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Vocab 29
apposite adj Appropriate and relevant to the occasion, illuminating and intelligent. Though Cedric made very few observations in class, whatever comments he did offer were always brilliantly apposite, shedding light on difficult issues under discussion.
arcadian adj Pertaining to the countryside--especially an idyllic and peaceful one. From "arcady," a romantic name for ancient Greece. From our smog-filled existence in the city, we dreamed arcadian fantasies of green pastures and blue skies filled with fleecy clouds.
chimera n Something sought for but never found, named after the fabulous monster of Greek mythology that lived atop a mountain. In our youth-worshipping culture, keeping one's vitality and good looks for decades remains a vain chimera on which the hopeful spend billions of wasted dollars.
draconian adj Terribly cruel and heartless, from "Draco," a vicious ruler. Our teacher was a harsh taskmaster who visited the most draconian punishments on us for such minor offences as chewing on a pencil; we were so terrified of him that kindergarten was most unpleasant.
ensconce v To enclose comfortably and safely, as in a save haven. After a hard day at work, I like nothing better than to ensconce myself in a soft chair with a good book and fall promptly to sleep.
halcyon adj Pertaining to days of happiness and prosperity--named after the halcyon bird of Greek mythology which was supposed to calm the seas every spring in order to lay its eggs in a floating nest upon the waters. Though many praise the teen years as the time of greatest happiness, I prefer to think that I am just now entering my halcyon days. The kids are grown, there's money to spend, and I finally know who I am.
histrionic
adj
Tending
to overacting or extreme displays of emotion. Her weeping and wailing and
histrionic displays of grief embarrassed us; after all, it was only her goldfish
that had died.
impregnable adj Incapable of being breached or attacked, strong against any assault. As our invading army approached the enemy fortress, we gradually gave up all hope of victory. The walls of their castle were fifty feet high, twenty feet thick, and covered with sharp spikes; if any citadel ever seemed impregnable, this was it.
martinet n A vicious, small-minded person who lets petty power go to his head and who rules tyrannically over a minute realm. Myron Snodgrass, our office manager, is a petty little martinet who rules over the pencil and paperclip supply with supreme authority.
misanthrope n
One who dislikes people in general (mis = wrong + anthro = mankind).
In his old age, my uncle, who was once a kindly and friendly neighbor, became
a bitter old misanthrope who seldom ventured beyond his front porch and who
threw old shoes at the few people who ventured past his front door.