—adj

It is more prudent to complete an essay in advance of the due date, instead of the night before it is due.

prudent—adj

wise and careful

inviolable—adj

The castle was inviolable thanks to the deep moat surrounding it.

inviolable—adj

Not able to be assaulted; invincible

commodious—adj

The bathroom is so commodious, it fits two toilets, two bathtubs and a shower!

commodious—adj

roomy

proximity--noun

Their home is in close proximity to ours.

proximity—noun

nearness