Vocabulary #1

1.) adumbrate-report or represent in outline; indicate faintly
The author will sometimes adumbrate the ending in the first chapter.
2.) apotheosis-promotion of someone to the level of a deity; perfect example of something
The incredibly close race in the 100 meter dash was the apotheosis of the track meet.
3.) ascetic-person who leads a life of contemplation and rigorous self-denial
Priests live an ascetic life, focusing on their faith.
4.) bauble-showy but worthless or useless thing; trinket
The best dressed girl in school always accessorized with interesting little baubles that she found at thrift stores.
5.) beguile-deceive someone in a cunning way or to enchant someone and make him attracted to you
The sirens would beguile the sailors, causing them to crash into the rocks.
6.) burgeon-grow or blossom
Small towns in California burgeoned into large cities during the gold rush.
7.) complement-makes something else complete
I decided to wear a green jacket to complement the colors of the scarf I had on. 
8.) contumacious-stubborn person who refuses to obey rules
The contumacious student showed up late everyday and never participated in the class discussions or work.
9.) curmudgeon-a cranky, ill tempered individual
My neighbor is a real curmudgeon, he never acknowledges me when I say hello.
10.) didactic-used for teaching
The article on different styles of jeans for different body types was didactic, it told me what pair I should buy.
11.) disingenuous-insincere, deceptive, or misleading
The girl was very disingenuous, only being nice when she wanted something from you.
12.) exculpate-show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing
The suspect's alibi checked out which exculpated him from the investigation.
13.) faux pas- behavioral gaffe or some type of social mistake that you make
Wearing overalls to school is a definite fashion faux pas.
14.) fulminate-take a strong stance in protesting something
The students fulminated due to the closed campus by starting a food fight.
15.) fustian-pretentious
The fustian girl strutted around campus with her name brand clothes on full display.
16.) hauteur-arrogance
The athlete walked around with hauteur at practice because she thought that she was better than everyone.
17.) inhibit-hold back or keep something from happening
The taller gates around campus inhibited me from jumping over them to leave.
18.) jeremiad-long complaint
A jeremiad letter was sent to the noisy neighbor signed by everyone in the apartment complex.
19.) opportunist-person who takes advantage of any opportunity no matter the consequences
Brooks from The Real Housewives of Orange County is an opportunist, using Vicky for her fame and fortune.
20.) unconscionable-outrageous or unreasonable
The amount of homework for senior year is unconscionable.